Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Is this another type of AP class?
    2. Where and when do these classes meet?
    3. How does a college class fit into a high school schedule?
    4. How could a college class help me?
    5. Will my college grades affect my high school grade point average (GPA)?
    1. Is this another type of Advanced Placement (AP) class?
      • AP classes are college-level high school classes taught by high school teachers that are intended to prepare students for a final AP placement exam, before possible acceptance by colleges. College Institute classes allow students to take college classes taught by college professors.
      • College classes involve:
        • Meeting course prerequisites
        • Performing college reading/writing/test-taking skills under the direction of college professors
        • Earning transferable college credits*
        • Paying for tuition, books & fees*

        *see FAQ "Will credits earned transfer elsewhere?"
        **MC grants are available for students with financial need.

    2. Where and when do College Institute classes meet?
      • Many classes meet on the high school site, either in the room provided by Montgomery College or in an available high school classroom.
      • Others meet on the nearby campus of the Universities at Shady Grove (for which MCPS free bus transportation is available Monday thru Thursday).
      • Unlike high school classes that meet every day of the week, for approx. 45 minutes every day, college classes meet two days a week (for approx. 1.5 hours) during one semester.

    3. How does a college class fit into a high school schedule?
      • Because most seniors who qualify for this program only have 1-2 classes required in their last year of high school, there is usually more than enough time to fit a college class into their senior schedule.
      • When college classes are offered at the same location as the many other options available to high school seniors, students can still include desired elective classes, sports, and clubs.
      • For example, when a student selects a college class that meets every Tuesday and Thursday, this student may use Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to study, use the Media Center or Career Center, or relax in the Student Union (cafeteria).

    4. How could a college class help me?
      • It provides me the opportunity to take on higher academic challenges in a more complex setting that include:
        • College reading
        • College report writing and exam-taking
        • Making good use of free time for studying or meeting.
      • It extends my college admissions profile beyond high school and AP courses.
      • It provides proof to colleges and universities (to which I might apply), that I am already successful at a collegiate level.
      • It can help me focus on my future areas of interest.
      • It can give me a kick-start on my road to a degree.

    5. Will my college grades affect my high school Grade Point Average (GPA)?
      • The grades a student earns in a College Institute course are NOT included in his/her high school GPA. The grades earned from these college courses are reflected on each student's Montgomery College transcript, viewed on a private web page, and available for transfer upon the student's request.
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