4-Year College

• Application Deadline: The date by which applications, including transcripts and SAT/ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation and supplemental portfolios are due at a college. Deadlines vary by college – it is a student’s responsibility to research each school’s application policy and procedures to confirm deadlines.

• Associate’s Degree: Typically, a 2-year degree that is completed at a community/junior college. When a student transfers to a four-year institution, an associate’s degree typically will fulfill the general education requirements.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Typically, a 4-year degree that results in a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts.

• Common Application: A single application that is accepted by more than 700 institutions. After completing the general Common Application, students may need to complete a school-specific supplemental document. Once all required documents are completed, a student will submit the application individually to each school.

• Consortium: Several colleges and universities within close proximity that allow students the opportunity to use the libraries or take classes at all member institutions. Consortium members often present joint lecture programs or unusual courses.

• Deferred Admission: Deferred admission is a plan that permits a student, once accepted, to postpone matriculation for one year in order to pursue other plans.

• Deferred Decision: The college or university determines that more information is needed to make a final decision about a candidate’s application. Often, the decision is delayed until additional grades and/or new test scores are received.

• Early Action: A plan that invites early applications, but does not require the student to attend if accepted. The application deadline is usually in early November through December.

• Early Decision: A plan, offered by a select number of colleges, that invites early applications, and requires the student to attend if accepted. The application deadline is usually in early November. If accepted through Early Decision, the student must withdraw all other applications immediately.

• Gap Year: A one-year program that a student completes before beginning their college education. Gap years take on many forms, from service-based to self-exploration. Students should check with colleges about deferring admission to complete a gap year before applying.

• Grade Point Average (GPA): The cumulative average of all your grades. The GPA is calculated at the end of each semester.

• Master’s Degree: A 2+ year degree program, that would occur after a student earns their Bachelor’s degree.

• Need-Blind: The philosophical position that a college accepts a student on the basis of his or her meeting specific requirements, without regard to the student’s ability to pay. The understanding is that the school’s Financial Aid Office will assemble an appropriate package for the student.

• Priority Deadline: Rolling admission colleges that have priority deadlines information students earlier if they have been admitted, and may give priority to housing or financial aid.

• Reach School: A school where the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores are at or below the average accepted scores. All highly-selective & ivy schools are reach schools for all students.

• Regular Decision: The last deadline a student may apply to a college. Students generally apply anytime between January 1 and early March, with notification responses received by April 1.

• Rolling Admission: After applying, a college will notify the applicant as soon as the application has been processed (usually 4-6 weeks) and the file is complete. It is to the student’s advantage to apply as early as possible.

• Restrictive Early Action: A plan that invites early applications, but does not require the student to attend if accepted; however, students may not apply Early Decision/Early Action to any other school. The application deadline is usually in early November through December.

• Safety School: A school where the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT are at or above the average accepted scores. Also, a school that is financially reasonable for the student/family.

• Target School: A school where the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT are at the average accepted scores.

• Transcript: The student’s academic record that is sent by the high school to the colleges where the student is applying. This includes courses taken, final grades, cumulative GPA, and work in progress (senior courses).

• Waitlist: A list maintained by selective schools, containing names of students predicted to succeed at the institution but not accepted until those initially accepted notify the school if they will attend. If space remains, the school contacts waitlisted students generally between May 1 and August 1.

SchooLinks is a modern, student-centric college and career planning platform that helps D200 students and families align personal interests and aspirations with preparation for life beyond high school. SchooLinks contains detailed information about colleges, career options, finances, and more. 

Students and parents can log in using the link below. Students can also use their D200 bookmarks. To explore college options, log in to your SchooLinks account and see the navigation bar at the left side of the page. Choose "Colleges." In the Colleges area you'll find a school search option, applications and admissions information, and more.

Schoolinks login Schoolinks for Parents

Transcripts

A transcript is an official document that includes each class a student has completed, as well as, the grade in each class. Additionally, it includes a student's GPA and, if requested, standardized test scores. Most 4-year colleges ask applicants to submit their transcript. Some allow students to "self-report" grades, which as student keys in while completing the application.

All transcript requests are done in SchoolLinks.

• College Applications: College Application Manager
• Alumni, Scholarships, NCAA, etc.: Records Requests

Video: College Application Manager (CAM) and How to Send Transcripts for Seniors

Contact D200 College & Career Counselor Tanya Thomas with questions.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. Below are some of the different categories you can consider, but you should also be asking yourself questions about what is the best fit for you in a college experience. This requires introspection, reflection, and research. The College That Change Lives organization has put together a guide of questions you can ask yourself to help you determine the fit factors that are most important to you.

