Dual Enrollment FAQ
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Courses may be offered at a local college, university, or online.
Who Eligible for Dual Enrollment?
Eligibility requirements vary by school district and college. Typically, students must:
- Be in grades 10-12
- Meet academic criteria (such as a minimum GPA or test scores)
- Receive approval from their high school counselor
How Do I Sign Up?
To enroll, students generally need to:
- Meet with a high school counselor
- Complete the UWG application
- Submit required documents (transcripts, test scores, immunizations, GA futures funding)
- Register for approved courses (with counselor approval)
Why Might There Be a Hold on My Account?
A hold is placed to ensure students take only courses that meet high school graduation requirements. Advisors will register students only after receiving counselor approval.
Are There Any Costs?
While tuition is fully covered for eligible dual enrollment courses, students may be responsible for:
- Lab or course-related fees
- Supplies required for specific classes
- Lost or damaged book fees if textbooks are loaned
- Tuition for any courses not listed on the GA Futures Dual Enrollment Approved Course Directory or funding application
Will My Grades Affect My High School GPA?
Yes. Grades earned in dual enrollment courses typically count toward your high school GPA. These courses are often weighted, meaning an "A" in a college class may be worth more than an "A" in a high school class.
Will My Credits Transfer to Other Colleges?
Generally, yes. Most colleges and universities accept credits from accredited programs. However, always check with the college you plan to attend to confirm credit transfer policies.
How Many Courses Can I Take?
You may take up to 30 college credit hours total, typically 15 per semester. If you exceed the 30-hour cap, you must self-pay for additional courses.
Talk to you high school counselor to:
- Choose appropriate classes
- Ensure alignment with graduation requirements
- Stay within the credit limit and funding guidelines
What Courses Are Available?
Students may take a variety of college-level general education courses such as:
- English
- Math
- History
- Science
- And more, depending on academic interests and eligibility
Visit www.gafutures.org for a list of approved courses.
Are Online Courses Available?
Yes. Many institutions offer online and hybrid dual enrollment courses in subjects like english, history, and social sciences.
Will This Help with College Admissions?
Yes. Dual enrollment:
- Shows you're capable of college-level work
- Enhances your college application
- May help you stand out to admissions committees
What Support is Available?
UWG offers academic support including:
- Tutoring
- Advising
- Access to libraries and study tools
- Technology and student portals
What Happens If I Don't Do Well?
Grades earned in dual enrollment:
- Appear on your permanent college transcript
- Impact your GPA (high school and college)
- May affect financial aid eligibility in the future
- Could disqualify you from further participation
Be proactive: talk to professors, counselors, or tutors if you're struggling.
Can Homeschool Students Participate?
Yes. Homeschool students follow the same process and eligibility requirements, but may need to submit additional documentation.
Can I Take Classes During the Summer?
Yes! Summer enrollment is available at UWG with prior approval from your high school counselor.
Will These Courses Help Me Graduate High School?
Yes - if the course meet your high school graduation requirement. Always verify with your school counselor.
Will the Credits Count Toward My College Degree?
In most cases, yes. Courses taken through dual enrollment typically count toward a future college degree, which can save time and money after high school.
How Do I Balance College and High School Work?
Balancing both requires:
- Good time management
- A study schedule
- Regular communication with professors
- Asking for help when needed
Am I Considered a College Student?
Yes. Once enrolled in a dual enrollment course, you are a college student and subject to college-level expectations, grading, and conduct.
What Does It Mean to Be Treated Like a College Student?
You are expected to:
- Manage your own time and workload
- Meet deadlines without reminders
- Communicate professionally with instructors
- Follow the college's academic calendar and policies
- Abide by the college code of conduct
Will Professors Talk to My Parents?
No. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), professors cannot share your academic information with parents unless you have submitted a FERPA release form.
Do I Get Access to Campus Resources?
Yes! Dual enrollment students typically have access to:
- Libraries and study spaces
- Academic advising
- Tutoring centers
- Career services
- Online portals and student email
(Some clubs or programs may be limited based on enrollment status.)
Which Academic Calendar Do I Follow?
You must follow the college calendar for your dual enrollment classes - not your high school's. This includes:
- Different start/end dates
- Holiday breaks
- Midterm and withdrawal deadlines
Track both calendars to avoid missing key dates.
Can I Receive Accommodations (IEP or 504 Plan)?
Yes - but accommodations must be requested through the college's Accessibility Services Office. Your high school IEP or 504 plan does not automatically transfer.
Contact: accessibility-services@westga.edu
What If I Don't Attend My Class?
If you do not attend your college class, you may:
- Be dropped for non-attendance
- Receive a failing grade ("NA" or "W")
- Impact both high school and college transcripts
Always:
- Read the professor's attendance policy in the syllabus
- Log in daily for online classes
Will My Counselor Be Notified If I Stop Attending?
Yes, in many cases. College may send Course Alerts - notifications that flag:
- Missing assignments
- Poor attendance
- At-risk performance
These alerts may be shared with your high school counselor or advisor.
What is Selective Service and Do I Need to Register?
If you're a male U.S. citizen or immigrant between ages 18-25, you are required by law to register for Selective Service.
You must register within 30 days of your 18th birthday.
You can register:
- Online at www.sss.gov
- At a local post office
- Through college registration (if available)