I started college early and took several courses before I graduated high school. It wasn’t easy to navigate in the mid-90s and it was a new concept. I am glad I did that and would do it again. It was good for me to ease in to college. I attended a local college – now called Clayton State University, then Georgia State University to complete my bachelor’s in English and master’s in education.
Every state and school district and college have different requirements for early college. For homeschoolers, sometimes it’s easier and sometimes it seems more difficult.
I have homeschooled my four children for over sixteen years.
One graduated our homeschool and started early college classes. I did pressure her a little, but she wasn’t as motivated as I would have liked. I wish I could go back and be more gentle.
Two are starting early college classes this upcoming fall semester. This is their choice and I’m excited to help them.
One kid left to go! He’s only twelve and has so many options and interests and we aren’t pressuring him at all.
Information about College Credit Plus for Homeschoolers
Students must be Ohio residents to participate in College Credit Plus. As a military family, this was tricky for us the first year we PCS’ed here from Germany.
View all CCP FAQ’s here.
Students in grades 7 through 12 can qualify for dual enrollment or early college courses.
Earning college credits while still in high school can reduce the time and cost of attending college after high school. It’s great to ease in and get a taste of college courses before committing to enrollment.
The College Credit Plus Program includes courses taken during the summer term also.
Be aware: classes failed or withdrawn with an “F” (or equivalent failing grade) will receive an “F” on the high school and/or college transcripts and will be computed into the high school and college GPA.
Many entry-level courses earned at an Ohio public college are guaranteed to transfer to any other Ohio public college.
In Ohio, there are lots of higher education options:
- 14 universities with 24 regional branch campuses
- 23 community colleges
- More than 70 adult workforce education and training centers statewide
Check with the institution of your choice if they offer College Credit Plus and what their special requirements might be. This interactive map shows you which option might be near you.
Homeschoolers are responsible for purchasing or renting textbooks and supplies. It’s been noted by many that homeschooled students don’t seem to receive as many credit hours as they request or not as many as public and private schooled students.
Note that colleges are not required to modify course content based on the ages of the students. Some content may be for mature audiences.
Students will be expected to follow the rules and regulations set by the college/university.
Transportation is the responsibility of the student. This can be sometimes difficult since we homeschool parents always chauffeuring our kids around to activities. I try to plan their courses only two days a week to limit travel.
The state education website breaks down the CCP process into four steps.
College Credit Plus applications open in February 1 and close April 1.
How to Navigate College Credit Plus
Step one: Set up a parent OH|ID account as soon as possible and save that login information.
Step two: After February 1, start state application for tuition funding for each child.
We usually request only 15 credit hours for the first year or two so they’re not too stressed. You can request up to 30 credits for the year, but I feel they won’t grant homeschoolers more than 15.
You have to upload your homeschool intent letter received from your school district.
Step three: Apply to college(s). The applications should be free for high school/CCP students. Pay attention to details like sending transcripts or test scores and if permission slips or extra forms are required. We had to sign maturity forms and permission slips.
Some common college choices:
- Wright State University
- Sinclair College
- University of Cincinnati
- Miami University
- The Ohio State University
- Ohio University
- Kent State University
- Cleveland State University
- University of Akron
- University of Toledo
Step four: College admissions office should contact you and/or the student with a tentative admission letter to send to the state to process tuition funding so there’s no holdup on that end. Upload these letters to state CCP files and submit before April 1!
Sometimes, there are additional requirements and instructions from the colleges depending on several factors such as age of child, test scores, transcripts.
My first child took the SAT, but the math score wasn’t high enough for her to take the college math class without a remedial course or placement exam. This also affected her ability to take some science courses.
My middle child hasn’t take any standardized tests in her life, and the placement exams were waived based on her age and transcripts. But she took the college placement tests to streamline her ability to take college writing and math without remediation.
My third child is deemed too young and is required to take college placement exams for admission into CCP, even though their transcript is almost the same as my middle child’s.
Step five: Funding letters from state should be received about the first week of May, before 5/6. Make sure you send that letter ASAP to the bursar at the college or you’ll be responsible to pay tuition!
Step six: Receive admission letters from colleges and instructions how to register for classes and student IDs. Usually, a physical appointment is required with a registrar to ensure all is understand and done correctly and they release the hold on registration. Only certain core classes are usually available to CCP students. Wright State advisor stated that students can request to take a class and it’s at the discretion of the dean.
It’s an exciting time for our homeschooled teens to enter into adulthood and attend college. We can learn to let go and let them navigate their education and future. It’s great to ease into it and determine if that’s the route they want to go.
I feel CCP allows homeschooled students to make decisions for themselves and preview college which could help them determine their direction for the future. It might make it easier to enroll in the college of their choice later, after high school. It’s a great opportunity!
You might also like:
- Homeschooling in Ohio
- Homeschool High School Credits
- 5 Best Life Skills Books for Teens
- Graduating from Homeschool
- How to Prepare for After High School
