Advanced College Credit
Marion High School offers many opportunities for students to earn advanced college credits before they graduate high school.
Not only does earning advanced college credit save you time (because you will already have some requirements for your degree fulfilled) and money (because it's far more expensive to "buy" those credits, by way of tuition fees, at the college level), but it also allows you to explore potential career paths before choosing a college major or other career / certification opportunities. That can save you even more time and money, because changing majors can many times delay degree completion.
Our dual credit opportunities span a wide range of topics, from advanced math and sciences; to foreign languages; to medical fields such as nursing; to engineering; to architecture, drafting, and construction; and many more.
It can put you a few steps ahead at college, or get you closer to a career certification.
It can help you find out what career path is the best fit for you.
Think about it: It's an opportunity you just can't pass up!
Click the links below for more details about each type of advanced credit available at MHS:
Dual Credit
MHS offers dozens of dual credit classes (worth hundreds of college credits). These are college-level classes taught by certified instructors. You'll be more prepared to continue your education after high school, because you'll know what to expect, you'll know how to succeed. AND you'll have college credit already on the books before you set foot on a college campus as a student!
The higher ed institution offering each course sets specific requirements, and if you meet those requirements, you'll automatically earn credit with that institution. However, in Indiana most college credits can transfer to other institutions within the state. Click here for more information from the state of Indiana regarding this Core Transfer Library and how it relates to dual credit course.
Some courses have specific prerequisites, or other requirements. Work with your school counselor to determine your eligibility and schedule these courses.
Advanced Placement (AP)
MHS offers several AP classes (potentially worth dozens of college credits). These are the equivalent to college-level classes, but students must pass the corresponding AP exam for potential college credit. AP courses and exams are overseen and administered by the College Board (the same group that administers the SAT). Emphasis is put on engagement, problem solving, and critical thinking. The state of Indiana requires public colleges and universities within the state to provide college credit for any student earning a 3 or above on any AP exam. However, colleges and universities can require higher scores for credit within a student's major.
Some courses have specific prerequisites, or other requirements. Work with your school counselor to determine your eligibility and schedule these courses.
Early College Courses (ECE)
Qualified MHS students also have the opportunity to take actual college courses on nearby college campuses.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University, just a few blocks away from the high school, is one of the institutions offering this opportunity. IWU offers tuition-free college courses (though there is an application fee for each course, and some courses also have associated fees). These are similar to dual credit courses, as students receive credit at MHS as well for these early college courses.
At IWU, most freshman-level courses are open on a space-available basis to eligible MHS juniors and seniors as part of the ECE program. Upon successful completion of these courses, students earn IWU credit, which may also be transferable to other Indiana colleges and universities.
Taylor University
Taylor University in nearby Upland also offers credit-in-escrow opportunities for high school students. Upon successful completion of these courses, students earn Taylor U. credit, which may also be transferable to other Indiana colleges and universities.