For PHS students, dual-enrollment is a program that provides the opportunity for qualifying juniors and seniors in high school to take college-level courses at American Samoa Community College (ASCC). Approved classes taken at ASCC will count towards a PHS High School diploma and earn students college credits.

Students interested in dual enrollment should meet with the Director to ensure that the ASCC course(s) they choose will satisfy PHS High School requirements. In order to use ASCC credits towards PHS graduation, students must pass the class with a C or better.

• Provides students with a head start on the college experience

• Less time required after high school to finish a college degree

• Dual-enrollment classes often save students money on tuition

• Grades earned become part of the student’s permanent transcript

• Students may be able to transfer credits earned to a four-year school

• Students may explore fields of study that help them choose a major later

• Students may choose from classes not currently available at their high school

• If a college class will interfere with your regular coursework or extracurriculars, it may not be a good idea. We recommend enrolling during the normal scheduled breaks (Summer & Winter).

• Dual-enrollment courses are real college courses for real college credit; the grades will go on your permanent record. Before enrolling, make sure you are ready for the demanding work a college class will require.

• Students interested in dual enrollment should meet with the Director or counselor to ensure that the ASCC course(s) they choose will satisfy PHS High School requirements. In order to use ASCC credits towards PHS graduation, students must pass the class with a C or better.

According to PrepScholar, a pre-college summer program offers high school students the opportunity to take classes at a college and experience college life during the summer. Many programs now offer a virtual format in addition the traditional on-campus option. If offered on campus (IRL), students can stay in dorms with their peers, or they can commute from home if they live close to the college. Typically, these programs range anywhere from one to eight weeks.

Some of these programs are open enrollment (anyone can attend), and others require admission through an application process. The selective programs typically require teacher recommendations, application essays, and standardized test scores. Check a specific program’s website for its admissions requirements.

• Prepare for college life

• Explore your academic interests

• Enhance your college application

• Exposure to a specific college or university

• Make new friends

Though many students really enjoy attending these programs, there are some issues to consider.

Cost

Pre-college summer programs are expensive. For example, an 8-credit course at Harvard’s seven-week secondary school summer program costs $5,900 for tuition and $5,400 for housing . That doesn’t even include transportation costs if you don’t live near Harvard.

While these programs can be fun and educational, most of them are expensive. There are some free programs and many programs that offer financial aid for qualified students, but summer programs often cost thousands of dollars.

These Programs May Not Help You Get Into College

Many college experts believe that going to a pre-college summer program may in fact hurt your chances of getting into a selective college.

Due to the cost of pre-college programs, some admissions counselors believe that these programs are basically summer camp for wealthy students. Many advise students to find more creative and low-cost ways to explore their passions. For example, you can volunteer to do research with a local college professor or work at an art museum.

However, there are summer programs that will undoubtedly impress college admissions officers. Free, highly selective summer programs like Research Science Institute will greatly enhance your college application because they only admit a limited number of exceptional students.

If you do decide attending one of these programs is a good choice for you, here are some popular options to check out*:

Fully Funded

Annenberg Youth Academy for Media & Civic Engagement

Business Opportunities Summer Session (BOSS) at Penn State

Cornell University Curie Academy (FEMALE ONLY)

Summer Academy for Math and Science Carnegie Mellon

Upward Bound University of New Hampshire

Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science MIT

Princeton Summer Journalism Program

USC Bovard Scholars

Other Program Lists

Top Summer Programs for High School Students

Top 15 Summer Programs Still Accepting Applications

Regional Opportunities

Hawai'i AgDiscovery Program

*Because programs are always evolving, note that there might be changes to cost and admission requirements. There are many programs at colleges that aren't listed above. To find the right program for you, there are a number of factors to consider: your budget, the length of the program, the available courses and credit options (some programs offer courses for college credit), and the location of the program . If there's a college that really intrigues you, check the school's website to see if it offers a summer program.