students dissecting an eye in biology class

Dual Credit for High School Students

Earning college credit while you're in high school can save you time and money when you go to college! Enjoy more challenging courses and prepare for college. Quite often, taking a class that you enjoy means you'll be more motivated to study and do homework and that translates into earning a higher grade than you would in a class that you don't find interesting. Taking college courses can also provide you with a head start on career opportunities.

Why take college classes in high school?

Benefit #1: You can take more advanced classes. Bonus: You may be able to skip some introductory classes once you become a college student.

Benefit #2: Having college classes on your transcript can help your college application stand out from the crowd. Bonus: You'll know what to expect from college-level coursework which may help you feel less stressed about starting college.


College in the High School

Some schools allow high school students to take college classes as a replacement for one or more of the regular high school classes. College in the High School classes are taught at select high schools for both high school and college credit.

Find out which College in the High School classes are offered at your high school. Meet with your high school counselor or home school official and obtain permission to enroll. Remember, you must meet all prerequisites for the course(s).

College in the High School Course Fee Information - Students participating in College in the High School are assessed a $25 per course fee. Payment can be made through myMCC, in-person, or over the phone through the MCC Registration and Records Office at (815) 455-8588. Payment is not required to begin classes. Additional information, including billing, will be provided to families mid-semester.


Articulated Credit Courses

These courses are taught at your high school, and the credit that you earn is "saved" or banked for you at MCC. You're awarded credit after you successfully complete additional coursework at MCC. These credits are only accepted at McHenry County College and will not transfer to other colleges or universities.


Dual Enrollment

High school students can take college courses without receiving any high school credit; however, they may be able to receive college credit once they enroll in a college. Dual Enrollment courses are taken at MCC.