Video: Exploring College Options

Four Year School

• Universities: Institutions made up of several colleges, where each may have different admissions and graduation requirements. Universities offer a broad range of majors and degrees.
• Liberal Arts Colleges: Usually these schools require a more diverse program of study for graduation.
• Specialized Colleges: Schools offer a limited number of program, usually focused on technical education or fine arts.

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Two Year School

• Community Colleges: Offer associate degree programs. A broad offering of courses, most of which are equivalent to the first two years of a four-year school.
• Vocational / Technical Schools: Specialized schools that offer specific programs and do not require study in areas outside the program of interest.

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Location

• City/Urban: Offer accessibility to a broad range of cultural, employment, and recreational opportunities.
• Suburban: Offer the best of both worlds. They are found in a well-developed town, offering students access to jobs, recreation, and facilities.
• Rural: Offer a wide variety of out-of-class activities on campus. Campus is the central focus.

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Admission Selectivity

Not all colleges and universities are alike. They vary in size, category, cost, and admission policies. The following is a general guideline to follow to determine admission eligibility. Factors to consider are coursework, grades, GPA, test scores, major area, talents, school participation, special circumstances, community activities, letters of recommendation, personal essay, and related career exploration.

The following information is not an absolute rule. These are general guidelines to consider in selecting a category for your college/university search.

• Most Selective

  • Recommended Coursework: 4 years English, 4 years Advanced Math, 4 years Lab Science, 4 years Social Studies, 4 years Foreign Language; Majority Honors/AP courses
  • Average GPA/Test Scores: 4.3+ Weighted GPA / SAT: 1500+ / ACT: 32+
  • Examples: Ivy League Schools, Stanford, Notre Dame, University of Chicago, Northwestern University.

• Very Selective

  • Recommended Coursework: 4 years English, 4 years Advanced Math, 4 years Lab Science, 4 years Social Studies, 4 years Foreign Language; Honors/AP courses recommended
  • Average GPA/Test Scores: 3.8+ Weighted GPA / SAT: 1280+ / ACT: 28+
  • Examples: Big Ten (especially engineering and business), Michigan, Wisconsin, Military Academies, Creighton

• Selective

  • Recommended Coursework: 4 years English, 3-4 years Advanced Math, 3-4 years Lab Science, 3-4 years Social Studies, 3-4 years Foreign Language; Some Honors/AP courses recommended
  • Average GPA/Test Scores: 3.3+ Weighted GPA / SAT: 1160+ / ACT: 24+
  • Examples: Major State/Private Universities, University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois State University, Bradley, Iowa, Minnesota

• Traditional

  • Recommended Coursework: 4 years English, 3 years Math (including Algebra 2), 3 years Lab Science, 3 years Social Studies, 2-4 years Foreign Language; 1 year Fine Art
  • Average GPA/Test Scores: 3.0+ Weighted GPA / SAT: 1020+ / ACT: 20+
  • Examples: Many State College/Universities, NIU, EIU, Western Michigan, Carthage, Carroll, Lewis

• Flexible Admissions

  • Recommended Coursework: 4 years English, 3 years Math (including Algebra 2), 3 years Lab Science, 3 years Social Studies, 2-4 years Foreign Language; 1 year Fine Art; Tends to be more flexible with requirements
  • Average GPA/Test Scores: 2.7+ Weighted GPA / SAT: 900+ / ACT: 18+
  • Examples: Some Private/State, Ferris State, Benedictine, WIU, SIU

• Open Admissions

  • Recommended Coursework: High School Graduation
  • Examples: McHenry County College

• Specialized Programs

  • Recommended Coursework: High School Graduation; Varying additional requirements
  • Other Requirements: Fine Arts portfolio and/or audition; Trades Aptitude Test
  • Examples: Conservatory programs, Columbia Chicago, Trade/Technical schools

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School Size

• Small: 3,000 or fewer students; Smaller class sizes throughout four years; Greater chance to participate.
• Mid-sized: 3,000 - 12,000 students; More personalized approach than large schools; More options than small schools.
• Large: 12,000+ students; Large Gen Ed class sizes; More diverse curriculum; Greater variety of activities and organizations.

