Can I Go to a Community College During High School?

Many students and their families are considering the possibility of attending a community college during high school. While it's possible to do so, it's important to understand the limitations and benefits. In this article, we will explore whether pursuing a community college education while still in high school is feasible and what outcomes to expect.

The Reality of Attending a Community College in High School

Attending a community college during high school can be a viable option, but it's crucial to understand that the value of these courses for your academic future may be limited. Community colleges are often seen as more suitable for students who need additional support or for vocational training. Historically, they were referred to as "junior colleges," emphasizing their role in providing foundational education.

For instance, if you're planning to pursue an associate’s degree in a field like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repair, and you aim to transfer to a top university, this route may not serve your academic goals effectively. Most courses in such programs typically won't be accepted for transfer into highly competitive institutions, such as Harvard. As Harvard's admissions website clearly states,:

Thus you're thousands of dollars poorer but no further along with respect to your academic goals. You might, however, be ready to enter the HVAC trade.

Attend Courses at a Community College?

While earning an associate’s degree at a community college is not a recommended strategy for aspiring high school graduates, there are situations where taking courses at a community college can be beneficial. If the knowledge set you're interested in isn't available at your high school, and you are under 19 years of age, attending a community college for these courses can be a viable option. In such cases, your high school is generally required to pay for the tuition if you are still under 19 years old.

Graduating from High School With an Associate’s Degree

It is possible for high school students to earn their associate’s degree before graduating from high school. Many students from my high school managed to achieve this by opting to complete their program earlier than their high school peers. One such scenario is when the college program finishes before the high school curriculum does. For example, my son was able to take advanced math courses in a local community college, which contributed to his high school graduation credits. By completing these advanced courses, he was able to save time and focus on other courses that were more aligned with his degree requirements.

It’s critical to check with your high school's academic counselor to explore this opportunity. They can provide guidance on the feasibility and process of taking community college courses while in high school and ensure that the credits are properly recognized.

Conclusion: While attending a community college during high school can be a viable option for certain vocational or supplementary courses, it is generally not recommended as a strategy for achieving top-tier university admissions. However, it can be a valuable resource for students who need to complete specific courses not available at their high school. Always consult with your academic counselor to ensure that any course you take aligns with your academic goals and is recognized by your high school.