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.