Sat Test

My last post was about taking Running Start classes to help you get ready for college by actually going to college while you’re still in high school. It’s an amazing thing to be able to do, but there are some things you should consider before you commit to the Running Start program.

Considerations

Running Start classes are more difficult than high school classes and are even more challenging than Advanced Placement classes. A student taking Running Start classes must be self-motivated. Classes at the college or university do not give you time in class to complete homework, as is often the case in high school classes. A general rule for college courses are that they require two hours of homework and study outside of class in order for you to keep up and get a good grade. You must be able to work independently.

Some college professors do not take attendance in their classes. What this means for a running start student is that they must also be self-motivated in their attendance and know what is required for each class they take. College classes require more class participation than high school classes.

You must also realize that when you take Running Start classes, you are beginning a permanent college transcript. Make sure you’re ready to take on this responsibility. Every grade counts.

Also realize that you will be leaving your high school campus during the day, which means you may be missing out on some aspects of the social atmosphere there with your friends. You’ll need to know that you can find transportation to and from the college campus. Some students drive, which means you’ll need to purchase a parking pass from the college or university. There may be buses traveling between your high school and the college campus. You’ll need to know the bus routes and times in order to get to your classes on time. In high school you’re given books for each class, in college you are given a list of books that you must purchase for each class. Sometimes these books are quite expensive, so it’s a good idea to think about how you’re going to pay for them.

Another aspect to consider when enrolling in this program is that you will be taking classes with older students. Some high school students may be academically ready for the stress and rigors of taking college classes, but they may not be emotionally mature enough to handle the social environment of a college campus. This is why it’s a good idea for the parents of the student and the high school counselor to be in agreement about having you enroll in Running Start classes.

If all this talk of Advanced Placement, Running Start and pushing forward into life after high school is giving you a panic attack, take a deep breath. You’ve already decided that you want to go to college and that’s an excellent decision. Now you’re taking steps to move yourself further in that direction.

It’s only natural that you may be feeling some stress and fear about what is ahead of you. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Unless you try to do something beyond that which you have already mastered, you will never grow.” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/ralphwaldo121506.html)

Your life is about to change in a big way. It’s a common occurrence to feel excitement and fear at the same time during this time of your life. You’ve already mastered high school and are about to try things you’ve never tried before. You’re going to be stretching academically as well as emotionally and learning to master new challenges. Your horizons are expanding and you are preparing for what’s to come.

I’ve talked about a few things in my past blog posts concerning how to come to the attention (in a good way!) of your college or university admissions board. You need a high GPA, you should be involved in community service, learn to be a leader and take advantage of Advanced Placement classes in your high school. I told you how an Advanced Placement class can save you money because taking the class and passing the AP exam with a high score means that you won’t have to take that particular course in college.

Another perk of taking Advanced Placement classes during high school is that you could conceivably graduate from college sooner by virtue of the fact that you have already taken some of the core/basic classes needed for graduation.

Depending on the number of AP classes you have under your belt when you reach college, you may be eligible to graduate in three years rather than the normal four years it takes to get a Bachelors degree. Thus, taking AP classes not only saves you money, it also saves you time.

According to the United States Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml) , a student who takes Advanced Placement classes is statistically more likely to continue on through college and gain a bachelor’s degree than a student who does not take AP classes.

So taking an Advanced Placement class in high school will not only prepare you for college classes by forcing you to stretch academically, it will save you money and will also save you time in the long run.

Another Way To Save Time: Running Start

The Running Start Program was first started in the state of Minnesota and has since been established in many other states. The Running Start Program is a cooperative program between the Department of Education and the states in which the program has been implemented in order for academically qualified juniors and seniors to take classes at nearby colleges and universities while they are still taking high school classes.

According to Hawaii’s Department of Education, the goal of the Running Start program is as follows:

• Accelerating student educational progress
  
• Saving taxpayer educational dollars
  
• Saving family college expenses
  
• Enriching/Expanding educational options for talented and motivated high school students
  

(http://www.hawaii.edu/runningstart/)

Who can take Running Start Classes?

A student who wishes to enroll in Running Start classes must meet the requirements set forth by his or her school district. Most of these include the following:

• The student must pass a test showing proficiency in English and math.
  
• Get their parent’s or legal guardian’s approval.
  
• Payment of college and tuition fees, which are generally much less than enrolling as a regular student at the school.
  
• Get school counselor’s approval.
  
• Maintain a high academic grade point.
  

As with Advanced Placement classes, Running Start classes obviously count for college credit as they are taken at the college or university. This is yet another way for a motivated student to save money and time, while pursuing their bachelor’s degree.