DUAL CREDIT CLASS INFORMATION

If your high school student is socially & academically mature, an option you may want to consider is to supplement your homeschool curriculum with what colleges call a "dual credit class."

This process can be intimidating for homeschooling families beginning this journey. I would highly encourage you to visit NCTC's Website for accurate & up to date information on dual credit classes; however, here is some beginning information for those interested.
*Keep in mind when visiting the NCTC Website that you will need to view parent information as well as any links for COUNSELORS.

DUAL CREDIT CLASS INFORMATION:

What is a dual credit class?

A college-level class offered at community colleges in partnership with schools (for us, that would be our own home school) in which students receive both high school and college credit concurrently.
*Classes are limited to core classes that are normally required for high school graduation.


Who is eligible to participate in a dual credit class?

Students must be at least 16 yrs. old & considered a junior in high school.


How do I prepare to enroll in a dual credit class?

1. Students must take a college placement test, called the THEA ( See below for those with SAT or ACT scores in hand), and pass before enrolling in dual-credit classes.

There are 3 parts:

• Math
• Reading Comprehension
• Essay

All 3 parts must be passed before enrolling in a dual credit college class.

These THEA tests are given throughout the year. Visit NCTC - Testing information or contact Ann Janette Martin at NCTC for Gainesville Campus or Amy Klohn at 940-498-6416 for the Corinth NCTC campus to find out what dates are available or ask any other enrollment questions. The tests are given at NCTC.

The following list details what to bring in order to take the THEA

• Picture ID (they will even take your yearbook picture)
• $29 in the form of check or money order
• Your social security number

Five hours is given to complete the whole test. Whether the student takes all 3 parts, or just 1 or 2 parts, the fee is the same - $29. If a student fails a part, he or she must return at another date, pay another $29, but only have to retake the portion not passed. This student still has the full 5 hours to complete whatever portion he or she needs to retake.

2. A notarized high school transcript is required for admission.

(Your bank will have a notary if you don't know someone who is a notary. There is usually no charge for using a notary where you do your banking.)

*Click HERE for NCTC's COMPASS information.

The COMPASS is a test similar to the THEA test; however, it is a computerized test given at the college.

How do I enroll in a dual credit class?

Once ready to enroll as a dual credit student, only 9 college hours per semester are allowed.

*A core class is a 3-hour class. Some classes, such as choir or P.E., are only a 1-hour class, and may be taken.

To enroll:

• A completed admissions application (gotten at NCTC or printable online)
• completed dual-credit application (not available online)
• The THEA, SAT, or ACT scores
• Current notarized high school transcript.
• Always bring picture ID any time the student needs to go to one of the campuses for anything.

The other campuses of NCTC besides the Gainesville campus offer services, too. If you live closer to one of those campuses, you might want to give them a call to see what their campus can provide for you so you won't have to make unnecessary trips in to Gainesville.

Credits are accepted by all Texas public universities and may be accepted by other colleges. (Each college has its own criteria, so if your student has a private college already in mind, staying in contact with that college as far as what it will accept from a community college - whether we're talking about dual-credit or regular community college classes - is a potential time and money saver.)

Virtually all 4-year degrees require one semester of college Algebra, at least one full year of Freshman English, two semesters of a P.E., and one semester of Speech. It is completely doable to get these requirements met as a high school student taking dual credit classes while still finishing up the high school years at home.

Scholarship applications are due before April 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester. Again, each campus should have scholarship applications for the student to pick up.

The information provided in this post is just a small portion of a wealth of information for families preparing their high school students for college. The NCTC website is continually being updated & is a wonderful source of information extending way beyond just "dual credit" information. On the NCTC website you will also find information such as: dual credit, complete testing (THEA, COMPASS, ACT, & SAT), CLEP (testing out of a college level class), tuition, scholarship, and much more. The staff & counselors & NCTC are homeschool friendly, willing to answer any questions, & help you in any way they can.

PLEASE Visit The NCTC Website OFTEN!!

That's all, folks!