What may be included in the college application?

• A FERPA Waiver
• Personal and educational data
• Honors and awards
• Extracurricular, personal, and volunteer activities
• Employment, internships, research, and summer activities
• Essays, both short answer and longer personal essays
• Letters of recommendation (if applicable; not always required)
• Disciplinary information (we do not submit this information)
• Application fee
• Electronic Signatures (where you type your name)
• Audition/portfolio (if applicable for certain majors)

What supporting documents might be needed to complete the application?

• Official transcript (submitted through SchooLinks)
• ACT/SAT scores
• Counselor forms
• Midyear report/transcript
• Letters of recommendation (only if required by the college/university)

Even though several elements of your application are submitted by others, you are still the person who is ultimately responsible for making sure that all parts of the application arrive on-time. Be sure to check in with both your school counselor and recommending teachers, the earlier the better, to ensure they are prepared to submit their portions of your college application package. You can then check the online portal and SchooLinks for each of the colleges where you are applying to make sure that they have received all materials in a timely manner.

How many colleges should I apply to?

We recommend 4 - 8 applications. This gives you options without being overwhelming.

At minimum include: 

• 1 "Reach" School: more selective; your academic profile is below the average admitted student (but it's worth a shot). 
• 2 "Target" Schools: where your academic profile closely matches the school's average admitted student.
• 1 "Likely" School: where your grades/test scores are above the average admitted student, so admission is more probable.

Strongly recommended:

• At least one college in Illinois
• Preferably a public 4-year university and/or our local community college (MCC) as a reliable, affordable option.

This balanced list ensure you have reach, target, and likely schools while keeping strong, local options on the table.

Video: Applying to the right number of colleges

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College Admissions Deadlines: What You Need to Know

• Early Action (EA)
  • Apply earlier (usually Nov 1 or Nov 15)
  • Get a decision sooner (by Dec/Jan)
  • Non-binding - you don't have to commit if accepted

Many colleges tie priority scholarship deadlines to Early Action — applying early can increase chances for merit aid.

• Early Decision (ED)
  • Similar deadlines as Early Action (Nov 1 or Nov 15)
  • Binding - if admitted, you must attend that college
  • Best for students 100% sure of their first-choice school

• Regular Decision (RD)
  • Most common deadline (Jan 1 – Jan 15)
  • Decisions released in March/April
  • Students commit by May 1
     
• Rolling Admission
  • Applications accepted over a longer period (sometimes into spring/summer)
  • Decisions released on a rolling basis, usually within weeks

Best to apply early, spots and scholarships can run out,

Video: Deciding When to Apply Early vs Regular Decision

• Priority Deadlines
  • Earlier dates for scholarships, housing, or honors programs
  • Missing them may mean missing out on financial aid opportunities
     
• Community College & Trade Schools
  • Often have open or flexible deadlines
  • Apply early for best access to programs and aid
     
• Financial Aid Reminder
  • FAFSA opens Oct 1 (check yearly release date)
  • Many states and colleges have earlier deadlines for aid

It is the student’s responsibility to have their test scores sent to the colleges which they are applying. Many colleges/universities are also allowing students to apply Test Optional. A list of these institutions can be found here.

When in doubt, call the Admissions Office directly for the colleges/universities you will be applying to, to confirm application requirements.

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Letters of Recommendation

• A letter of recommendation is a 1–2 page letter written on your behalf.
• These letters advocate for you in the college admissions and/or scholarship process.
• While not all schools require them, some 4-year colleges do ask for a certain number.

Guidelines

• Ask at least 2 weeks in advance when requesting a letter from a staff member.
• At least one should come from a teacher in a subject related to your intended major.
• Another should come from someone who knows your character (inside or outside the classroom).

Letters of recommendation must be requested through SchooLinks. Once submitted, they are sent electronically to colleges. In addition to the letter, many colleges also ask recommenders to complete evaluation forms that provide feedback on areas such as academic performance, character, service, and more.

Teacher Recommendations

• First, reach out to your recommender(s) directly; then invite them through SchooLinks (this process will be activated & explained in detail during September of senior year).
• Give teachers the specific college names and corresponding deadlines.
• Thank your teachers for taking the time to write you a letter of recommendation!

