The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) offers dual enrollment, a program that allows high school students to take classes at CSM for college credit at the same time the students satisfy their high school graduation requirements.
Dual enrollment is a popular option for many reasons. It is a way to earn college credit in an affordable way (tuition is cut in half for dual-enrolled students) and for students to get a taste of college. In addition, dual enrollment provides a new social and academic challenge for those who are ready.
“High school students get a taste of the rigors of college-level courses while participating in the classroom with a diverse student body,” said CSM Assistant Director of Admissions – Recruitment Shelby Potts. “Many students complete their first semester of their freshman year while a dual student. This increases their rank and privileges when attending college after they complete high school.”
Darby Bradburn, 17, of Ridge is a senior at Great Mills High School. Through CSM’s dual enrollment program, Bradburn has completed five courses and a lab with CSM and is on schedule to complete five more classes this semester before graduating from GMHS. “I decided to start taking college classes while still in high school to start collecting college credits towards a degree,” Bradburn said. “It also allowed me to venture out of my shell and meet new people, have new experiences and to challenge myself academically.
“For me the most positive aspect of being a dual enrollment student is being able to have new experiences and being able to feel more independent. I would recommend dual enrollment to others my age and younger if they have a lot of focus and are very driven in their school work, dual-enrollment is a huge opportunity … It has opened my eyes to so many other possibilities in life and is truly an amazing experience,” Bradburn said.
Danielle Williams, 17, of Waldorf is a senior at St. Charles High School. She started taking college courses at CSM last semester because she liked the idea of completing some collegiate general education requirements and taking advantage of the tuition break that dual enrolled students receive.
Williams describes the decision as one of the best she’s ever made and she recommends that other high school students consider dual enrollment. “It’s given me insight on what my college experience will be like, what to look forward to and what I can truly accomplish on the college level,” she said.
Allison Mattera, 18, of Huntingtown was a dual enrolled student at CSM before becoming a full-time student in the fall, studying criminal justice at the college. Graduating from Huntingtown High School with 15 college credits already completed, this motivated student explained her reasons for signing up for CSM’s dual enrollment program. “I worked extremely hard in high school,” Mattera said. “I looked to take the smartest path into college.”
Dual enrolled Caitlyn Miller, 17, of Nanjemoy is homeschooled and in her senior year of high school. “I’ve always been one to be ‘ahead of the game.’ CSM’s dual enrollment program seemed perfect to help me do just that. Taking classes that can help me out in both high school and college is amazing. The most positive aspect has been the sense of accomplishment I feel, and knowing this is the best thing I can be doing for my future and career.”
Tabitha Dunn, 18, of Leonardtown became a dual enrolled student as a high school junior. “I was able to get a full year’s worth of high school credit in only one semester of a college class,” Dunn said. “The most positive aspect for me is getting a chance to work with many different students and teachers from all different backgrounds and learning how to cope with the different workloads and class structures. I would definitely recommend dual enrollment to anyone in high school looking to get a head start on earning college credits.”
Dunn plans to transfer to a four-year university this fall to continue her education as she pursues a bachelor degree in business administration.
Information sessions on dual enrollment at CSM will be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Prince Frederick Campus, Building B Multipurpose Room; Feb. 13 at the Leonardtown Campus, Building A Room 206; and Feb. 15 at the La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry (BI Building) Chaney Enterprises Conference Room (Room 113). To RSVP to any of these events, visit www.csmd.edu/dualenrollment.
Dual enrollment at CSM is a competitive admissions program, and students must demonstrate college-readiness. Deadlines to complete an application, complete college level placement options and submit a signed form are May 15 for the summer semester, July 15 for the fall semester and Dec. 15 for the spring semester.
For information on dual enrollment at CSM, call 301-934-2251 (option 0) or visit www.csmd.edu/dualenrollment.
CSM Dual Enrollment Parent Night. 6-8 p.m., Feb. 12. College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus, Building B, Multipurpose Room, 115 J.W. Williams Road, Prince Frederick. Parents and students can learn more about dual enrollment at CSM and how a student can earn college credit while still in high school. Free. RSVP at www.csmd.edu/dualenrollment. 443-550-6007.
CSM Dual Enrollment Parent Night. 6-8 p.m., Feb. 13. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Room 206, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Parents and students can learn more about dual enrollment at CSM and how a student can earn college credit while still in high school. Free. RSVP at www.csmd.edu/dualenrollment. 240-725-5456.
CSM Dual Enrollment Parent Night. 6-8 p.m., Feb. 15. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Center for Business and Industry (BI Building), Chaney Enterprises Conference Room (Room 113), 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Parents and students can learn more about dual enrollment at CSM and how a student can earn college credit while still in high school. Free. RSVP at www.csmd.edu/dualenrollment. 301-934-7765, ext. 7043.