A Friendly Guide to UC Dual Enrollment for Students & Families
Are you a high school student (or the parent of one) looking to get a head start on college? UC Dual Enrollment could be a great option. Dual enrollment allows students to take college-level courses that may count toward both high school graduation and future University of California (UC) admission requirements. But before you jump in, it helps to understand the basics of what makes a course count toward UC’s “A-G” subject requirements.
What is Dual Enrollment?
Dual enrollment enables high school students to enroll in college courses while still attending high school. You’ll earn college credits (and sometimes high school credits as well), all while exploring more advanced topics and getting a taste of the college experience. It’s a wonderful way to challenge yourself academically and enhance your college application.
Step 1: Make Sure the College is Properly Accredited
Before signing up for a dual enrollment course, verify that the college you choose is accredited by a recognized organization—specifically one of the seven formerly regional accrediting agencies.
Why it matters: UC only accepts transfer credit from accredited institutions.
Step 2: Confirm the Course is UC-Transferable
In most cases, the course you take must be UC-transferable. You can check this on Assist.org, which shows how courses at California community colleges transfer to UC.
Exception: English and math courses have special guidelines, so be sure to review those carefully if that’s what you plan to take.
Step 3: Check the Course Units
The course should typically be worth:
3 semester units (or more), or
4 quarter units (or more)
Each time it’s taken, it needs to meet that minimum unit requirement.
Step 4: Align the Course with an A-G Subject Area
UC’s admissions criteria revolve around the “A-G” subject requirements. Make sure the college course you’re taking matches one of these subject areas. That usually means it’s similar to courses in English, math, science, foreign language, social sciences, or the visual/performing arts.
Tip: Use the A-G Policy Resource Guide and “A-G charts” in the Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions to confirm if a course falls under an A-G category.
Step 5: Aim for a Grade of “C” or Better
You’ll need to take the course for a letter grade (no pass/fail), and you should earn at least a “C”—note that UC does not accept a C-. If you do earn at least a C, you can typically count the course toward the relevant A-G requirement.
Reporting Your Coursework in the UC Application
When it’s time to apply to UC, you’ll enter your college courses in one of two ways:
If the course meets all A-G criteria:
Report it under “College coursework” in the Academic History section of the UC application.
If the course does not meet all A-G criteria:
Report it under “Other coursework” in the Activities & Awards section.
Why does this matter? Accurately classifying your courses ensures UC admissions can correctly evaluate your transcript.
A Note on College Credit for High School Classes
Sometimes high schools grant “college credit” just for completing a particular high school course. UC generally does not accept that kind of credit. However, if you have “credit by exam” (and it appears on your official college transcript as true college credit), it might count—provided it meets the same requirements listed above.
Final Thoughts
Dual enrollment can open doors to advanced subjects, save on future tuition costs, and strengthen your college application. Just remember:
Verify accreditation.
Check that the course is UC-transferable on Assist.org.
Ensure the course has enough units and fits within an A-G subject area.
Aim for a grade of C or better.
Report the course correctly on your UC application.
With the right planning, dual enrollment can be a powerful tool that sets you on a path to success at UC and beyond!
Questions?
If you’re unsure about anything—like whether your chosen college is properly accredited or which A-G area your course fits into—reach out to us at College Bird. Being proactive now will save you time and headaches later. Good luck on your dual enrollment journey!
This blog post is based on information found in UC’s Dual Enrollment Guide.
