What is dual credit?

1. What is dual credit? Dual Credit allows you to earn high school graduation credit and college credit for the same class. *THE CLASS IS A COLLEGE COURSE! **You will have a permanent COLLEGE Transcript!

2. Benefits of Dual Credit Earn guaranteed transferable college hours to public colleges and universities in Texas Students are responsible for confirming that courses are applicable for their university degree plans Cheaper than regular college tuition. College class experience before going full time.

3. ID’s • ID’s will be provided for you by Blinn College • ID Required for: • Library • Computer labs • Free admission to athletic, music, & theater events on the Blinn College campuses in Bryan and Brenham • Discounts at stores and eateries around town (same as full time college students) (ID pictures will be taken May 2nd)

4. Blinn Support Services you can use: • The Library • Research assistance • Research materials from all over TEXAS! Blinn College has statewide access! • The Computer Labs • Counseling Services • Academic Advising; Major Selection; Transfer Information

5. Challenges • College courses are demanding! You are expected to do college level work. You are considered a college student! • DC requires strong self-discipline and self-direction! • If you earn below a 70 in your dual credit class, you may not graduate from high school! It is DUAL credit! • DC costs money (books, supplies)! • Class dates and assignmentsfollow the Blinn College calendar—particularly significant for the 2 day a week classes! [Think Labor Day, AMCHS teacher work days; start and end of semesters, final exams before Christmas, final exams in May]

6. Here’s what Blinn College Instructors Expect of Dual Credit Students...

7. Prepare for class in advance • Read the textbook ahead of time and be prepared to apply, not repeat, what you have read • Study 4-6 hours per week per class • Always attend class: Blinn College does have an Attendance Policy! [Will extra-curricular activities make this difficult? You should consider carefully!]

8. Participate and ask questions • Preparation and Review requires TIME! • Take your own notes in outline form • Do not expect a “review” sheet • Know when to ask for help from your instructor: “the ball is in your court!”

9. Cost of Dual Credit • $285 per 3 Hrs[1 class] [2011-12 prices] • Fall Semester Dual credit courses • Economics (course #2301) • English (course # 1301) • Spring Semester Dual credit courses • Government (course #2305) • English (course #1302) • Some technical dual credit classes, see your technology teacher or the course description book. • $ of Books – depends on course ($85-110)

10. Blinn Admission Requirements • Must have completed sophomore year of HS • Must have at least a “B” average in all high school work (at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) • Must have written permission from the principal • Must meet the appropriate TSI [“College Readiness”] scores or be exempt from THEA or Accuplacer test based on SAT or ACT or Exit Level TAKS scores

11. TSI Exemption scores TAKS Exit Level (11th grade test) Math ≥ 2200 Reading ≥ 2200 Writing ≥ 3 ACTSAT Math ≥ 19 Math ≥ 500 English ≥ 19 English (CR) ≥ 500 Overall ≥ 23+ Overall ≥ 1070+

12. Grades • Reporting will be different at AMCHS • 2 grading scales; 2 formats for classes • Grading is very different in college classes, • not on a “6 Weeks” schedule • do not have “6 Weeks” tests or “Midterm” grades, just a FINAL GRADE • Grades are not mailed out • STUDENTS are responsible for • following the course syllabus and • keeping track of your own grades • keeping PARENTS informed!

13. Blinn College and A&M Consolidated incorporate different grading scales, and, as a result, the student must maintain a 70 average to meet A&M Consolidated HS graduation requirements BlinnAMCHS A 100 - 90 A 100 – 90 B 89 – 80 B 89 – 80 C 79 – 70 C 79 – 75 D 69 – 60 D 74 – 70 F < 60 F < 70

14. Blinn representatives will be in the Counselor’s hallway on Wednesday, May 2nd during all advocates to collect applications, provide assistance and take Blinn ID pictures. The following is due on May 2nd: Completed application Completed Parent Form Completed Contract(s) Payment will NOT be accepted at this time.

15. The following is required for Dual Credit enrollment: Completed application (due May 2nd) Completed Parent Form (due May 2nd) Completed Contract(s) (due May 2nd) College Readiness Test – or evidence of exemption (TAKS, THEA, Acuplacer, etc.) (June 30th) Payment (August) Official transcript – we will provide this to Blinn for you! Principal letter – we will provide this to Blinn for you!

16. Dual Credit Important Dates Wednesday, May 2nd – Blinn Registration – Counselors’ Office – during advocates Friday, May 18th – Deadline to change AMCHS schedule for next year August 24th – Deadline for payment for fall courses – See Blinn website

17. Contacts • Mrs. Cathy Stuckert, Director, Blinn College Academic Dual Credit Program 979-830-4039 cathy.stuckert@blinn.edu • http://www.blinn.edu/dual_credit/index.html • Mrs. Jackie Kankel, Dual Credit Specialist 979-830-4458 jkankel@blinn.edu