Exploring Dual Credit

What is Dual Credit?:
- These specific classes are offered in cooperation with Parkland College, but taught at Central High School
- Students can enroll in a number of courses and earn college credit in addition to Unit 4 credit (Central High School credit)
- Students DO NOT need to pay tuition and books/materials are provided 
- Students MUST meet Parkland's age, GPA (Grade Point Average), testing and application requirements to earn Parkland credit.

​There are 2 ways that students may also choose to take courses away from the high school campus:
- First way: Enrolling in College/University Courses (Dual Credit)
     - Students are responsible for tuition and books
     - Students must have the recommendation of their counselor and approval from the high school principal prior to enrollment in the course
     - Students are responsible for requesting an official transcript from the college/university
     - For each college/university credit hour earned, students receive 1/4 high school credit
     - The grade assigned by a college/university is recorded on the Unit 4 transcript
     - Students may not substitute off-campus Dual Credit courses for Unit 4 courses specifically required for graduation.  These courses MUST be taken at the                  Central.
- Second way: Unit 4 Students Attending a College/University but receiving no credit from Unit 4 (Dual Enrollment)
     - Students are responsible for tuition and books
     - Students must have the recommendation of their counselor and approval from the high school principal

Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment affects your future:
- You save time by taking classes while at Central that can be applied toward your college degree
- You gain experience as a college student, so you learn early what to expect from postsecondary classes
- All Dual Credit course grades you earn become part of your permanent college transcript
- The Dual Credit hours you acquire now may affect your financial aid eligibility later in your college career
- The college or university you plan to attend after Central may or may not accept Dual Credit course credits you have earned.  Check with you high school counselor or contact your chosen college for more specific information. ​

Follow these steps to enroll in the Parkland Dual Credit program:
- Get the dual credit program application from the Parkland College website or your high school counselor
- Complete a Parkland College application for admission either online or paper
- Submit the dual credit program application to your school counselor for official signature
- Provide Parkland College with your most recent high school transcript
- Submit all the above paperwork to the dual credit office at Parkland college (Room X208).
- Complete a Parkland College assessment test, if applicable. 

Parkland College, Placement Test Prep Resources:
www.parkland.edu/assessment/resources.aspx