Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to earn their associate’s degree while in high school. It is a great way to save not only a lot of money but also time. Despite these advantages, here are 5 things I wish I had known before joining the program.
- You are forced to grow up fast.
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Being dual enrolled feels like you’re still in high school because of the other dual-enrolled students and recent high school grads, but there are a lot of other students who are much older than you around you. Professors also expect a certain level of maturity from you, causing you to mature faster than you should.
- Resume building may be a challenge.
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Juggling high school and college at the same time is not an easy task. Most dual-enrolled students may not get the opportunity to have a part-time job because they are too busy with school. Dual-enrolled students also may not be aware of their college’s career center that will assist in finding internships, which is essential in your college career.
- You must choose your career path quickly.
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When you transfer to a university with an associate’s degree, you are commonly already considered a junior by credit. At this stage, you must declare your major, and you may not be able to change it.
- You won’t get a traditional college experience.
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Freshman and sophomore year are probably the best years of a college student’s life. Entering a university as a dual-enrolled transfer student, you miss out on the most memorable and exciting times of your life.
- You might graduate without knowing what you really want in life.
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College isn’t all about finding a career. It’s also about finding yourself. Your junior and senior year will be gone in a blink of an eye, and the next thing you know you’re a young college graduate that doesn’t know who you are or what you want in life.
Dual enrollment is a great option for students for many reasons. I don’t regret joining the program, but I wish I had known these things before doing it.