Dual enrollment has some disadvantages in terms of time and money, but for many students, it offers intellectually exciting options not offered in their high schools. It also demonstrates to prospective colleges that they can perform and hold their own alongside older, mature peers. Students who take part in dual enrollment can benefit from several advantages:

It allows gifted kids to fulfill their potential. If your school is lacking Advanced Placement options or if you have a unique subject of interest, then dual enrollment allows you to take matters into your own hands. Colleges offer a diverse array of course offerings that extend far beyond what you can learn in high school. Instead of languishing in classes in that don't challenge or inspire you, check out the interesting options (as well as their prerequsites) at a local college.

It improves academic readiness. By immersing yourself in college-level work early on, you'll be more prepared once you do enter college. Many freshman are surprised by the amount of reading and the quality of work required by college instructors. Dual enrollment programs help get students comfortably acquainted with the idea of college and eliminates the intimidation factor, especially among first-generation collegegoers and underrepresented minorities.

It gives a boost in college admissions. Many colleges look upon dual enrollment favorably, since it's a sign that the student can complete challenging and advanced coursework. So does that mean you should cram in as many college-level courses as possible to impress your future admissions committee? Not exactly. Brian Taylor, Assistant Director of Admissions at the University of Texas at Austin, writes, "We look positively upon students who take the recommended rather than the required high school courses. But ... the reason to take and succeed in your classes is not just to possibly get a favorable offer of admission to all the colleges on your wish list. The bigger thing to focus on is getting the best preparation for your academic future."

Dual enrollment laws vary by state, and each school district may implement it in a different way. (Some may offer college classes on high school campuses by hiring professors; others may have relationships with local community colleges.) Ask your guidance counselor about the options you have if you want to pursue dual enrollment.

Previously, we talked about the growing numbers of high school students taking part in dual enrollment programs that allow them to earn college credit before they ever receive a fat envelope. Before you sign up, here are some of the disadvantages to keep in mind:

 
It might cost money. Many dual enrollment programs try to save their students money by offering free or reduced tuition classes. However, if yours doesn't, you'll have to pay for tuition, as well as textbooks and coursepacks. On the other hand, dual enrollment gives you the chance to finish basic requirements before entering your freshman year of college. Classes at a community college, even if you pay for them, may be cheaper than the ones at a four-year university, so you might wind up saving money. You have to make sure, however, that your future college will allow you to transfer the credits.

It takes time. College classes come with more course material and more reading than what you may be used to. In addition to the time you'll spend on the more difficult coursework, you should also factor in commuting to class if your high school doesn't offer college classes on campus.  Most students dual enroll during their junior or senior years, the same time when they're studying for standardized tests and applying for colleges. These responsibilities will already demand much of your attention. Also keep in mind that senior year will be a period when you'll want to spend time with friends and family. Overcommitting yourself might not be the best idea.

It may be too difficult. Because college coursework is more rigorous, you should be sure that you're prepared to be challenged. Even if an instructor is teaching a college class on a high school campus, he or she is usually required to have an advanced degree on the subject or may be a professor hired for the job. For those taking classes on a college campus, remember that you won't be treated like a high school student in the lecture hall, so you'll have to perform above and beyond usual expectations to compete with your fellow classmates. If you're intimidated, try out summer classes at your local community college instead of academic-year classes at a big university. Remember, grades in these classes carry over to your college transcript (if you want the credits to count), so they'll will be with you for the rest of your undergraduate education.

On the other hand, dual enrollment is often a blessing for students who feel stifled by unchallenging coursework. Check back tomorrow for some of the advantages to getting a head start on college.

With so many unstructured weeks ahead, what exactly should you be spending your summer doing? In addition to familiarizing yourself with the admissions process, you should pursue activities that are meaningful to you or deepen your knowledge of a pre-existing interest. Don't be concerned with trying to impress admissions officers. They're after students who are genuinely committed to exploring their passions, not students who are merely resume-building. To make the most of your summer, keep in mind the following options:

• Volunteer. Julie Manhan says: "This is a great way to try your hand at something new or get experience in a field you’re interested in.  If you can’t find something you like, look for a need and be creative.  There may be a neighbor who could use help with yard work or a child who needs someone to help him improve his math skills.  Get your friends involved.  Maybe you could organize a food drive in your neighborhood to benefit your local food bank.  The only limit is your imagination."

• Join a summer camp or take a class. Teen Diaries Blog writes: "There is a summer camp for almost everything from sports to art. Try contacting local colleges or universities for camps specializing in a specific major you’re interested in. These will allow you to take classes in the field of work you plan to pursue and gain the campus experience which is pretty cool!" 

• Expand your cultural knowledge. Dave Barry at CollegeView believes: "Summer seems to invite students to turn off their brains and recline into three months of MTV, game shows, video games, and soap opera digest.  Don’t be one of those.  Go to the library and check out some classics or some poetry.  Stimulate your brain.  Even if you can make it through only one good book this summer, you’ll be ahead of the game."

Summer may have officially begun, but for fall college applicants, this is just the pre-season to admissions. Now's the time to get a headstart on the process and make things easier come autumn. With three months of vacation, students can kick back, relax, and still have plenty of time to get ready for the piles of applications that await. Here are some tips on how to maximize your productivity this summer and make the fall a breeze:

• Get experience. MyCollegeCalendar.org suggests: "There are opportunities for unpaid internships, local community volunteer programs, domestic or foreign volunteer programs, community college courses, high school advanced credit courses, and other pursuits."

• Explore your college options. Such A Smart Mom says: "Be sure to factor in your GPA and any SAT or ACT test results as you narrow your choices. If you have certain schools in mind, spend time looking over their websites. The National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator has great information about graduation rates, freshman student retention rates, admittance rates and financial aid awards for colleges. Simply type in the name of a school near the top of the page in the section aptly labeled Name of School."
  

• Sneak in a campus tour. Steve Cohen at Zinch.com lets us in on a secret: "One real plus of summer visits is that some colleges only conduct personal interviews during the summer months. That’s because admissions officers are usually on the road in the fall visiting high schools. So check ahead and see if the colleges you’re considering will schedule an interview." 
  

• Create a resume. Michael Streich writes: "Summertime offers many undisturbed hours to gather four-year’s worth of high school accolades in order to develop a resume. Students should bear in mind that many applications will have separate forms listing extracurricular activities and volunteerism."

• Have fun. MyUSearch Blog offers the following parting advice: "Use the summer to really reflect on the things that you hold most valuable. If you could do anything, without commitments for one full week, what would it be? When you have that answer, ask yourself why you value that activity so much and think about how college will help make this activity more than just something you can do in your free time.