High schools, students welcome at Advanced Scholars event April 16

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.

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.

Students, parents and guidance counselors interested in learning more about Advanced Scholars are welcome to attend "Advanced Scholars: The University Experience," from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., April 16 on the UNL campus.

Morning sessions will include a course demonstration and student panel, with current and past students sharing their experiences in the program. Attendees can participate in interactive, hands-on activities that will help them prepare for the Advanced Scholars program and their future as a college student. Afternoon sessions include a technology overview and campus tour. To register for the April 16 event, go to http://advancedscholars.unl.edu/UniversityExperience and complete the registration form by April 1.

According to Rhnissa Decker, Advanced Scholars program coordinator, the program can ease 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," Decker 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 credit transfer."

Eligibility requirements for the Advanced Scholars program are:

* Senior standing or 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.

The cost of taking an Advanced Scholars course is $100 per credit hour for the fall 2008 semester. "That's almost one-half of the current UNL resident tuition rate, once the additional university fees are factored in," Decker said.

Since its inception in 2006, 248 students have completed courses through Advanced Scholars. Seventy-four Nebraska high schools have partnered with UNL to offer these online courses to their students. A list of currently participating partner high schools is available at http://advancedscholars.unl.edu/eligibility/school.shtml.

For more information about the Advanced Scholars program, contact your high school guidance counselor, visit http://AdvancedScholars.unl.edu, or call Decker at (402) 472-1131.