Area high school students getting jump start on college

College can be a big leap for some, but for more than 130 students at area high schools, it should be an easy transition. Those high school students are taking college courses with enough credits to be considered full-time freshmen at Genesee Community College. These students are getting a head start on their college careers and could potentially enter as sophomores, having completed their first year of college while still in high school.

Amberlyn Mosier is one such student. A senior at Kendall High School, Mosier decided to start taking advanced level courses after her high school guidance counselor told her about Genesee Community College's program. She is currently taking courses in public speaking, health, algebra, English, and her favorite, psychology. Mosier says the classes are more challenging than her regular courses. She has applied to the New York State University at Buffalo and hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.

"By taking these courses now, while I'm still in high school, I'm able to get my general education requirements out of the way and will have more time to focus on classes related to my major," she said. "And it's cheaper! I'm so glad that I participated in this program and I highly recommend it."

A typical course scheduled for advanced studies students includes introductory courses in English, mathematics, foreign language, science and history. Genesee Community College credits earned in these courses will transfer to SUNY colleges and most two/four year colleges and universities throughout the state and country if a student has earned a C or better in the course.

January 21, 2007