Explore dual enrollment (California community college courses, free under AB 288)

Overview

California AB 288 (2015) and AB 28 (2021) created College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP), letting high school students take community college courses free (no tuition, no textbook rental at many). Courses count for A-G credit, can demonstrate rigor, and - if you earn a C or better - transfer to UCs and CSUs.

Why This Matters

• Free college credit in 11th or 12th grade
• Demonstrates rigor to admissions (like AP but broader subject range)
• Access to courses your high school doesn't offer (linguistics, film, philosophy, economics, advanced engineering)
• Head start on college major requirements
• Transfers to UC/CSU if you take the right courses (articulated via ASSIST.org)

How to Enroll

1. Talk to your high school counselor about your school's dual enrollment partnership
2. Select a course. Common fits: statistics, psychology, communications, ethnic studies, economics
3. Fill out the dual enrollment form (signed by parent + counselor)
4. Register at the community college
5. Check ASSIST.org to verify the course transfers to your target UC/CSU major

Cost

• Tuition: $0 for enrolled dual-enrollment students at most CA community colleges
• Books: Sometimes free through the high school; sometimes purchase required (typically $50-$100 per course)
• Fees: Minor lab or student fees may apply

Schedule Considerations

• Courses run on college semester/quarter schedules (not high school year)
• May require after-school time, evening, or online format
• Some high schools host courses on high school campus
• Summer is often the best window

Strategic Use

For the Overachieving Junior: Take a college-level course in an area that interests you (economics, statistics, philosophy) to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and rigor beyond AP offerings.

For the Underserved Student: Fill gaps in your high school's offerings - if your high school doesn't offer calculus, take it at the community college.

For the Major-Intending Senior: Take 1-2 courses in your intended major to preview college-level work.

UC and CSU Transfer Credit

• Earn C or better: Course transfers for A-G and major credit
• Earn A or B: Can count toward UC GPA (same weight as high school honors/AP)
• Courses tagged as "UC-transferable" on assist.org are the safest

Limitations

• Courses below "transferable" level (e.g., remedial, basic skills) don't count
• Check specific UC major requirements - some majors have prerequisites that must come from the home high school or a specific articulation

Why Families Miss This

Most counselors focus on AP. Dual enrollment is less well-known but equally or more valuable for showing rigor. First-gen and underserved families are especially unlikely to hear about it.

Timeline

• Sophomore spring: Research what's available
• Summer before junior year: Take first class
• Junior year: Continue 1-2 courses per semester
• Senior year: Can add strategic college courses aligned with intended major

Documentation for Applications

List dual enrollment courses:

• Common App: Under Education → College courses taken
• UC: Under Academic History → Colleges
• Keep transcripts from the community college; request official sends during senior year applications

Which Community College?

Enroll at the community college closest to your home, or the one with the best partnership with your high school. Most CA community colleges accept dual enrollment students.