Preparing for college is an exciting time in a high schooler’s life. You get to think about a future career path, gaining newfound independence, and finding your identity amidst a college campus. There are plenty of ways to give yourself a head start on college as a high schooler. Whether it’s engaging in extracurricular activities, maintaining good grades, or taking AP classes, you already have the power to set yourself up for success. But one of the best ways to prepare for college is by taking advantage of JMU dual enrollment.
If you’re a high schooler in Harrisonburg, Virginia, you may want to consider participating in JMU’s dual enrollment program! The school’s reputation as one of the best in the country looks great on a college application and gives high schoolers plenty of hands-on collegiate academic experience. Considering dual enrollment? Keep reading to learn more!
Dual enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college courses while earning both high school and college credit. In addition to looking amazing on a college application, it also gives you experience and education in a field of your choice. Plus, you’ll have a better understanding of collegiate academic expectations and experience.
As a high schooler, dual enrollment is a great way to prepare for college. These programs are designed to help you get exposure to college-course taking and expectations while helping you improve skills like time management and study habits. When you knock out college courses in high school, you’ll be giving yourself the gift of time a little further down the line. You’ll be able to free up time in your schedule to take other courses throughout your time at college or even graduate early.
Plus, taking college courses can help you explore your interests, potentially figuring out your major ahead of time!
At JMU, dual enrollment is offered through the School of Professional and Continuing Education, or SPCE. The SPCE “empowers non-traditional learners to take the next step in their professional and intellectual journey.” They work hard to create access to educational opportunities for every learner, regardless of age. They exist to support the community, develop community partnerships, and create flexible opportunities that still represent the same quality and rigor as other JMU courses.
JMU’s dual enrollment programs allow eligible students to earn college credit. Harrisonburg-area high school students can work in an environment that offers JMU’s rigorous academic standards. Dual enrollment courses create a balance of high school and collegiate learning for a challenging opportunity suited to younger students.
In order to be eligible to enroll in a JMU dual enrollment course, students must be high school juniors or seniors. Applicants may need to provide a reference from their educational institution to ensure they’re up to the challenge! You can take one course per term as a high school student or two courses during the summer term. If you decide to apply to JMU to pursue an undergraduate degree after high school, your credits earned will apply towards your degree requirements if you’re accepted!
Dual enrollment is a great way for high schoolers to get a head start on their collegiate experience. JMU dual enrollment also offers the perks of receiving credits from one of the best universities in the country! Get in touch with their SPCE department to learn more and see if it’s the right opportunity for you (or your child!)
As you prepare for the end of your high school journey, don’t forget to schedule some pictures! I’m a Virginia-based photographer, and I absolutely love getting to be there to help you celebrate all the major moments in your life. If you’ve been looking for the right photographer for your senior pictures, then I’d love to tell you more about my style. So contact me today to get the conversation started!
This free group is for moms (and moms-to-be) around Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Charlottesville, and the surrounding areas. And when you join this free Facebook group, it is my mission to provide you with an encouraging, supportive, and authentic place where we can share wins, resources, and connections in the local community. From the challenges to the joys - let's all support each other!
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