Advanced Scholars program offers high school students college credit

An April 16 event at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will describe to high school students and their parents a UNL program that gives Nebraska high school students an opportunity to earn college credit from UNL without setting foot on campus.

The Advanced Scholars program, which began in spring 2006, allows high school students to take online classes taught by UNL faculty. These classes count as college credit for the students taking them, and sometimes double as high school credits as well.

According to Laura Wiese, Advanced Scholars program coordinator, this program eases the transition for high school students who plan to attend college.

"High school students are able to earn credits in classes typically taken by college freshmen," Wiese said. "This program allows students to earn college credit in general education courses that they can bring to UNL or another institution. Our advisers can help students decide which courses to take or can help with issues related to credit transfer."

Eligibility requirements for the the Advanced Scholars program are: * Senior standing in the fall of 2007, identification by the high school as a high-ability or gifted student, or permission of the high school counselor and principal; and * Grade-point average of B or higher or ACT composite score of 22 or higher.

High school students go through many of the same processes and use the same systems as on-campus students. Eligible students apply to UNL and use the online UNL system eNroll to register for their course, and can order books and materials through the University Bookstore's Web site. Students begin their class with the regular UNL schedule and have access to their course through Blackboard (course-management software used for many of UNL's on-campus classes).

Students and parents, and guidance counselors interested in learning more about Advanced Scholars are encouraged to attend "Advanced Scholars: The University Experience" 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16 on the UNL campus. Interested high school students attending will learn more about the program and how they can prepare now for a smooth transition to college.

Morning sessions will include a campus tour and a chance to visit with a college adviser. In the afternoon, students participate in interactive, hands-on activities that will help them prepare for the Advanced Scholars program and their future as a college student.

The cost of taking an Advanced Scholars course is $100 per credit hour for the fall 2007 semester. "That's almost one-half of the current UNL resident tuition rate, once the additional university fees are factored in," Wiese said.

To register for the April 16 event, go to http://AdvancedScholars.unl.edu/university_experience and complete the registration form by April 2. For more information about the Advanced Scholars program, contact your high school guidance counselor, visit http://AdvancedScholars.unl.edu, or call Wiese at (402) 472-1131.

Last fall, 34 students enrolled in Advanced Scholars courses, representing 16 Nebraska high schools. In its third semester this spring, 53 students applied to the program from 18 Nebraska schools. The list of currently participating partner high schools is at http://advancedscholars.unl.edu/eligibility/school.shtml.

CONTACT: Laura Wiese, Extended Education and Outreach, (402) 472-1131