Helpful Tips

• Don’t be shy. Teachers & counselors are happy to help you, as long as you respect their time.
• Provide teachers and counselors with deadlines for each recommendation that you are requesting, especially noting the earliest deadline.
• On the application form, waive your right to view recommendation letters. This gives more credibility to the recommendation in the eyes of the college.
• Follow-up with your recommendation writers a week or so prior to the deadline, to ensure recommendations have been submitted, or to see if they need additional information from you.
• Write Thank You notes to your recommendation writers, and later, tell them where you’ve decided to go to college.

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Definitions of Admission Decisions

• Accepted: A student has been offered an opportunity to attend an institution for the upcoming college school year.
• Denied: A student has not been offered an opportunity to attend an institution for the upcoming college school year. The student must wait until the following application season to reapply.
• Deferred Decision: The college or university determines that more information is needed to make a final decision about a candidate's application. Often the decision is delayed until seventh semester grades and/or a new test score are received.
• Waitlisted: When there are too many qualified applicants for a particular institution, some students may be waitlisted, usually in April. Students may remain on the waitlist for a final decision, but should choose another school to commit.
• Deferred Admission: This plan permits a student, once accepted, to postpone attendance for up to one year, in order to pursue other plans.

Some colleges/universities may offer more than one type of application, while others will only use one. If a school accepts multiple options, it truly doesn’t matter which one you choose—there is no advantage to one type over another. Colleges provide options simply to make the process more flexible and student-friendly.

• School-Specific Applications
  • Found directly on a college’s website or through its own platform.
  • College applications are found on the “Undergraduate Admissions” page of a college’s website. With larger schools, you may have to then click on “Freshman” or “First-Year Student.”
  • Usually shorter and quicker to complete.
  • May require you to re-enter your personal, demographic, and activity information separately for each school.

• The Common Application (Common App)
  • A nonprofit platform used by over 1,100 four-year colleges and universities.
  • Allows you to complete one main application that can be sent to multiple schools.
  • Some colleges will require additional essays, letters of recommendation, or supplements.
  • The Common App website also has tools to help students explore participating colleges.
  • Many highly selective colleges, as well as many colleges in Illinois and nearby states, use the Common App.

Important for D200 Students:

• D200 uses SchooLinks to send electronic documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, fee waivers) to colleges.
• Students applying through the Common App must link their Common App account with SchooLinks.
• Once linked, as students add colleges in Common App, those schools will appear in SchooLinks’ “College Application Manager,” allowing counselors to send required documents automatically.
• Questions? Contact your counselor or the College & Career Counselor.
• Use this Common App Help Cheat Sheet to walk you through the application

Application Fee: 
As part of applying to college, many schools require an application fee, usually ranging from $15 to $100. This fee is generally paid before you can submit your application.

If your family qualifies for Free/Reduced Lunch or can show financial need, you are likely eligible for a fee waiver to cover these costs. Please connect with your Counselor or the College & Career Counselor for help—we don’t want financial barriers to get in the way of your future opportunities!

Many colleges will waive their fee in the month of October to support families. 

Some public universities in Illinois provide programs to cover full tuition and fees for eligible students. To qualify, students must meet admission requirements and have a family income below a certain limit. Each university sets its own income threshold. These programs include:

• Eastern IL University: EIU Promise (up to $80,000)
• Northeastern IL University: Golden Opportunity Scholarship (up to $125,000)
• Northern IL University: Huskie Pledge (up to $115,000)
• Southern IL University Carbondale: Saluki Commitment (up to $104,300)
• Southern IL University Edwardsville: SIUE  Commitment (up to $113,575)
• University of IL Chicago: Aspire (up to $75,000)
• University of IL Urbana Champaign: Illinois Commitment (up to $75,000)
• Western IL University: Western Way (up to $81,000)

Although their program does not have a name, the University of IL Springfield and Illinois State University each offer similar financial packages for low-income students.

Undocumented

Undocumented students face numerous hurdles when seeking postsecondary options (college, careers & the military). We hope that the resources below will help inform, educate, & assist undocumented students in District 200.

Video: Applying as an undocumented student

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Disability Services

Students with Special Needs
The process of researching and selecting an appropriate college is a complex one for any student and their family. For a student with specials needs, the process can take on an even higher level of complexity. But there is good news! More and more colleges are providing services and developing support programs for students with special needs. The goal of this section is to provide insight to students and their families as to the additional steps they must follow to ensure that they find a college that will meet the needs of their student.

