College Credit Plus for Rising Scholars
What is College Credit Plus (CCP)?
College Credit Plus is a program that allows students between 7th-12th grades to enroll in college courses while still in high school.
Why participate?
College Credit Plus has numerous benefits. It can provide you with a more challenging environment than the traditional school classroom. It also can allow you to possibly complete your first year of college while still enrolled in high school, saving you both time and money. Finally, CCP allows you to explore college courses that interest you, letting you try out new ideas and possibilities.
Why should I take CCP courses instead of AP (Advanced Placement) courses?
Credits earned through College Credit Plus qualify for both high school and college credit automatically. On the other hand, you must score a 3 or higher on the final AP exam in order to earn college credit for the course. CCP courses and AP courses can both earn you one semester’s worth of college credit. However, CCP courses are done within a semester while AP courses are for one full academic year.
Who can participate?
Ohio students between 7th-12th grades may apply for College Credit Plus admission from any public or participating private college. The college will decide to admit you based on your college-readiness in one or more subject areas. Please note that some schools may require you to take the ACT (or other placement test) prior to being admitted. Talk to your guidance counselor for more details on your options, deadlines to apply, and how to proceed with the process.
Where can I participate?
Talk to your school counselor. Some courses may be offered at your high school while others will require you to travel to the college. You may also take online courses offered through the college you were admitted to.
Apply to Kent State University's CCP Program in Columbiana County
How much does it cost?
If you are from a public or non-public school, you will NOT be charged for tuition, books, or course-required supplies at a public university. Home-schooled students are responsible for buying their own books, but not required to pay tuition or course-related supplies. All CCP students must provide their own transportation to the college campus and pay for parking.
How does this impact my high school graduation requirements?
The requirements to graduate from high school are not waived as a result of you enrolling in CCP. However, college courses can be applied towards high school graduation requirements (3 college credit hours=1 Carnegie unit at HS). Talk to your counselor to make sure you stay on track!
I’m interested in College Credit Plus! Where do I go from here?
The first step should be to talk to your guidance counselor. Express your interest and explain how it aligns with your academic plan and career goals. Determine when your high school has their informational session on CCP (usually sometime in March). Before April 1st, notify your counselor of your intent to participate in College Credit Plus the following school year by using this form. Then contact colleges, gathering admission information and criteria for acceptance. Universities and colleges determine their own requirements for admittance to CCP. They may require you to take a college placement test to gauge college readiness. After being admitted, your counselor can help determine equivalency between high school requirements and college courses.
When in doubt, remember to talk to your guidance counselor! It is their job to help you navigate this process, and they are more than happy to help!
Information adapted from https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options/College-Credit-Plus.