Who should take dual credit courses
Student Eligibility
Any high school student who is academically ready may sign up to take a CSI dual credit course at their school. Before you enroll to earn CSI credit, it’s important to think about whether this dual credit is the right option for you. There are a few key things to consider:
- Be at least a sophomore in high school
- Have an overall high school GPA of 2.5 or higher
Succeeding in a CSI Course
Achieving success in a CSI course, as well as in any college course, necessitates responsibility, hard work, and discipline. You will need to possess or be prepared to develop skills such as:
- Effective time management, including dedicating study time beyond regular school hours
- Persistence when faced with challenging course content and assignments
- Note-taking techniques and other essential study skills
- Participation in study groups for collaborative learning
- Prioritization of tasks to meet deadlines
- Willingness to seek assistance from your teacher, peers, or tutors when needed
Factors to Consider
- Students should meet with high school counselors and teachers to evaluate whether Accelerated Learning is the best option.
- Parents should consider the maturity level of their children when discussing the possibility of enrolling in Accelerated Learning Programs such as Dual Credit courses.
- Students should also be aware that college class schedules may conflict with high school classes or extracurricular activities.
College Standards
College courses are interesting and challenging. A dual credit course is the equivalent of a college course. Students will learn a great deal, but they are expected to work hard. On average, college students should plan to study at least two hours a week for every hour spent in the classroom or online. Thus, students taking a three-hour class should set aside a minimum of six hours a week to study. Some students will need to study more. Most students should schedule extra study time when exams are planned or course projects are due.
Academic Planning
The College of Southern Idaho supports the opportunity for high school students to earn college credit towards an undergraduate degree or certificate through the CSI Dual Credit Program. CSI values dual credit students as one of its important constituent groups and considers the dual credit program to be a major part of its post-secondary outreach efforts.
Dual Credit helps students attain college credit while in high school. Many students set goals to complete an associate's degree (AA), general education core courses, or certain courses for a career pathway before completing high school.
For this reason, we strongly encourage students participating in the dual credit program to begin their academic planning as early as possible to ensure they make the most of their college credit. Successful planning requires students to review college catalogs, understand career training requirements, and ensure the courses students are enrolled in apply toward the credential or degree being sought. Selecting the right degree or career training program for you doesn't’t have to be complicated or frustrating. We encourage students to contact their school counselor/career advisor (Advanced Opportunities designee) or one of our Early College Coordinators for more information. These resources assist with the planning process and help construct an academic plan best suited to a student’s unique goals and skills
Academic Certificate
The Academic Certificate is intended for students who plan to complete their Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or who intend to transfer into a baccalaureate program after completing two semesters of study at CSI. Students must complete the minimum number of credits indicated, from each of the following areas, to meet the certificate requirements.
Associate Degree
The Liberal Arts program is designed to allow students to create their specialized pathway to an Associate's Degree. In addition to completing CSI's general education core, students must also complete additional credits in content areas of their choice. This freedom allows students to design a degree to work specifically toward an intended vocation or to meet very specific requirements of various transfer institutions. The Liberal Arts program provides a flexible opportunity for students to customize an educational program to suit their individual needs and is the perfect place to make progress toward a degree even if a student's ultimate educational goal has not yet been finalized.