Admissions
Early College
The choices you make today determine what happens tomorrow.
Why take college courses in high school?
- Get the best of both worlds – by taking dual credit courses you earn college credit AND high school credit at the same time.
- Save money – dual credit courses cost significantly less than those offered at many other local college and universities.
- Save time – you will have less courses remaining to complete a certificate or degree.
- Be Prepared – adapt to the rigors of college work in advance.
- Be Successful – research has shown that high school students who complete 15 credit hours (about five classes) of college work are more likely to succeed in college and earn a degree.
How Can I Be an Early College Student?
- Your high school must offer Early College courses (see your school counselor for more details). For information on how to apply.
- Must be a junior or senior in high school.
- You must meet the requirements to enroll, which may involve taking an ICC academic assessment or achieving a specific score on the ACT or SAT. For information on the academic assessment
- Enroll in the class at the beginning of the semester. Retroactive credit is not permitted
Where Do I Take Early College Classes?
Early College classes are offered in two formats. Check with your high school guidance counselor to learn what is available through your school.
- Early College at the High School (sometimes called dual credit) – Many high schools offer college classes at the high school. Check with your high school to see what is offered.
- Early College at an ICC campus during the school day – Some high schools offer students the option of attending class at ICC during the school day. This is sometimes called Strong Start or Fast Start.
Which Classes Are Offered?
General Education classes – transfer-level courses that fulfill “general education” requirements and are accepted at all Illinois public colleges and universities.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes – courses that fulfill requirements for a certificate or applied science degree, which prepares students to enter the workforce when they graduate, usually in two years or less.