Dual Credit FAQ
Why Should I take Dual Credit Courses?
There are several reasons. First, you gain exposure to the experience of college while still in high school to help you get a head start determining what you want out of college. Another good reason is you can get some college credits without spending any money or using any financial aid. Lastly, you may feel your high school courses are not sufficiently challenging; the New Mexico dual credit Program can allow you to try more difficult coursework.
Positives about Dual Credit
Negatives about Dual Credit
How do I know if I am eligible to take dual courses?
All students who have not yet received their High School Diploma or GED and meet the requirements set forth by their high school, and the college are eligible. Some colleges and universities have specific guidelines regarding HS freshmen and sophomores so ask your counselor. You must be enrolled at your high school in one half or more of the minimum requirements (enrolled in at least two courses at NMCA per semester). You also have to meet eligibility requirements for NM dual credit participation established by your high school and the postsecondary institution. Check with your grade level counselor for more information.
How Many Classes Can I Take?
This depends on your interests, your prior coursework through your high school years and your readiness for college courses. Some colleges and universities ask that first time DC students take 1 course their first semester. Keep in mind that college coursework will be more challenging and demanding of your skills as a student. Remember that you are responsible for following both high school and college calendars if you choose to participate in dual credit.
What Courses Can I Take?
Ask your high school counselor. Almost all high schools have at least one dual credit Master Agreement with a public college, university, or tribal college. Approved course lists are included in the Master Agreement between your school district and one or more postsecondary institutions. The course list is referred to as the “Appendix” and many are available on the dual credit website.
Once I get registered, what should I do?
Additional Information to Keep in Mind:
Contact your grade level counselor if you have more questions and/or to get started on the dual credit process.
There are several reasons. First, you gain exposure to the experience of college while still in high school to help you get a head start determining what you want out of college. Another good reason is you can get some college credits without spending any money or using any financial aid. Lastly, you may feel your high school courses are not sufficiently challenging; the New Mexico dual credit Program can allow you to try more difficult coursework.
Positives about Dual Credit
- You can save money on your college degree
- Courses are free to HS students
- DC courses are on your college transcript
- You can earn credits for high school as well
- Books are free to you
- Reduce the time for completing your degree
Negatives about Dual Credit
- Poor dual credit grades will lower both your high school and college GPA and affect your overall college GPA
- Dual credit courses still count towards the maximum 180 credits allowed for Pell Grants
- If your paperwork is late/incomplete, you may not be registered in time for credit
- College records are permanent, if you fail a dual credit course it will be on your record permanently
- Enrolling in too many electives that are not needed for a degree increase
How do I know if I am eligible to take dual courses?
All students who have not yet received their High School Diploma or GED and meet the requirements set forth by their high school, and the college are eligible. Some colleges and universities have specific guidelines regarding HS freshmen and sophomores so ask your counselor. You must be enrolled at your high school in one half or more of the minimum requirements (enrolled in at least two courses at NMCA per semester). You also have to meet eligibility requirements for NM dual credit participation established by your high school and the postsecondary institution. Check with your grade level counselor for more information.
How Many Classes Can I Take?
This depends on your interests, your prior coursework through your high school years and your readiness for college courses. Some colleges and universities ask that first time DC students take 1 course their first semester. Keep in mind that college coursework will be more challenging and demanding of your skills as a student. Remember that you are responsible for following both high school and college calendars if you choose to participate in dual credit.
What Courses Can I Take?
Ask your high school counselor. Almost all high schools have at least one dual credit Master Agreement with a public college, university, or tribal college. Approved course lists are included in the Master Agreement between your school district and one or more postsecondary institutions. The course list is referred to as the “Appendix” and many are available on the dual credit website.
Once I get registered, what should I do?
- Once you are registered, you will have to purchase a book(s) for the course. You will need to request a signed book authorization form from your grade level counselor which gives you permission to purchase the book and NMCA will be charged. Only books can be purchased, not supplies or equipment such as special calculators can be purchased.
- If you are struggling in the course and you feel you may have to drop or withdraw from the course, you must notify your grade level counselor. Keep in mind, that if you drop or withdraw from the course, you will be responsible for the fees of the book(s).
Additional Information to Keep in Mind:
- Students and caretakers must sign a dual credit contract each school year prior to taking dual credit courses and must abide by said contract in order to continue meeting eligibility requirements
- If a student fails a dual credit course, the student will be placed on probation for the following semester. If the student fails additional dual credit courses during the probationary period, that student will no longer be allowed to take dual credit courses.
- Dual Credit courses and letter grades will appear on your NMCA transcript
- Concurrent enrollment courses will not be accepted at NMCA for high school credit.
- When registering/applying at the college, make sure to note that you attend NMCA (not a homeschool program)
Contact your grade level counselor if you have more questions and/or to get started on the dual credit process.