High school to college planning
Start planning early so your work counts later.
Use Will My Credits Transfer to see how courses and exams may apply,
then store your documents and results in a private Student Passport.
This guide helps you turn today’s classes into tomorrow’s credit.
Below are the questions students ask most when planning college early. Skim the ones
that apply to you, then take the next step when you’re ready.
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Explore smarter. Compare schools and programs early.
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Earn credit sooner. See how AP, IB, and dual enrollment count.
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Avoid surprises. Learn what transfers before you enroll.
When you’re ready: check your credits, then save your plan for later.
FAQ for students headed to college
Questions often asked by high school students headed to college
Expand any question to read more.
What if the traditional college pathway isn’t right for me?
In addition to considering four-year colleges and universities, it’s also worth looking at community colleges as a starting point.
They offer associate degrees, certificates, and sometimes bachelor’s degrees across a wide range of programs, often with lower tuition and fees.
Whichever is right for you, planning ahead is key.
Use our Transfer Profile, Program, and Course searches to explore a variety of colleges and universities and see what programs they offer.
How will my AP exams count toward my degree or certificate?
Many colleges and universities award credit or advanced placement for qualifying scores on Advanced Placement and other exams such as IB, CLEP, and DSST,
but policies can vary by school. You can use our Exam Equivalency search to see how different colleges have evaluated and accepted them for credit.
This can also help you plan which exams to take and understand how they might apply toward your degree or certificate before you transfer.
What is dual enrollment?
Dual enrollment allows you to take college-level courses while still in high school. Many of these credits can also be transferred to other colleges or universities.
You can use our Course Equivalency search to see how dual enrollment courses have been accepted at different schools, which can help you plan ahead.
How will my career and technical education courses count?
Some colleges offer credit for CTE programs completed in high school, at a technical center, or through workforce training.
How your credits apply depends on each college’s policies, so it’s helpful to compare and talk with an advisor or counselor.
Pennsylvania students can use our PA Bureau of CTE SOAR Programs search to find out how credit might be awarded if you successfully complete an approved program of study.
Should I apply as a transfer student if I took college classes in high school?
It depends on how many college credits you have earned. Many institutions have a minimum number of credits that determine whether you apply as a first-year student
or a transfer student. The easiest way to check is to look at each school’s transfer requirements using our Transfer Profile search or contact their admissions office directly.
What are remedial courses?
Remedial courses are classes designed to help students build basic skills, like math or English, after placement testing.
These courses don’t count toward a degree and usually do not transfer to other colleges.
How can I find help paying for college?
Start by filling out the FAFSA. It helps determine your eligibility for federal grants, student loans, and work-study jobs.
You should also check with your state’s education department to learn about state-based aid programs.
Also reach out to the financial aid office at the college you want to attend to ask about scholarships and other funding options.