Early College Advising
Selecting college courses that align with your academic and career goals will save you time and money. CEI Early College Programs offers students resources to help. Use the links below to view planning guides or to make an appointment with an Early College Academic Advisor.
Katie FonnesbeckEarly College Pathways
Early College students at CEI work on many different goals. Some students take 1-3 dual credit courses during high school for the college experience and to earn valuable credits. Other students work toward a specific goal, such as completing one year of college credit, earning a college certificate, completing prerequisites for a specific college program, or earning an associate degree. All college coursework and goals are valuable and will save students time and money. You can work with a CEI Early College Academic Advisor to explore your options and decide which pathway is best for you.
Option 1: Getting Ahead
Taking a few college classes during high school will help you get ahead and save money. Students can take classes in a variety of subjects and classes are highly transferrable. Students should meet with an advisor to discover how the classes they take will apply to future goals.
Option 2: GEM Completion Pathway
The GEM (General Education Matriculation) Pathway is a collection of courses that provides a learner with a broad base of foundation academic coursework. GEM courses are taken in several categories that establish the foundation of most college degrees. Completing the full pathway equals approximately one year of college coursework and provides the framework for students to advance in their academic careers. The GEM Completion Pathway is available directly through CEI, through IDLA, or by using some transfer credits.
Students working toward this goal must meet with a CEI Early College Academic Advisor to create an individualized plan. Not all students take the same classes in college, and credits used for GEM completion do not always waive major requirements. It’s very important to work with a CEI advisor to understand how your courses through Early College will apply to your long-term goals. Minimum GPA & other degree requirements apply. Ask your CEI advisor for details.
Option 3: Associate Degree Pathway
The Associate Degree Pathway at CEI is available in three concentrations; Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Business. These degrees require the completion of 60 college credits and take careful planning. Completing a full associate degree equals approximately two years of college coursework and provides the foundation for students to advance in their academic careers.
Students working toward this goal must meet with a CEI Early College Academic Advisor to create an individualized plan. Not all college courses apply to all college degrees, so it’s very important to work with a college advisor to understand how courses taken through Early College will apply to long-term goals. Minimum GPA & other degree requirements apply.