Dual Enrollment: How Bel Air High Students Earn College Credit

Dual enrollment lets high school students take real college courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. For many students, it trims the time and cost of a degree, strengthens college applications, and provides a taste of real college work while still getting support from teachers and counselors.

Who qualifies and what to expect

Eligibility rules vary by college partner, but common requirements are a minimum GPA (often around 2.5–3.0), permission from a parent or counselor, and passing placement or entrance steps. Courses can be online, on a college campus, or even taught at Bel Air High by credentialed instructors. Typical loads range from one class to a full part-time college schedule — many students take 3–12 credits per semester depending on the program.

Credits usually appear on a college transcript. That means transfer depends on the receiving college’s policies. Public state schools often accept community college dual credits; selective four-year colleges may accept fewer credits or count them as electives. Always verify transfer rules before you enroll, and get course syllabi and catalog descriptions to support transfer requests later.

Costs differ. Some partnerships waive tuition for high school students, while others charge reduced rates or only require textbook fees. Financial aid usually doesn’t cover dual enrollment, but scholarships and fee waivers sometimes apply. Ask your counselor for exact costs and any available funding.

How to apply — quick checklist and tips

Follow this checklist to avoid last-minute stress:

• Talk to your high school counselor early — discuss goals, GPA, and workload.
• Confirm which colleges partner with Bel Air High and which courses transfer to likely colleges.
• Meet eligibility requirements: submit transcripts, test scores, or placement results.
• Complete the college application for dual enrollment and any parent consent forms.
• Register for classes and order textbooks. Save syllabi and course numbers.
• Keep copies of college transcripts after the course ends.

Practical tips that make a difference: balance is key — treat dual enrollment like a real college course with deadlines and reading. Use campus tutoring and office hours early, not as a last resort. If you plan to transfer credits, keep the course catalog description and instructor contact info. For parents: check calendars, transportation, and whether weekend or evening options work better for your student.

Dual enrollment can speed graduation, lower college costs, and build confidence. But it also adds academic pressure. Pick courses that match your goals and capacity. When in doubt, start with one class to test the workload and grow from there.

If you want personalized next steps, contact Bel Air High’s counseling office and ask about current college partners, deadlines, and fee waivers. That first conversation clarifies what’s realistic and helps you plan a path that saves time and money without sacrificing your grades.