Self-Advocacy
The best gift we can give our students is to teach them the skills to advocate for themselves. Once a student leaves high school, the jurisdiction of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) ends – this is where the school identifies students and provides them with appropriate services. In college, the responsibility shifts to the student to obtain services and accommodations in their classes.

Earlier Planning
For students on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, early college planning is key, particularly for students needing specific support programs or services. While most of the college planning buzz occurs for students in their junior and senior years, students with IEPs/504s can begin their college research earlier.

Understanding Independence
Choosing a college, particularly for students with disabilities, requires making judgements about one’s personal level of independence. How far from home will they be comfortable while adjusting to the increased personal and academic demands of college?

Levels of Support

• Highly Structured Programs: These college programs provide comprehensive services for students with learning disabilities. They are more likely to have separate admissions processes and charge additional fees over and above the general tuition costs. The number of students accepted is limited to ensure ideal staff/student ratios.
• Coordinated Services: These services are provided to students who voluntarily identify themselves as needing academic help and/or accommodations to be successful in college. Students may submit a special application and the Director of Support Services may be involved in the admission decision. Traditionally, the onus for receiving these types of services is on the student to advocate for themselves. There are usually no additional fees for these services.
• Basic Services: Most colleges will provide basic services that comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Sometimes these services are directed by persons knowledgeable about learning disabilities, so it is valuable to determine this when researching your colleges. The degree of effectiveness of basic services varies from college to college, and is up to the student to seek out these services.

Resources for Students with Special Needs

As with all students, it is crucial for students with special needs to visit college campuses, to better understand the available services and resources on the college campus. When scheduling a campus visit, the student should make arrangements to meet with Disability Support Services (this name varies by campus). Doing so establishes the student’s ability to self-advocate. It will also allow the opportunity to ask faculty about what supports & resources are available to students.

Questions to ask Colleges Regarding Special Needs Accommodations

• What are the procedures and timelines for applying for and receiving eligible services?
• What accommodations are available on campus and how are they accessed?
• Are there additional costs for services?
• Are students with similar needs being serviced at this school? If so, how many?
• Are tutorial services available? If so, who administers them – peers or professionals?
• Are policies in place to protect the confidentiality of student records?
• Is there someone who will help my student obtain the necessary services and accommodations?
• Is there a professional available who is knowledgeable about learning disabilities, who will be available to help my student?
• Are there organized support groups for students with similar needs?
• Are there courses available to help students with time management, study skills, organization, test-taking, etc.?

College Fairs for Students with Special Needs

The Choices College Fair and Options College Fair are regional post-secondary planning nights for students with disabilities who are college bound. For the most up-to-date information, and to view past presentations, please visit the links below.

Choices Fair
Options Fair
Choices College Disability Programs and Support  Services Guide

Highly Selective and Elite Schools

If a college or university admits fewer than 50% of its applicant pool, the school is considered selective. If a college or university admits fewer than 30% of its applicant pool, the school is considered highly-selective.

How Selective Colleges Review Applications

How do I get into one of these schools?
We need to make certain that students and parents understand that there is no ‘formula’ that will guarantee student admission to any college or university. However, through conversations with representatives and former students, we have compiled a list of what colleges and universities are looking at when they review applications.

1. High School Courses Taken: If you want to be considered at selective/highly-selective schools, you need to take the most appropriate & rigorous coursework available. Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself and put academics first.
    
2. Grades & Grade Trends: Your grades in each class as well as your cumulative GPA will be a big part of the consideration. Highly selective schools want to see mostly "A" and "B" grades. A grade of a “C” as a freshman could be minimized if the student has earned “A” grades when they are a junior.
    
3. Test Scores: You will need to check with your specific institution regarding testing. The majority of Elite and Highly Selective schools are beginning to require test scores once again.
    
4. Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles and depth of involvement are key. Colleges do not merely want to see a large list of clubs and organizations.
    
5. Student Essays: At some colleges, this can count for 10-20% of the admission decision. While writing ability is important, the essay also shows institutions how you think, feel, what you value, and how creative you are. Please have your essay proofread by parents & teachers.
    
6. Recommendations: Because recommendations are an important part of the admissions process, students should take this seriously. Have conversations with your teachers and counselor. Make sure that you are providing ample time for them to write your letter.
    
7. High School: Do you come from a high school that is rich in curricular offerings, and have you taken advantage of what they have to offer?
    
8. Geographic Distribution: Some schools want students from all fifty states; another may want 80-90% to come from its home state. Understand the competition and how it can vary depending on what schools you’ve chosen.
    
