Hi there, I’m a rising junior from an average public school in NJ. Since I have already self-studied AP Calc BC this year (5), I have the option to take Multivariable Calculus(MVC) and AP Physics C(APPC) (both Mech and E&M) next year, but then I would have no more math or physics courses to take senior year (already took/will take junior year: AP stats, AP chem, all cs courses, AP econ). As such, I’d like to explore dual enrollment opportunities in NJ, preferably linear algebra, abstract algebra or related courses, or maybe advanced physics courses.
So, a few questions:
For those who dual enrolled in NJ, which colleges allow you to dual enroll?
Is there any reason not to take MVC and APPC (and instead take AP calc bc and AP Physics 1)?
Otherwise, what do I do in senior year if DE does not work for me? After taking the APs available to me, I would need to fill my schedule with other classes (which are frankly not interesting and would probably lower my course rigor), and our school only allows us to have a maximum of one (1) free period.
For some background: Both multivariable calculus and AP physics C are quite easy to me anyway, because I have done some physics olympiad training. Also, if this helps anyone give advice, I have a significant <=top200 award (will not reveal which to avoid dox).
From what my counselor has told me so far, our school is not involved in any DE programs, but he has mentioned that students have done DE before (did not mention where).
One thing that you might have to keep in mind is that some high schools and/or colleges won’t let DE students take 200-level classes. So multi-variable is likely ok, but, depending on the college, linear algebra might be a 200-level class. I’ve noticed that here in NJ. If that’s the case for you, then you may want to take a 100-level stats class.
Taking DE physics makes a ton of sense. If it’s calc-based and you take the lab then you might get full credit and/or placement in whichever full-time university you end up at. This is something my D26 is planning to do, and she’s confirmed that it should work with her guidance counselor.
I wouldn’t have recommended testing out of AP Calc BC, because there is no advantage in getting so far ahead in math that you need to scramble to find classes in later years. But since that ship has sailed, it does make sense for you to take MVC and APPC junior year.
Linear algebra via DE is a reasonable class to take in your senior year, but that’s typically only one semester. Differential equations is another class to consider.
Not sure if it’s an NJ-specific policy, but it is a specific policy at our NJ school - DE is only allowed for 100-level classes. Otherwise the course won’t count for high school graduation requirements.
Princeton HS students can take courses at Princeton U in this situation (if you’ve exhausted the offerings at PHS), and I’m guessing the same arrangement may be in place with other nearby schools (though you may be too far away). I would talk to your school counselor and see if your school has a similar arrangement with a nearby university.
Princeton is too far, and it only offers DE to nearby schools, so this is most likely not possible.
Sidenote, it appears that Rutgers does not have a DE program, but would it work out if I just asked a professor to take their course? I’ve heard of such stories (in other colleges, not rutgers) before. Does anyone know if this is possible? (or if rutgers actually has a DE program?)
Do you know where your daughter is dual-enrolling at? So far, I could not find any NJ college that accepts dual enroll students. (well, there are some programs, but they do not accept students from my school).
Catholic school, so they have relationships with some of the catholic colleges in North Jersey like Seton Hall, Felician, Caldwell, and St Peters. But I do wonder if it has to be a relationship with the high school itself to offer it versus the college offering it.