Dual Enrollment: A Smart Play for Student Athletes
For today’s high school student athletes, the path to college is about more than just highlight reels and stats. It’s about proving you’re ready—not only for the demands of college athletics but for the rigor of college academics. One of the best ways to do that? Dual enrollment.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment (DE) allows high school students to take real college courses, earning college credit while still in high school. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) or IB (International Baccalaureate) programs, dual enrollment courses are taught through partnerships with colleges, often community colleges, and credit is awarded directly by the college.
That means student athletes can walk into senior year or even college with several credits under their belt and a transcript that shows they are ready for the next level.
Why It Matters for Student Athletes
College coaches and admissions teams aren’t just evaluating you on the field. They want to know you can handle the balance of school and sport. Dual enrollment is a powerful way to show them that you can.
Here’s how DE can set you apart:
Demonstrates college readiness
Successfully completing a college-level course proves you can handle the workload that comes with being a college athlete.
Builds academic confidence
DE helps students get comfortable with college expectations before they leave high school.
Saves time and money
Earning credits early can reduce the number of courses (and cost) once you’re in college, which is especially valuable for student athletes on tight schedules.
Boosts your college application
Dual enrollment signals maturity, discipline, and initiative—all qualities coaches and admissions teams look for.
Is It the Right Fit?
Dual enrollment isn't one-size-fits-all. Some courses are taken on a college campus, others are taught at your high school by certified instructors, and some are even offered online. Many states and schools offer dual credit at little to no cost.
Most DE students take courses in core subjects like English, history, or math, but some programs align directly with career or academic interests, including health sciences, business, or engineering.
Actionable Tip: If you’re aiming for a specific major or NCAA eligibility, check that your DE credits align with both high school graduation and NCAA core course requirements.
Addressing Equity and Access
While dual enrollment is growing quickly and is offered in over 80 percent of high schools, access isn’t always equal. Data shows that Black, Hispanic, English learners, and students with disabilities are underrepresented in DE programs. At POLARIS, we believe that every student athlete deserves the chance to shine, both on and off the field.
We encourage families to ask:
What DE opportunities does our high school offer?
Are there courses that align with our athlete’s academic goals?
What support is available if my student needs help with the workload?
Making the Most of It
If you’re considering dual enrollment, here’s how to approach it:
1. Start with a plan
Talk to your school counselor about available DE courses and how they fit into your academic and athletic goals.
2. Be realistic
Choose one or two courses that challenge you, but don’t overload your schedule. Remember, you're balancing academics with training, travel, and recovery.
3. Ask for support
If the transition feels tough, seek help early. Tutors, professors, or your POLARIS advisor can help you succeed.
4. Track your progress
Treat your DE course like a college class. Stay organized, meet deadlines, and stay in communication with your instructors.
Need extra support?
That’s where our trusted partners at Revolution Prep come in. Their team of full-time, professional tutors works across all subject areas and course levels—including honors, AP, and dual enrollment. Whether you're brushing up on math, tackling college-level writing, or building better study habits, Revolution Prep can help set you up for success with the consistency and structure student athletes need.
Your Future Is Now
Dual enrollment is more than an academic opportunity. It’s a signal. It tells college coaches and admissions officers: I’m ready. Ready to compete, ready to contribute, and ready to succeed.
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we’re here to help student athletes take advantage of every tool available—in the classroom, in competition, and beyond. If you’re a sophomore or junior thinking about college athletics, now is the time to explore how dual enrollment can fit into your game plan.
Want help building a roadmap for college success? Reach out to POLARIS. We’re with you every step of the way.