Earning College Credit in High School
There are many ways to earn college credit while you're still in high school.
Dual Credit Courses
Some high schools offer the option of taking community college courses which count for credit at both the high school and college level. If you have done so, be sure to submit your official college transcript. It will be reviewed and credit will be awarded as appropriate.
Advanced Placement (AP) Credit
Advanced Placement (AP) is a program sponsored by the College Board that allows high school students to take accelerated classes that may count for college credit. If you take AP courses and get high enough scores on the official exams, you may be awarded course exemption and/or credit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program
Sponsored by International Baccalaureate, the program is designed to prepare students for success in the University and beyond in a variety of subjects. A student who has participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme should have his or her scores sent to the University Registrar. Students with the appropriate scores will be awarded proficiency for specific International Baccalaureate Program work as indicated.
Accepted IB Scores and Courses
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College Level Examination Program tests are another way to earn course exemption and/or credit toward General Education requirements at Illinois State.
State Seal of Biliteracy
Illinois State University accepts the State Seal of Biliteracy from any state as equivalent to two semesters (8 credits) of language study (LAN 111-112) in languages offered at the University. If the seal is granted in a language not offered at Illinois State University, eight credit hours of lower division foreign language will be awarded. Students must request course credit for their seal within three academic years after graduating from high school. No credit will be awarded for the State Commendation toward Biliteracy, though students with the commendation are encouraged to determine their level through self-placement exams or proficiency exams.
Earning Credit with the Seal of Biliteracy