Is My Teen Ready for Dual Enrollment?

Dual enrollment courses provide significant opportunities for high school students.  Many high school students are ready for their first college experience earlier than their parents think.  If you’re on the fence about dual enrollment, here are a few questions to ponder before filling out that first college application:

•  Is my student academically prepared?  Your student should have at least two years of the following core high school subjects completed before considering dual enrollment:  English, Science, Social Science and Math.  College subjects in these core areas assume a minimum of two years experience at the high school level and build off of that high school experience.
• Is my student physically prepared for college?  Many parents overlook physical preparedness when considering early college options.  Teens reach physical adulthood at various ages; some are still relatively undeveloped into their late teen years.  A teen who has not reached physical maturity may feel intimidated in a classroom with students much larger, stronger and physically mature.
•  Is my student well grounded? The successful student is emotionally and spiritually ready for college-level demands and responsibilities. College requires hard work, and professors can be demanding! Students also must be confident in their faith and discerning enough to participate in adult-level discussions. Parents obviously need to carefully evaluate course content and the teacher’s worldview. Good kids are often led astray when they are influenced by the worldview of college role models.
• Is my student determined to be successful? Entering into the college learning environment requires the successful student to overcome many challenges. At times students may doubt they can truly succeed in the college setting.  The average student requires three full college semesters to fully acclimate to the college routine and achieve the confidence necessary for a successful college career.  
• Is my student an independent learner?  Independence is also a critical component of success for the high school student.  College work is solely the student’s responsibility; parents become coaches, encouragers and tutors rather than teachers.  The high school student who can independently complete high school work on a daily basis is a good candidate for early college.   

Before considering dual enrollment, carefully examine whether your teen has demonstrated the wisdom, determination and maturity to be successful in the college environment. Don’t just look at academic preparedness, make sure your student is also emotionally, spiritually and physically prepared as well.  Early college courses do become part of your child's permanent educational record, so prayerfully consider your decision and let your teen be part of the decision making process!  The well prepared student will sail through that first college experience with confidence and excitement and walk away ready to tackle another college semester!