EARN COLLEGE CREDITS IN HIGH SCHOOL

College credit policies differ from school to school, even within the same state.

You may quickly access the college credit policies of the State University System (SUS) school by accessing the College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer (go to tab #8).

• Remember...you should be actively using the College Map Mentor's Academic Organizer to keep track of classes taken/need to take, grades, awards, certifications, accolades, community service, clubs, sports, work, scholarships and other research.

Research the transferability of each AP, AICE, IB, CLEP or dual enrollment to the respective SUS college & general ed requirements for graduation.

Developed by CollegeBoard, a national education nonprofit, advanced placement (AP) classes prepare students for college-level tests in over 30 subjects. Learners who pass AP tests at the end of the year receive college credits that are applicable at institutions in North America.

High schools with AP programs usually offer classes in key competency areas like English language composition, U.S. History, computer science, chemistry, and music theory. Exams occur in May each year and score students on a 1-5 scale.

Credit and admission policies for AP students vary by college or university. CollegeBoard reports that most schools offer placement or credits for students with scores of three or higher, but it's good to check with your intended school to get its exact policies.

For more information on the AP Program, please consult your dean or counselor.

Students can also earn college credits in high school by taking Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) classes. These courses cover over 50 subjects in four main groups: mathematics and science, languages, humanities and arts, and interdisciplinary subjects. These classes allow learners to explore their interests while gaining additional academic skills.

Universities worldwide recognize Cambridge AICE classes for their comprehensive rigor. Qualified learners can sit for advanced (A) or advanced subsidiary (AS) exams each summer. A-level courses adopt a more extensive approach and typically take longer to complete than AS courses. Students can begin with an AS curriculum before extending to A-level classes.

Cambridge AICE grades classes on a scale from A (highest performance) to E (minimal performance). Exam outcomes result in a certain number of credits — more for A-level, fewer for AS-levels — and students with at least seven credits can receive the Cambridge AICE Diploma.

Everyone is welcome to take a CLEP exam at any CLEP test center, including high school students, college students, adult learners, military service members and veterans, and professionals seeking continuing education credits.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams are a great way for motivated students with strong study skills to obtain college credits in high school. These tests are similar to AP exams, but they do not offer structured classes ahead of assessment. Instead, students prepare on their own, building their own college-level knowledge of key subjects.

Test-takers receive a scaled score for each exam, ranging from 20-80 points. According to CollegeBoard, the American Council on Education recommends that universities grant credit for scores of 50 or higher. Individual schools may set their own score thresholds.

CollegeBoard administers CLEP exams throughout the year at approved test centers and recently began implementing remote proctoring. Exams cost $93  (as of 6/12/23) and cover composition and literature, world languages, history and science, business, and science and mathematics.

Unlike AP, IB, or Cambridge AICE options, which all offer preparatory instruction intended for high school students, dual enrollment means you enroll in full college classes while still attending high school. Learners complete college-level assignments and receive credit that applies to both their high school diplomas and subsequent college degrees.

Available dual enrollment college options for Palm Beach County students are:

• Florida Atlantic University

• Palm Beach State College

• University of Florida

You may take up to 8 credit hours (or two classes) per semester, but it is recommended you choose ONE class per semester as to not overload your current coursework.  

The grades you receive for dual enrollment classes count toward your college GPA and are also weighted on a 6.0 scale (similar to AP/AICE).

You may take classes over the summer. Although a shorter amount of time, this may be an option for some students to complete a class and figure out if they want to pursue dual enrollment in the fall.

Students interested in dual enrollment should consult their dean or Dual Enrollment Coordinator to learn about their options and determine which courses to pursue. 

Students can also gain college credits in high school by participating in summer programs. These programs prepare students for the college experience, allowing them to spend some time meeting new people and exploring their academic interests in a college setting.

A typical summer college program offers for-credit courses in areas like computer science, economics, history, and the classics. Summer courses often only take seven weeks to complete, giving students extra time to make new connections, gain practical skills, or work on college applications.

Eligible applicants must be advanced high school students, and some programs require students to earn admission to the college to participate. Others offer online options to increase accessibility.