Dual Enrollment - Attending Secondary School & University at the Same Time

Dual enrollment programs (enrolling in two programs at the same time) are very common across the United States because they give students an opportunity to save time and money. Some dual enrollment programs focus on offering university-level technical courses in secondary schools. Other programs allow secondary (“high school”) students to attend university classes at community colleges or universities, earning university credit while satisfying their secondary school requirements.

These programs help both high and low achieving students to accomplish their goals more quickly.

The Running Start program in Washington state, for example, rewards high-performing younger students with early admission to college. The program allows motivated high schoolers to take all their classes for their final two years of secondary school at a nearby community college. At the end of those two years, the successful student has completed the necessary credits for high school graduation, as well as the necessary college credits for an Associate’s Degree.

The Associate’s Degree is the equivalent of the first two years of university, so students can enter a university in the third year. Because of its success, many Washington state community colleges have modified the program and now offer it to non-resident students, including international students. Most high school completion students live with American Host Families if they are under 18 years of age.

Seattle Central Community College has modified the Washington State Running Start program for international students, calling it FAST TRACK: High School Completion. International students have been enrolling in FAST TRACK for the past 7-8 years, earning both a high school diploma and college level credits for their studies.

Jung-Yun Anh, an international student from Korea, is currently completing FAST TRACK. “I thought it was a good idea to get my high school diploma and my Associate’s degree simultaneously because it saves time, money and effort.”; Jung-Yun cautions that only students who are really ambitious will fit this program and do well.

In the state of New York, international students who have not completed high school can earn a General Equivalency High School Diploma (GED) while earning a year of college credit. This program is available through Fulton Montgomery Community College’s (FMCC) General Education Certificate Program. According to Arlene Spencer, Director of International Student and ESL Programs, “The General Education Certificate/GED Program includes a typical freshman year coursework, suitable for most majors at both FMCC as well as other college campuses in the USA. It is a great way for students to jump ahead in their studies and meet their academic goals in a very time efficient manner.”

The American college classroom might be very challenging for international high school completion students, especially non-native English speakers. Since high school completion students are considered “regular” college students, faculty expect the same level of classroom participation, study habits and homework from them as from the older students.

Classroom participation is an integral part of university education, and most faculty will require students to ask and answer questions in classroom discussions. For academic problems, students can take advantage of the tutoring center and study skill workshops. Students also enjoy the sports and activity center and participate in student clubs to balance the academic and social aspects of college life.

Emilio Coyra, Spain: “ At the age of 30, I decided that I wanted to pursue my life goal: to be a Chef. In order to do so, I had to go back to school and after 16 years of being away, it was hard.” Emilio graduated with an Associate’s Degree and earned a High School Diploma through FAST TRACK. He received the International Presidential Scholarship from Johnson & Wales University to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts. “I feel extremely appreciative to all the teachers that have encouraged me to improve my skills, and who have helped me make my dream come true.”

By Dr. Andrea Insley, Dean of International Education Programs at Seattle Central Community College.

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