St. John’s University, in conjunction with Thomas Edison CTE High School, presents The College Advantage Program, which gives high school students the distinct platform for college credit almost within their own high school classrooms. To help students get an early start in their college lives — time and money wise, giving them an edge as they apply to universities.
What is the College Advantage Program?
The College Advantage Program allows juniors and seniors in the college who meet all eligibility requirements to take college courses with reduced tuition and classes taught by pre-approvals high school instructors. Calculus, World History, and Journalism are among the programs available at Edison. It is for the top of the class high-achieving students with a serious desire to get into college and wanting to get an early start.
Coordinator Ms. Rosario explained that St. John’s University will give students three undergraduate transferable college credits at the various program sites. Transferability policy allows students to take college classes, while in high school, and apply them towards their future degree.
Benefits of the Program
Primarily one the program is, allows saving on tuition. Students will get to lower the cost of their higher education by taking fewer college courses after high school if they do join, but for a lot of students this could be one less class at the college or university they are taking and one less course they will pay for.
Additionally, shared that fundraising opportunities exist through the Edison COSA office if students are looking to fund their participation in the program and need financial aid.
“Critical here is that cost should not be a barrier for students who must touch that first brick on the path to college credits early,” Ms. Rosario said.
Another benefit of the program is that “It earns you college credit ahead of graduating high school, so you are entering college already with some credits under your belt, so to speak,” A.P. World History teacher, Mr. Anderson, stated.
“This gives students an exposure to more rigorous, college-level content with the additional bonus of earning college credit at a very discounted rate. If a student decides to attend SJU, they will earn tuition credit for having participated in the college advantage program,” Calculus teacher, Ms. Haritos stated. “They come out with a St. John’s transcript! How great is that? Students should take advantage of the opportunity to earn guaranteed credits at a relatively low tuition rate.”
The College Advantage Program is still adding new classes to its list of available courses.
“This is the second year that students in my senior journalism class are able to receive credit from my class through SJU CAP. The process of getting my course approved took some time and effort, but with the encouragement and guidance of Ms. Rosario, I was able to get it done. I hope many more students are able to receive credit through my class in the future to offset the cost of their college tuition,” journalism teacher, Mrs. Fitzgerald, said.
The College Advantage for Future Careers
“The St. John’s College Advantage Program is a great opportunity for students to get college credit while still in high school. The way it works is that students pay a reduced tuition and get college credit for the same work that they have to do in the classroom. They might only have to do one extra assignment for this program. They get college credit by passing the class,” Mr. Dookeeram said. “What makes it great is that by getting college credit while still in high school the students in the program get a head start on college credits. I think it is a total win-win for students in the program who plan on attending St. John’s.”
A Win for Students
The program affords massive rewards to students intending to go onto higher education. It decreases the quantity it takes to complete their courses in college alongside with it, courses in calculus,, world history and journalism are also part of what students can look forward to making sure they have some well-rounded academic experiences before entering college level courses.
The St. John’s College Advantage Program is a win-win for students who join. Someone who participates in the program can get college credit for almost nothing while starting their college careers early.
For additional information on the program students should visit Ms. Rosario in the College Office and check out application information here https://www.stjohns.edu/admission/other-programs/college-advantage-program
