AP Coursework
You can take AP courses in high school and take an AP exam for each course. Depending on the score you get on your AP exam, certain colleges will give you credit. AP exams scores are based on a 1-5 scale (5 being the highest). Click here to see an example of a college's AP credit award chart. It is important to note that this option is not a guarantee for college credit because you have to have a certain score and the college you choose to attend will decide what score will earn college credit. This award system will vary by college/university. This is a great way to stay competitive as a student and potentially earn a lot of college credits for free!
Dual Credit Courses
You can take any of our Dual Credit courses, such as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) course, which will give you dual credit, which means you will earn credits that will count for both high school and college. These are guaranteed college credits, as long as you meet the course requirements to earn the credit. Our Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Terminology for Dual Credit, and Advanced Algebra for Transcripted Credit are also examples of courses we offer at East that carry dual credit. These credits will vary and may only apply at certain schools, so make sure you check with your counselor to understand how these credits transfer.
Early College STEM Academy (ECSA)
You can apply for the Early College STEM Academy. This program spans your junior and seniors year and is a specialized dual credit program that allows you to complete your high school diploma at Madison College while you also work toward an associates degree if you choose! The Early College STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Academy is a partnership between the Madison Metropolitan School District and Madison College. The Academy is designed to expand access to college courses in science, technology, engineering and math and to increase opportunities for students to earn college credit in high school at no cost to them or their families. Applications are submitted in the 2nd semester of your sophomore year. Please contact your counselor for more information.
Early College Credit Opportunities
You can apply for an Early College Credit Option course. These courses are off-campus options that are offered from a variety of schools including UW-Madison (ECCP Application), Madison College (Start College Now Application) and the Private College system (Private College Application). There are specific application deadlines for these courses - October 1st for Spring term classes, February 1st for Summer classes (UW and Private), and March 1st for Fall term classes. This option allows you to take courses that are not currently being offered at East HS. You can work with your counselor to identify classes you are interested in taking!
Madison College Academies
You can apply to one of the Madison College Early College Academy programs. An Academy is a class or group of classes taken at Madison College that leads to a Madison College credential or industry certification. Students can earn college credit, certificates and technical diplomas during high school and leave with a post-secondary credential. Academies also use the Start College Now application, so you will want to follow the same deadlines of March 1st for fall semester and October 1st for spring semester classes. Be sure to see your counselor for more information and help with your application!