9. Demonstrated Interest: Colleges want you to want them. How are you proving this? Attend college representative visits at The PARC; email the college and ask for information on a specific program; and interview on campus, if offered.

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Student Athletes

The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) are different governing bodies for college athletics. The NCAA is larger and more prominent, with three divisions, while the NAIA is smaller and focuses on smaller college programs with a more balanced approach to academics and athletics. Key differences include the NCAA's higher level of competition and more rigorous requirements, versus the NAIA's more flexible recruiting and potentially smaller class sizes, which can offer a more personal experience. 

Video: NAIA versus NCAA

NCAA

If you want to complete in NCAA sports at a Division I or Division II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, to make sure you stay on track to meet initial eligibility standards.

College Athletics Timeline

Freshmen Year: Look over the list of NCAA Approved Courses (Woodstock High School CEEB: 144470/  Woodstock North CEEB: 144479)

• D1: NCAA Division I Initial Eligibility Requirements must complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses/credits:
  • 4.0 English
  • 3.0 Math (Alg 1 or higher)
  • 3.0 Natural/Physical Science
  • 2.5 Social Science
  • 3.5 Additional aforementioned and/or world language

10.0 of 16.0 must be completed prior to start of 7th semester. Minimum 2.3 GPA within 16 NCAA-approved core courses.

• D2: NCAA Division II Initial Eligibility Requirements must complete 16 NCAA-approved core courses/credits:
  • 4.0 English
  • 3.0 Math (Alg 1 or higher)
  • 3.0 Natural/Physical Science
  • 2.5 Social Science
  • 3.5 Additional aforementioned and/or world language

Minimum 2.2 GPA within 16 NCAA-approved core courses.

• D3: There are no standardized academic criteria to achieve. Each school sets its own admissions and eligibility standards.
  • Although NCAA Division III student-athletes cannot receive athletic scholarships, 75% receive some kind of merit and/or need-based financial aid.
  • 21% of student bodies at Division III schools participate in athletic programs.

Sophomore Year

• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
   

Junior Year

• Check with your counselor to make sure you’ll graduate on time with the required number of NCAA core courses
• Take the ACT or SAT and submit your scores to the NCAA using code: 9999
• At the end of the year, request your official transcript through the NCAA Eligibility Center

Senior Year

• Finish your last NCAA core courses
• Take the ACT or SAT again (if necessary) and submit your scores to the NCAA using code: 9999
• Complete all academic and amateurism questions in your NCAA account
• After you graduate, make sure to request your final official transcript is sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center

NACC Eligibility Center Policy on Pass/Fail

A student must pass a course in order for the Eligibility Center to use the course in a student’s evaluation; therefore, they will not use a course if the student receives an F in a course. In Pass/Fail grading situations, the Eligibility Center will assign the high schools lowest passing grade for a course that receives a Pass grade on the transcript. For most high schools, the lowest passing grade is a D, so the Eligibility Center generally assigns a D to a Pass grade.

Dual Credit

District 200 offers over 35 dual credit courses through a McHenry County College (MCC) partnership. With each course only costing our students $25 per course, students have the potential to save thousands of dollars.

More on Dual Credit

How AP Courses Can Save You Money

• College Credit: Many colleges award credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher, allowing students to skip introductory courses.
• Graduate Faster: Earning credit in high school can help students finish college sooner — sometimes by a semester or even a full year.
• Lower Tuition Costs: Fewer required classes = less tuition, fees, and books to pay for.
• Flexibility: Extra credits can free up room in a student’s schedule for electives, internships, or study abroad.
• Competitive Edge: AP coursework strengthens college applications and can lead to scholarship opportunities.
• Real Cost Savings: At many universities, one 3-credit class can cost $1,000–$3,000. Scoring a 3 or higher on just a few AP exams can equal thousands of dollars in savings.
• District 200 considers AP courses Honors level courses, where students receive a GPA bump with strong grades.

Many colleges offer summer enrichment programs for high school students to explore academic interests, experience college life, and build new skills. These programs—ranging from one week to several—can include courses in science, writing, business, the arts, and more. Some offer college credit, while others focus on hands-on learning or research. Participants often live on campus, engage with professors, and connect with peers from around the country. These experiences can strengthen college applications, boost confidence, and help students discover what they’re passionate about before senior year.

Once these opportunities become available, you can find a listing of them in this section.