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December 10, 2024 | Article

As the demands of higher education and the professional world grow more complex, high school students need ways to stand out and excel. Dual Enrollment programs are one option. In a Dual Enrollment program, students take university courses online while earning high-school and college credit at the same time. These programs offer not just an academic edge but also critical life skills, personal growth, and a clearer path toward future goals.

A Bridge to University

When students take university courses during high school, it creates a unique bridge between secondary school and higher education, equipping younger students with university-level knowledge and the confidence to succeed in challenging academic environments.

Reflecting their growing popularity, the number of dual-enrolled high school students has increased for the third consecutive year, with a 10% rise just in the past year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. While American students have increasingly embraced these opportunities, now international students can too!

At Hudson Global Scholars (HGS), our program with the University of Massachusetts Global Campus (UMass Global) offers 12-week university courses to our high school students. Though our students work from all over the world, they are taught by expert American professors from UMass Global, who are trained in best practices for online learning. Students who pass their classes receive both high school and university credit!

Students work independently online using a digital learning platform, with methodologies and technology that are similar to what they will encounter in U.S. universities. Moreover, there’s no university application required to take a course, making it easy for students to explore advanced studies without the pressure of formal admissions.

An Admissions Advantage

One reason students take a university course during high school is to stand out in university applications. Our students demonstrate their ability to succeed in a U.S. university classroom, showcasing their academic readiness for future university challenges. The program also helps to establish high-level English competency, an essential skill for success in the global academic and professional environments. Furthermore, taking these college-level courses highlights students’ initiative, commitment to academic excellence, and the advanced skills they’ve already developed.

Built for Success

Though it may feel intimidating to tackle university-level work at a young age, students can achieve top grades with the right support and preparation. For the best chance of success, students should have a B2/Upper Intermediate English level before beginning. Once they enroll in the course, the program has built-in supports that were developed with high-school students in mind. Platform tools enable students to email their professors and interact with them on discussion boards. Clear onboarding and technical support are designed for students who have never taken university courses before. Furthermore, many of our students are supported by local coordinators who have access to the platform’s progress-monitoring tools.

And we know these methods work! Our high school students have received an average grade of A—standing out among their peers as top students ready to succeed in both high school and university.

But don’t just take our word for it—here’s what students in the program have to say about their experiences.

Michael’s Story

“I’m a ninth-grade student currently taking the Sociology 101 course with Hudson Global Scholars. I’m the founder and president of a teenage business club called Alanya Vision, where we help teens develop skills to become more confident, smart, and socially prepared for their futures.

Taking this sociology course has been an incredible experience. It’s helped me understand how societies function and how individuals interact within them. This knowledge directly connects to my work with the Alanya Vision project because I can now better analyze groups.

This course is also a big step in my academic journey. I plan to apply to top universities in the future, and having a college-level course like Sociology 101 on my transcript will really help with my admission chances. Sociology has also given me a new passion for understanding people and systems.

The lessons have been engaging, the teachers are fantastic, and the material is presented in a clear and interesting way. I’ve especially enjoyed the discussions, in which we are free to express our own opinions and be creative. Thank you for this opportunity!”

Sevke’s Perspective

“This Sociology course has been an exceptional academic journey that not only expanded my intellectual horizons but also profoundly influenced my understanding of society and its complexities.

The course offered a comprehensive introduction to critical sociological perspectives, including Functionalist and Conflict Theories. Through Functionalist Theory, I gained insights into how social institutions like education, family, and religion contribute to societal stability and cohesion. At the same time, Conflict Theory encouraged me to critically analyze power dynamics and systemic inequalities embedded within these structures. These dual perspectives allowed me to approach real-world societal issues with a balanced and nuanced understanding, fostering my analytical thinking skills.

One of the most impactful aspects of the course was its emphasis on practical applications. For example, we explored how these theories applied to contemporary global issues, such as educational inequalities and the cultural shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. This real-world relevance made the learning experience deeply engaging and demonstrated how sociology helps us make sense of the world around us.

UMass Global’s innovative approach to education further enriched my experience. The faculty provided a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging open discussions and critical inquiry. Assignments and projects were designed to challenge my perspective while offering opportunities for creative problem-solving. This dynamic learning atmosphere not only broadened my academic knowledge but also honed my research and communication skills.

Beyond academics, the course also shaped my personal growth. It taught me the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing social challenges, emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex problems. I left each class feeling inspired to explore the broader implications of sociological concepts in everyday life.

I wholeheartedly recommend UMass Global and its sociology program to anyone seeking a quality education that combines theoretical depth with practical relevance. The opportunities I gained through this course have significantly contributed to my personal and professional development, providing me with the tools to analyze, interpret, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.”

Empowered for the Future

Dual Enrollment combines flexibility, academic rigor, and practical relevance. Students like Michael and Sevke have connected their coursework to personal and professional goals, preparing for the challenges of university life and beyond.

With 12-week courses that offer college and high school credits, no university admissions application required, expert professors guiding the way, and a cutting-edge digital platform for independent study, students are empowered to explore advanced subjects at an early age. This is not just about earning credits—it’s about unlocking potential and setting the stage for lifelong success.

If you’re ready to embrace the opportunities this program offers, the journey begins here. Try one of our university courses and discover how far it can take you!