Information for High School Students Taking College Composition
Date: May 2, 2008
To: High school students and their parents
From: Dr. Mary Pat McQueeney
Re: High school students attempting college courses
Starting college early has certain advantages; it also has pitfalls. I'm sure you have thought of the advantages, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that parents and students don't always consider pitfalls before enrolling. These FAQs are my way of helping you think of the implications of taking a college English course while still in high school.
If I really want/need to take English Composition while I'm still in high school, what can I do?
 | Decide that you are a college student who is still
in high school. That means that you need to adopt self-reliant adult
behavior. |
| Be open to learning. In college, you will meet
instructors who specialize in the courses they are teaching. They are
expecting you to learn for life--for your personal growth and for your career
aspirations. |
| Get in the habit of reporting your progress to
someone--parents, a friend, a counselor. The reporting itself will keep you on
track. |
| Remember that going to the instructor's office is a
good thing in college. |
| Don't get behind, because you'll have plenty of high school activities to distract you. When you're tempted to let the college class slide, remind yourself that the grade for that class becomes part of the record that you will carry for life. |
Is Composition at JCCC easier than at a four-year school?
My sections aren't, because my standards conform to national writing standards. Nor should they be, because the learning as well as the credit needs to be transferable to other schools. Most schools require at least a C, by the way.
Do you know who are the high school students in the course?
Not officially, and I really don't need to know, because I will not approach their instruction any differently than I do traditional college students'. As far as I am concerned everyone in my class is a college student.
Do you take into account that high school students haven't completed Senior English?
No. They are expected to have mastered those skills before beginning Composition I.
Do high school students do well in your Composition classes?
Several do well in Composition I. Even those who do well in Composition I have difficulty in Composition II, however, because of the high level of critical thinking required for that course.
Do high school students do better taking courses on-campus or online?
On-campus works better, generally speaking, especially during the Spring semester (when senioritis is likely to hit). Peer pressure and the standardized structure of the classroom can keep students on track. On the other hand, I've had online situations where high school students had to keep up with a group of returning 30-somethings who were mature thinkers. That was quite an intellectual challenge. Some rose to the occasion, while others were completely out of their element.
Do you allow high school students to receive an excused absence for major senior year events such as homecoming and college visits or sports events?
I don't recognize excused and unexcused absences for any students. My syllabus states my absentee policy, which is generous, but high school students need to take into account their multiple schedules before enrolling. They are college students in my classes.
Do high school students ever fail English Composition?
Yes, and this can be quite sad when students are relying on that credit for a high school diploma. At least five former students of mine did not graduate with their high school class because they failed the English class they needed for high school graduation. Two others damaged their athletic eligibility, and all damaged their college grade point average.
Do you advise a high school student's counselor and parents if the student is not making adequate progress in class?
I cannot do that because of the way JCCC interprets privacy regulations. The student and I may communicate, but the student must sign a waiver in order for me to visit with guardians. I would have no reason to visit directly with high school personnel.
Will you provide grades early if needed for graduation?
I will not do that because of prior experiences with high school students abusing early reporting. Grades are available to high school students when they are available to other students. Because students can access their grades electronically, they are responsible for reporting those to high school counselors.