Student Success Stories
Jordyn Field Class of 2003
Oregon City High School
47 college credits earned
Western Oregon University (03-04) & Manhattanville College (New York) (04-present)
College Major: Communications (minor in business/management)
Approx. amount saved due to ACC = $40,000
"Because of the college credits I earned in high school, I will graduate from college a year early. It only took me 3 years to complete my undergraduate education! My advice to students in high school: DO NOT pass up this opportunity! It is the best investment of your time & money that you could possibly make!"
Ian Durkee Class of 2003
Gladstone HS
31 College Credits Earned
University of Oregon
"Because of my credits earned in high school, I was able to skip multiple courses towards my major. My advice to students in high school: Take as many college credits as you can; credits cost a lot of money in college."
Caitlin Henden Class of 2004
Canby High School
30 college credits earned
Now attending: Oregon State University
Current Major: Pre-dental (general science)
Approximate amount saved due to ACC = over $10,000
"Due to the college credits earned at my high school I gained sophomore standing after 1 term. This doesn’t mean anything right now, but next year at this time, I will have junior standing, which will give me priority for picking classes that I need to complete my major. I could also potentially complete my academics at OSU in 3 years, making it possible to apply for dental school a year earlier. Because many of the classes I took at Canby transferred over, the majority of my bachelor core classes have been eliminated, freeing up my schedule to either enroll in classes for my major or take other classes that are not in my major but that I am interested in.
My advice to students still in high school: Start planning for college early. As a freshman in high school, I knew that I needed certain classes to prepare me for the college level. I took many science classes (3 years of chemistry, 3 years of biology) anticipating that I would need to take those in college. Taking college credit classes in high school may seem hard and bothersome, but the benefits strongly outweigh any negative aspect.
The amount of money saved by taking college credit classes in high school is enormous. Applying a bit more time to homework and taking these sorts of classes will put you ahead in college and better prepare you for the college courses."
Sarah Sellevaag Class of 2004
Oregon City High School
36 college credits earned
Now attending: Pacific University
Current Major: Psychology with Minor in Journalism
Approximate amount saved due to ACC = $10,000
Sarah will graduate from Pacific University in June 2007. Because of her credits through the ACC program she will complete her Bachelor's degree in 3 years.
Emily Crawford Class of 2001
Rex Putnam High School
40 college credits earned
University Attended: Gonzaga University
Major: Psychology
Cost savings due to ACC = $25,000
"Because of the college credits earned during high school I gained early placement in pre-requisite courses for my major, which allowed me to take nearly every upper-division class I wanted. Earning college credit saved money and time in terms of getting into the classes I needed when I did enter college. For anyone who is able to do it, I would recommend taking AP level courses in high school, regardless of future plans or whether or not you are sure of what subject you wish to pursue in your further studies. Those courses will prepare you for the more demanding expectations of college professors and will help you to practice study habits that will benefit any university student. Don’t let the title “Advanced” scare you into taking a less rigorous course, because AP courses are a very nice transition from high school level work to college level work: you get the help and attention you need from your high school teachers, but a taste of the kind of materials and schedules you will encounter at a university.
My advice to students still in high school: Take as many ACC courses as is possible given student’s schedules. Keep in mind that extra curricular activities are important as well when applying to colleges, so don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to take several accelerated courses. I would also advise calling the admissions offices of the colleges you will be applying to and asking if they will accept transfer credits from the colleges granting college credit in high school before enrolling as well, though even if the credits won’t transfer those classes are incredible preparation for the demands of college level courses."
Ryan Lingmann Class of 1996
Oregon City High School
23 college credits earned
Brigham Young University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Cost savings due to ACC = $3000
"Overall time to finish school was a year shorter.* For students that are serious about going to college and getting it done, this is the way to go."
*BYU would not accept the college credits earned in high school, so Ryan came to Clackamas and where all the credits were accepted and applied toward the 2-year Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree. Ryan earned the AAOT in 1 year and then BYU accepted all the credits within the degree and placed him at Junior standing.
Jennifer Villalobos Class of 2004
Molalla High School
50 college credits earned
Oregon State University
Major: Business Administration
Cost savings due to ACC = $15,000
"Some of the benefits of earning college credit in high school include not having to take the normal freshman classes and being able to have a higher rank when you enter the university. By taking ACC classes, you have the opportunity to learn and earn credit in a small and personal setting with teachers you already know. In college it is less likely you will have such a unique learning situation. You get to earn credit while in the comfort of your own high school. Everyone should make the most of this opportunity.
My advise to students still in high school: Take advantage of every ACC class you can take. You will never find a better and cheaper way to earn college credit. Taking ACC courses can challenge you and put you ahead of the rest of your class. Taking these classes puts you one step closer to reaching your future goals."
