What is dual credit?
Our dual credit program allows McDonogh students—taking courses designed and taught by McDonogh teachers on our campus—to earn credit at McDonogh and through Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) simultaneously. These credits, in many cases, will transfer to most colleges and universities that accept transfer credits from other institutions. It is important, however, to check the websites of the colleges in which you are interested to learn about what transfer credits they do and don't accept. Colleges and universities have individual transfer policies, and McDonogh cannot guarantee that all credits will be accepted.
Why are we doing this?
Dual credit programming allows students greater flexibility when attending college since, in some cases, required general education courses are often satisfied by credits transferred upon enrollment.
When is the deadline to register?
Students register for dual credit classes through McDonogh as part of the annual course selection process. They will also have until two weeks after the class has started to elect dual credit status (specific deadline dates will be announced yearly).
What if a course offers dual credit status, but I don’t want to pursue dual credit?
Dual credit is optional. A student can take the McDonogh course as normal without registering for dual credit.
Does it cost me anything to do this?
Yes. If a student decides to pursue dual credit, there will be a $285 fee per course (the cost will be billed through McDonogh’s Business Office). There is also a small processing fee that must be paid directly to the college for the transcripts.
Do I have to fill out a college application for NDMU?
Students do not have to fill out an application, but enrolled students and their parents will have to fill out a few, short online forms as part of registration. Students will sign up for dual credit courses, however, through McDonogh.
Can I withdraw from dual credit if I decide I don’t want it?
Students who pursue dual credit must pay $285 per course, and this fee is non-refundable. There is no withdrawal option; students can choose not to request the college transcript, meaning they'll just take the regular McDonogh course without receiving college credit.
Are all Upper School courses eligible for dual credit recognition?
Only courses approved by McDonogh and NDMU are eligible for dual credit status. Typically, these are advanced courses offered in the eleventh and twelfth grade years.
Isn’t this just like sending AP scores to colleges?
Dual credit is different! While colleges accept some AP scores to fulfill certain coursework requirements, these same colleges tend to accept most or all transfer credits from an accredited college or university. In some instances, certain colleges may not accept transfer credit; please consult with your college counselor to make an informed decision about whether pursuing dual credit makes sense.
Why isn't it just like AP?
Dual credit isn't a curriculum with third-party exams. It's a benefit for qualified students who are taking college-level courses at McDonogh.
Does McDonogh feel that students should fast-track their college years? Is that why the School is doing this?
McDonogh believes that the typical four years of undergraduate study are critical in a young person’s intellectual and civic development. Transferable credits, however, may allow students greater flexibility while in college: to double major, to travel, to get field experience, or to begin graduate work. We encourage our graduates to take advantage of their full undergraduate experience.
Can I take courses at other colleges for dual credit at McDonogh?
At this time, McDonogh’s only official partner is NDMU. We anticipate adding other partners in the future.
Will more courses be available for dual credit status in the future?
We anticipate expanding the number of courses available for dual credit in the future and will provide updates as the program develops.
Is there a maximum number of courses that can be taken per school year?
As part of our agreement with NDMU, students are only allowed to take three dual credit courses per year.
How will the selection process work for getting into courses that are part of the dual credit program?
General course registration at McDonogh is the same; students must qualify for the course in which they wish to enroll. If that course is designated as dual credit, then students can choose if they want to pursue that option.
What if I have a question about the program?
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Director of LifeReady Kevin Costa.