Third quarter is known for a lot of things and among them pre-enrollment. A time in which students are asked to look into the future and decide what next year will hold for them. As students get older in addition to this they are also asked if they want to take a class for college credit now. 

“[I took Calculus for college credit] so that I could get the college credit and not have to take as many math classes in college because I’m probably not going to do something math related,” said Elizabeth Kaechele, 11.

This type of course is referred to as a “College Now” course by many teachers and the counselors.

“College Now is a dual credit program where you take one class but you get college credit and high school credit, if you choose to pay for the college credit. If you don’t pay for through Johnson County [Community College, or JCCC] then you are still going to get your high school credit,” said Stephenie Higgs, College Biology teacher. 

The courses are taught here at the school and by teachers many students have already had. Having already almost finished her first college course Kaechele still considers it a good choose. 

“Yeah, [I would recommend it to other students],” said Kaechele. “If you are going to take the class anyways…you might as well get college credit for it.” 

However, many students have questions about getting into JCCC. 

“The first step is to apply [for JCCC online] and anyone can apply and they can apply right now and get that step done,” said Katie George, counselor. 

After getting accepted to JCCC, students will have to qualify for the class they would like to do through testing. 

“There are different instructions on when you can go test so you can qualify for those classes with your ACT score or if you don’t have an ACT score or its not high enough then you can go to take the Accuplacer test on Campus at JoCo,” said George.

Students are encouraged to go take the Accuplacer in early May and June so that their previous course work is fresh in their minds, however depending on the course they may be able to take it after the class has started and they have reviewed some. After this as long as you pay you will receive the college credit though Johnson County Community College. 

This can be a really hard decision especially for sophomores going into their Junior year. Kaechele also had to make this decision. 

“[My parents and I] discussed it a lot and whether or not I should take stats this year and then calc,” said Kaechele. 

The counselors agree that students should talk to your parents however, they also hope students will talk to their current math teachers and ask for what they think will be best for them and of course if you have any questions you can email your counselor and they will be able to point you in the right direction.