COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS

WHICH IS BEST FOR ME? COMPARING AP OR CCP COURSES

When making scheduling decisions, one of the most asked questions is: “Which one is better - AP or CCP?”  This question does not consider the simple fact that students are all different.  Whether it’s the student’s goals, interests, passions, or abilities that make up the differences, there can never be a single “right” approach to a student’s individual growth and development.  If there was one best option, that would be the only option for our students.  

Please take the time to review and consider the obstacles and opportunities of each program in each content area.  Mixing course formats may be a better choice than all of one or another.  Choose a path that is as unique as you!

WHAT IS COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS:

College Credit Plus (CCP) is designed to help students earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities.  The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to provide a wide variety of options to students in grades 7-12 who meet college admission requirements.  As required by law, no fees will be charged to families for College Credit Plus classes taken through public universities.

Beavercreek City Schools recognizes the opportunities that CCP courses provide for students to enrich and enhance the academic program while still in high school, as well as the benefits to both students and families in preparation for continuing future academic careers.  BCS has embraced the concept of CCP and supports students that are academically, socially, and emotionally ready to begin college course work, whether that is on a college campus or through extensive course options on the Beavercreek High School campus taught by our high school staff as adjunct faculty.  

Please note that the timeline below refers to BCS timelines related to students planning to participate in college coursework.  Scheduling students in grades 9-12 begins in February, with the purpose of creating a master schedule that meets the needs of students and the district’s obligation to make fiscally responsible decisions regarding the number of staff and course sections necessary to maintain appropriate class sizes.  

TIMELINE:

Students and parents are required to required to attend a CCP information meeting and inform their school district that they intend to participate in the College Credit Plus program by April 1 for the following year, by completing and returning the Intent to Participate packet.  Students that have previously participated in CCP are required to resubmit the intent packet annually.

Key Dates and Deadlines:

• January 8, 2025       Mandatory CCP Information meeting. Offered virtually and in person.

• April 1, 2025                 CCP paperwork due (intent form, financial responsibility form, 

                     acknowledgment form)

• April 15, 2025 College application deadline

• May 6, 2025 Placement testing deadline                                       

• May 23, 2025 Out of the building schedule due to assigned counselor

ADVANTAGES OF CCP FOR STUDENTS:

• Students may earn college credit and high school credit upon successful completion of the course.

• Increase the rigor and challenge of course offerings while in high school.

• Per HB 487, College Credit Plus courses must receive the equivalent weight as any weighted course within a given content area.

• Course tuition at public colleges/universities paid for by Beavercreek City Schools. Students choosing to enroll in a participating private college or university may incur limited costs.

ELIGIBILITY:

• In order to participate in CCP, students must meet requirements established by each college/university.

• To register for a class, students must meet the prerequisite requirements outlined by the university or college in which they are attending.

• A student must provide his/her own transportation if taking courses on the college campus.

SCHEDULING:

• Students taking College Credit Plus courses are subject to the rules and regulations of the university they are currently attending, including add, drop, and enrollment dates.

• Students register for BCS courses based on anticipated CCP involvement at a college or university (example: half-day on a college campus equals registering for three BCS courses).  The class schedule may be adjusted, as necessary, but not without cause. Students must have a schedule that equals full-time status.

• Students will not earn credit for college courses at the remedial level.

• BCS is not responsible for any scheduling conflicts between college courses and BCS classes and/or school activities. This includes credits needed prior to BHS commencement exercises.

  • It is your responsibility to make sure driving time is sufficient.

  • Federal financial aid may be impacted:  federal guidelines limit the number of courses you may attempt (even if they are taken while in high school) to 150% of the number of credits needed for a degree.

• It is the responsibility of the student/parent to maintain close communication with both their BCS counselor and academic advisor at the university.

AMOUNT OF WORK/PACE/RIGOR:

Students should understand that these courses are college-level courses, and the amount of work, pace, and rigor of content in college courses may be much greater than high school courses. In addition, college course grades become a part of a student’s permanent college transcript and are calculated into the college grade point average. Poor performance in college courses may affect future university admissions and financial aid.

Courses taken on the college campus/online will be comprised of students of all ages enrolled at the college, not just students enrolled through CCP. While in college courses, students are introduced to a learning environment that promotes an open exchange of ideas. Course content is presented on an adult level and class discussions require an understanding of divergent viewpoints and the ability to think critically on controversial issues.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

No BHS graduation requirements will be waived for any student participating in College Credit Plus but College Credit Plus courses may be used to meet BHS graduation requirements.

FAILURE OR WITHDRAWAL FROM CCP COURSE:

• If a student fails or withdraws (after college/university final withdrawal date) from any college course, the cost for tuition, fees, and books may be charged to the family.

• No credit is awarded for a failed course.

• No coursework will be given Pass/Fail as a grade.

• If the failed course is a requirement for high school graduation, it must be retaken and completed before graduation.

• Proper paperwork must be filed with the university to withdraw. Upon withdrawal, the student must meet with BCS counselors to develop a new graduation plan and schedule.

• CCP courses and the grades associated with them will be reported on both the student's high school transcript as well as the college transcript.

• Failure to satisfactorily complete a college course for BHS credit may result in (but not be limited to) the following consequences:

  • Fees for dropped or failed class will be assessed

  • Failure to meet graduation requirements

  • Loss of commencement privileges

  • Negative effect on GPA and class rank

  • Loss of extracurricular eligibility

ACADEMIC CREDIT (CCP TO BHS):

• A college course earning 3 or more semester hours = 1 BHS credit.

• A college course earning less than 3 semester hours = a proportional fraction of a HS credit.

  • For Example:

    • 2 semester hour college course = 0.66 credits at BHS.

    • 1 semester hour college course = 0.33 credits at BHS.

• Maximum number of hours allowed per school year in CCP program at college = 30 college hours AND cannot exceed 120 college credit hours over students' career.

WEIGHTED GRADES 

CCP courses will be awarded the same weight as AP courses, by subject area.  If BHS does not  offer an AP course in the subject, the CCP course will not be weighted.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

• Students who participate in extracurricular activities must still meet eligibility requirements set by the school district and the OHSAA.  Students must be enrolled and receive passing grades in courses that earn a minimum of 5 credits per year toward high school graduation.  Eligibility is based on the courses taken in the preceding grading period.  Students should check with a BHS counselor if they need to remain eligible for OHSAA sports.

• If the student plans on playing a sport in college, CCP courses may not be accepted for the NCAA clearinghouse.

COUNSELING SERVICES:

• An academic advisor from the participating institution is required to meet with each student within the first two weeks of class.  This may be done in a group setting.

• College transcripts can be requested by visiting the respective college or university website associated with the courses taken.  Beavercreek High School does not have access to college transcripts.

• All BCS students (whether full or part-time) have free access to all BCS counseling services.  This includes all academic, personal, and post-secondary counseling services.

TRANSFER OF CREDITS/TRANSCRIPTS:

• Credits earned through College Credit Plus are transferable to many public and private institutions in Ohio and out of the state.  If a student attends the same college after high school graduation, full credit is transferred.

• Honors Programs may not accept CCP credits.

• CCP credit is not guaranteed at out-of-state public colleges and private universities.

• Students who want to transfer to another university should send their CCP transcript to the university they plan to attend.

• Two websites are available to help students fully understand what courses will transfer: www.transferology.com  or  www.ohiomeanssuccess.gov.

CCP BOOKS:

A procedure for the purchasing/renting and returning of textbooks for CCP courses will be provided to participating students.  All CCP books/materials purchased by Beavercreek City Schools are considered the property of the district.  Students that do not return their CCP books will be assessed fees.