How Do I Earn College Credit in High School?
Sierra College offers different ways to earn college credit for students still in high school, either at a participating high school or at Sierra College. Both options are tuition-free and the credits you earn may even count at both schools. Taking college classes in high school can save you time and money, and it helps prepare you for college.
Earn college credit at Sierra College Earn college credit at your high school Other Ways to Earn College Credit
Take Classes at Sierra College (Academic Enrichment Program)
Who is eligible?
- Must be at least 15 years old
- Have completed the 10th grade (must be reflected on official transcripts)
- Have at least a 3.0 GPA
- Can place into transfer-level English (ENGL 1A) and reading (English 11) courses
What else should I know?
Once admitted as an Academic Enrichment (AE) student, you must also take courses from your local high school. You can only register for college-level classes at Sierra College.
Limits on classes
There are specific Sierra College courses you cannot take if you are an AE student. View the Academic Enrichment Restricted Course List to learn more. You may also not audit any class (i.e., attend a class without officially registering).
Additionally, if you are an AE student, you cannot take the following honors courses and any courses for which health and safety is a consideration at Sierra College.
How do I get started?
- Meet with your high school counselor
– Your high school counselor must sign the Academic Enrichment Program Application to verify that you qualify. - Apply to Sierra College
– Complete the Sierra College online application
– Indicate on the application that you are a high school student - Complete placement into English, reading, and math
– Use the Placement Tool to see if you are able to place into the appropriate transfer-level course for math (if required for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math [STEM]) - Provide documentation to Admissions and Records
– Turn in the following documents in-person with a photo ID:- Completed and signed Academic Enrichment Program Application form
- Official high school transcript
- Documentation of age (if homeschooled or if age is not on high school transcript)
- Assessment scores
- A Department of Education affidavit is required if students are homeschooled or attend a charter school
- Accept College Terms and Conditions
– After you apply, you will receive a Welcome to Sierra email with instructions to activate your mySierra account. Log into your mySierra and click on the Terms and Conditions link to accept. - Register for classes online
– Log into your mySierra. Click on the “Registration and Classes,” link, then click on the “Add, Drop, or Withdraw" from Classes link.
In preparation for class registration, you could do the following:- Make sure the class you want isn't restricted. Review the Academic Enrichment Restricted Course List.
- Prepare a tentative class schedule with possible days and times using the Sierra College Class Schedule.
- Check for course prerequisites and corequisites.
- Look for your specific registration date and time. You will receive an email and a notification in mySierra. On or after that date and time, log into mySierra and click on "Registration and Classes," then click "View my Registration Eligibility and Holds." You are allowed a maximum of seven units each semester or summer term. Your registration is available the day after open registration begins (see Academic Calendar for specific dates).
- View your bill in mySierra for any student fees
– While tuition is free, fees may include the cost of books and materials, health fees, etc.
Take College Classes at Your High School (Dual Enrollment)
Taking college classes at your high school may be known as Dual Enrollment.
What is Dual Enrollment?
This program allows high school students to enroll in college courses offered at their high school while also completing their high school classes. They receive high school and college credit when they successfully complete all high school and college classes they enrolled in.
Who is eligible?
Students who attend one of these participating high schools.
- Bear River
- Center
- Colfax
- CTE Works
- Del Oro
- Foresthill
- Granite Bay
- Lincoln
- Maidu
- Placer
- Rocklin
- Whitney
- Western Sierra Collegiate Academy (WSCA)
How do I get started?
- Find a class from the list of college courses at your high school counselor's office.
- Meet with your high school counselor to review your high school needs and other requirements. If approved to participate, you’ll receive an approval form to fill out.
- During the first week of class, you will apply to the college and submit the completed approval form in your class. You will be added to the class by Sierra College after the class begins and your paperwork is processed.
Other Ways to Earn College Credit (2+2 Articulation)
What is 2+2 Articulation?
The 2+2 Articulation program starts at the high school. Students must first successfully complete an eligible high school/ROP course. Students don’t receive high school or college credit until they successfully complete any three-unit course at Sierra College. Note: It does not have to be an articulated match to their high school course.
Who is eligible for 2+2?
Students in specific high school courses that have an articulated agreement with Sierra College.
How do I get started?
- Meet with your high school counselor to see if your school offers this option
- Complete the high school course
What do I do next?
- Once the final grade posts, request a copy of your official high school transcript
- Enroll and complete any three-unit class at Sierra College
- Visit The Hub to request a “2+2 Articulation Credit Process information sheet” and “2+2 petition”
- Follow the instructions on the petition to complete the process, which will include submitting the petition and your high school transcript
Contact the Hub: Student Help Center
Rocklin Campus A 101
Email: hub@sierracollege.edu
Phone: (916) 660-7300
Fall and Spring Hours
M-Th: 8:00am – 7:00pm
F: 8:00am – 5:00pm