Know Your Options: Concurrent Credit
By Maci England on Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Markhiyah Love
Age: 18 | Hometown: West Helena
High School: KIPP Delta Collegiate High School
Higher Education: Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Working toward: Bachelor's degree in biology
When Markhiyah's high school offered her the opportunity to earn concurrent credit, she jumped at the chance. Markhiyah has always been interested in furthering her education and taking concurrent credit allowed her to get a headstart.
• You want to get a headstart on college during high school
• You want to graduate college early
• You'd like to save money on core classes
“Getting a higher education excites me because there is no such thing as too much learning,” Markhiyah said. “So I just hope to build on my knowledge and reach my full potential so that I can be as successful as possible when I branch out on my own.”
Concurrent credit allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. This allowed Markhiyah to graduate high school and earn an associate degree within the same month.
Markhiyah is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology and plans to join the U.S. Air Force. In the future, she wants to earn a master’s degree and become a dermatologist.
As an honors student and student athlete, taking concurrent courses as well as attending face-to-face and online classes was challenging for Markhiyah. Her determination to succeed allowed her to receive special recognition as an honors graduate at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas.
“If you are planning on taking concurrent credit, it’s not going to be easy and if the classes you’re taking are easy, you’re not truly pushing yourself,” Markhiyah said. “Don’t give up because all good things don’t come easy. All the long nights, early mornings, and loads of work will all be worth it in the end.”
What You Need to Know
Advantages
Concurrent credit reduces the time and costs needed to complete a degree (aka–graduate college faster!) and can help create a smooth transition from high school to college. These courses can also give you a competitive edge on college applications.
Cost
In some cases, high school students may be able to take college-level courses to earn high school and college credit concurrently for no additional costs. However, costs can vary by high school and school district. Students may be expected to cover the cost of related textbooks, materials or administrative fees.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements may vary by high school and school district. Some requirements include having a certain level of academic standing or GPA and being in an approved grade level to enroll. Sometimes there are placement tests to prove readiness for college-level work. Parental and/or guidance counselor approval may be required too.
Housing
We hate to break it to you, but you have a few more years at home, as you’ll do your concurrent credit while you’re still in high school.
