The Austin Community College (ACC) Dual Credit program allows for high school students to earn college and high school credit. By partnering with local school districts, ACC offers high school students opportunities to take college-level courses.
The program is designed to save money, help students transition into college and give the possibility of early graduation.
“[Dual credit] is an amazing program for students to save time and money for college,” ACC coordinator Stephanie Kidwell said. “I would recommend it to any interested student.”
In order to qualify for the ACC Dual Credit program you have to pass either the College Readiness test, SAT, ACT or the TSI. The TSI is available at ACC campuses or occasionally on McNeil’s campus.
“I took the TSI at an ACC campus when I was a high school freshman,” sophomore Aarya Manchikanti said.“I think the TSI at ACC was quite easy [and] I felt prepared for most of the sections. Overall I’m relieved to have it done and hopeful that my efforts will pay off.”
ACC Dual Credit has three different semesters that you can apply for: summer, spring and fall. In each semester you can take up to four classes depending on your grade level.
“Some students prefer starting in summer as they do not have a full-time school load at that time,” Kidwell said. “So, they can dedicate more time and attention to the college course.”
In order to gain credit for the class students need to pass the class and pay a fee for their ACC transcript to give to the school before the deadline. For summer classes transcripts should be turned in by Aug. 1.
“The process of receiving your ACC transcript is really easy,” junior Trisha Shah said. “You can request it online or go in person to pick it up. I think that dual credit is an amazing way to earn college credit and do classes early. I would recommend it to anyone who believes they could handle the workload.”
“ACC also gives each student the first 60 credit hours of classes free,” Kidwell said. “Although some classes do not offer a free 60 hours. Some classes require you to pay an additional cost for textbooks and materials. “Dual credit is a great opportunity to get ahead in college. Always try your best. Dual credit courses are credits that are documented on your college transcript.”
Students can choose between remote, in person or hybrid classes for dual credit learning. Round Rock ISD has an approved list for dual credit classes students can take at ACC on their website.
“I am doing a distance learning class because I think doing it that way will give me the opportunity to take a class online at my own pace and my own schedule,” sophomore Leira Martinez-Lamas said. “I think it will save me time and give me less stress for me with my classes for my junior year.”
Other colleges, like McMurry University, also offer dual credit online learning.
“I initially considered enrolling in McMurry University’s Dual Credit Academy,” Manchikanti said. “I decided against it since the program has limited courses available and associated costs. Despite this, I know that the program’s affordability and flexible online curriculum can be beneficial for high school students seeking to earn college credits. I encourage those interested in dual credit opportunities to explore this more.”
More information can be found on the McNeil High School Dual Credit Site.
