College Credit Plus
What is College Credit Plus?
College Credit Plus (CCP) is Ohio’s dual credit program where students earn high school and college credit while in high school. Students enroll in college courses and adhere to college requirements. The College Credit Plus program is available for Ohio students in grades 7 through 12.
Are you interested in earning college credits while still in middle or high school? College Credit Plus (CCP) is a great opportunity for you to take college-level courses at little to no cost, helping you get ahead in your education and save money on future tuition!
With CCP, you can:
- Earn high school and college credit at the same time
- Take courses from community colleges and universities
- Experience college-level coursework while still in school
- Potentially reduce the time and cost of a college degree
If interested, please complete and return the CCP Intent to Participate document to your school counselors by April 1st. If you have questions, please feel free to email or call to discuss the process. For more information about this program, visit the Ohio Department of Higher Education
Stephanie Hight: shight@pathinderoh.org
What are the benefits of participating in College Credit Plus (CCP)?
Ohio Students can:
- Earn high school and college credits at the same time
- Get a head start on college or obtain certifications- Be college-ready!
- Experience college early to understand college life and academic expectations
- Potentially save on college tuition and textbook costs
What does being “college-ready” mean?
- Being “college-ready” is more than just being academically ready
- Emotional and social transition to college
- Time management and organizational skills
- Grades earned in a College Credit Plus course are for high school AND college. They will be calculated into the student’s GPA. College requirements vary by school.
- Students can pursue the College Credit Plus at any Ohio higher education institution.
How does College Credit Plus work?
Step 1
How do you become eligible for College Credit Plus (CCP)?
Each college/university has different exam requirements; you may have to take one of these assessments: ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, ALEKS, PlaceU, Maplesoft.
- After you have taken the assessment, colleges and universities will review student scores using statewide standards. Students’ scores must indicate they are ready for “college-level” courses in at least one subject area.
- If a student’s scores are not “college-level,” other conditions may be considered depending on the exam scores and if the student has: Overall GPA (3.0) or
- Recommendation form/letter
Step 2
Apply to College
Once you have taken the assessment and are ready for the College Credit Plus program, students must apply for admission to the college or university.
- Contact the college to learn about their processes, paperwork, and deadlines. Remember, they have the final decision on student admission.
Step 3
Discuss course options with the college
If the student is considered eligible and has been admitted to the college/university, the college will discuss course options with the student. Students can take courses that can satisfy high school graduation requirements, school counselors can help students understand requirements and course substitutions, and schools might have additional requirements in addition to the state minimum. Courses must be college-level or non-remedial and nonreligious.
What are some differences between High School and College?
| Topic | High School | College |
|---|---|---|
| Tests | Tests are sometimes given weekly or at the end of the chapter | Tests are generally fewer in number covering more material |
| Study Time | Required homework ranges between 1 to 3 hours per day | Standard rule of 2 to 3 hours of homework for every hour spent in class (3 to 5 hours per day) |
| Knowledge Acquisition | Information provided mostly in-class. Out-of-class research is minimal | Coursework will generally require more independent thinking, longer writing assignments, and out-of-class research |
| Grades | Numerous quizzes, tests, and homework assignments | Fewer tests and fewer, if any, homework assignments will be used to determine final grades |
| Parent Role | Parents are strong advocates working closely with teachers and counselors | Parent serves as a mentor and support for the student; the college views the student as independent decision-maker; The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects student education records |
Important dates and information to remember
Students must complete and return to the school office the Intent to Participate form by April 1 to participate in CCP the following school year. Get organized!
Mark your calendars with:
- ACT and SAT dates
- Test early to meet college/university admission deadlines (if required)
- Check each college’s deadline for admission
- Find out about assessment testing requirements early.
- Summer semester deadline will be early as classes usually start in May
Please note this important information:
- Pathfinder Counselors will assist student with the online application process at the local Community College near their residence
- Pathfinder Career Academy cannot waive any requirements related to the application process
- Pathfinder Career Academy will support students with course selection and authorization if accepted
- Pathfinder Career Academy has no direct contact with student’s instructors.
CCP Intent to Participate document was sent to all middle school and high school families on:
- October 4, 2024
- February 7, 2025
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Main office: (216) 487-6742