Are You Ready for Dual Credit?
If you're a high school student who's ready for a challenge, CSI's Dual Credit Program could be a great fit. These are real college courses taught at a college level. Before you enroll, here are a few things to consider:
- You should be at least a sophomore in high school
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Be ready for the expectations of a college-level course
Your performance in a Dual Credit class matters. Grades go on your official CSI college transcript, so it's important to be committed and prepared to succeed. If you're not sure, talk with your counselor or a CSI Early College Coordinator—we’re here to help you make the right choice for your goals.
What it Takes to Succeed
Succeeding in a CSI Dual Credit course means stepping into the role of a college student—and that takes commitment. These classes are designed to challenge you, and you’ll need to stay focused and organized to do well.
Here are some of the key skills that help Dual Credit students succeed:
- Time management: plan ahead and set aside regular study time outside of your school day.
- Perseverance: stick with it, even when the material gets tough.
- Study skills: take clear notes, review regularly, and stay organized.
- Collaboration: join or form study groups to support and learn with others.
- Task prioritization: know what’s due when, and stay on top of deadlines.
- Asking for help: don’t be afraid to reach out to your teacher, classmates, or a tutor if you need support.
The good news? You don’t need to be perfect at all of these from the start.
CSI and your high school are here to help you grow these skills and gain confidence.
Who Can Help You Decide
- High school counselors and teachers can help you evaluate whether dual credit classes are your best option.
- Parents should consider the maturity level of their children when discussing the possibility of enrolling in dual credit courses.
- Early College coordinators can work with you to make sure your schedule works with your high school classes or extracurricular activities.
How to Plan Your Time
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. So, 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.
Turn Your Ambitions Into a Plan
Whether you're hoping to finish an associate degree (AA) while still in high school, knock out general education requirements so you can fast-track into your chosen major, or jumpstart a career training program, CSI's dual credit classes can help you get there faster.
To make the most of your time and effort, it’s important to have a plan. That’s why we encourage every Dual Credit student to meet with an academic advisor early on. With the right guidance, you can choose courses that actually count toward your goals, stay on track to graduate, and avoid taking classes you don’t need.
Not sure where to start? Talk to your school counselor or connect with a CSI Early College Coordinator. They'll help you match your interests and goals with the right classes—so every credit you earn gets you one step closer to where you want to be.
Earn an Associate Degree
Interested in finishing your first college degree while still in high school? CSI’s Liberal Arts program offers a flexible path to an Associate of Arts (AA) degree. You’ll complete core general education courses and choose electives that fit your interests or future major. This option is great for students who want to transfer to a four-year university, explore different subjects, or get a head start on a career field.
Start Faster with an Academic Certificate
Planning to transfer to CSI or a four-year college? The Academic Certificate helps you check off your general education requirements before you even graduate high school. Complete college-level credits in key subjects like English, math, science, and more so that you can save time and money down the road.
Knock out your gen eds now and step confidently into your major later!
Jumpstart Career Training
Want to start working in a skilled field sooner? Through CSI’s Dual Credit program, you can take courses that lay the foundation for career and technical training in areas like healthcare, agriculture, business, and more. These classes help you build real-world skills and move closer to earning a professional certificate or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree after high school.
Talk to a CSI Early College coordinator so that you can start now, graduate with a plan, and get to work faster!