5 Online Courses High School Students Can Take to Get College Credits

Navigating the university application process can be daunting and confusing. There’s so much you need to do to stand out and succeed. At Immerse Education we aim to make this process easier by guiding you through the different things you need to focus on. Volunteering, summer school, studying abroad, doing an internship are all things you’ve probably heard of, but have you ever considered taking online courses to get college credits?

These programmes are designed specifically for high school students who want to delve deeper into subjects that interest them, and they give you college credit in return. What makes them even more attractive is that you can do it from the comfort of your laptop, anytime, anywhere. 

Here’s a list of online courses that we think will help you, and that you can start at any time before your university application process begins.

Benefits of Earning College Credits in High School

Before you start researching different online courses that give you college credits, it’s worth taking some time to think about why you need them. The first reason, as we have already mentioned, is that it will set you apart from other college applicants and make your application stand out from the rest. But is there anything else?

The short answer is yes! Working on your credits even before you start your studies is extremely beneficial:

• It will help you save money and reduce your tuition fees.
• Gives you more time to study new subjects and settle into a new environment.
• Shows that you are competent and committed.
• Allows you to explore certain subjects before deciding what you want to study.
• It’s an opportunity to start working on skills (time management, critical thinking, communication, management, etc.) that will have an impact on your educational and professional future. 
• Allows you to start working on your professional network.

In short, the sooner you start earning college credits, the better!

What To Look For In An Online College Credit Course 

A quick Google search will give you many different options for online courses for high school students who want to start earning college credits. But not all of them will be right for you. Here’s a quick checklist to help you enrol in a course that matches your interests and helps you with the application process.

1. Choose online programmes offered by DfE-registered providers, universities or other government-approved providers.
2. Make sure the online course you choose matches your interests, strengths and skills.
3. Check the qualifications you will receive on completion of the programme.
4. Look for testimonials from students who have taken or completed the course. 
5. Check the equipment requirements for the course.
6. Try to choose programmes that offer tutoring and individual support.

Online Courses High School Students can take to get College Credits

That said, here’s a list of the best online courses you can take as a high school student to start earning college credits and stand out in university applications. 

Immerse Education Online Summer Courses

At Immerse Education we offer a wide range of online courses specifically designed for ambitious high school students around the world. Our courses are designed to suit the interests and curiosity of almost any high school student. 

We have options for those who want to develop their own architectural flair, understand algorithms and machine learning processes, explore their interest in the arts and humanities, or delve into the core principles of encryption. 

We also offer guidance from experienced professionals in genetics, ecology, business, economics, chemistry, creative writing, engineering, history and more.

In other words, if you are between the ages of 13 and 18 and want to explore and learn more about a particular subject, then our online courses are for you.

Our catalogue includes subjects such as 

• Architecture
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biology
• Business Management
• Chemistry
• Coding
• Computer Science
• Creative writing
• Business Studies
• Engineering
• History
• Law
• Mathematics
• Medicine
• Psychology
• And more.

Each course has its own structure, but most take between 10 and 20 hours to complete. Those that are part of our Accredited Online Research Programme can earn you up to 8 UCAS points. 

Stanford Online High School

Dedicated teachers guide you in a live online classroom through a challenging curriculum designed specifically for academically advanced students from the United States and 42 countries around the world. 

As an applicant to Stanford Online High School, you will be required to complete an admissions process in which your academic ability and personal qualities will be carefully evaluated to determine if you are a suitable candidate and for which specific course.

Their catalogue includes subjects such as English, humanities, history, languages, mathematics, computing, science, wellness and more. Applications open in autumn 2024 and you can choose to study a single course, part-time (2-3 courses) or full-time (4-5 courses). 

Oxford Online Summer Schools

Oxford Scholastica offers a range of online courses for students aged 12-18 to help them prepare for university. In a small group setting (15 students), you will enjoy live online discussions, research and debates led by tutors and mentees who have graduated from Oxford University, Cambridge and Harvard.

The next online courses are scheduled for June 2025 and include options such as Business Studies, Creative Writing & Storytelling, Medicine, Politics & Debate, Technology & Coding, Architecture & Design, Biology & Life Sciences and more. 

As a student, you will be expected to spend 4 hours a day on the course. Two hours will be spent online with your tutor and the remainder will be spent working independently.

Cornell Online Courses for High School Students

Cornell’s online courses are available to students aged 15 or older from rising high schools. This exciting experience gives you a head start on college studies by earning up to 12 credits and a Cornell transcript.

Choose from more than 100 subjects, including architecture and the arts, business and hospitality management, health and humanities, international relations, science and technology, social change, and veterinary medicine. Some are offered synchronously, others are recorded, but you will always have the opportunity to interact with your tutor and classmates via email, discussion boards, interactive chat rooms, video conferencing and/or telephone.

Courses are offered in the winter session, autumn and spring. To enrol, you need to go to their website, choose your course and get approval from the Pre-College Director. You will need to submit an application form explaining why you are interested in the course.

Upenn Pre-College Online Program

The University of Pennsylvania offers you the opportunity to enrol in their online courses and start earning college credits (4 credits per course taken). These courses take place during the summer so that you have enough time to attend the online sessions and complete the coursework. Enrolments for summer 2025 will open in autumn. 

Online courses include law and society, world literature, ancient rome, introductory economics: macros, oceanography, calculus, ideas in mathematics, and more.

To apply, you must have excellent writing skills and a minimum GPA of 3.3. You must also complete the online application, which includes one or more essays and a letter of recommendation.

Conclusion

Taking action today can help you secure your place at the university of your dreams, in the career that will help you achieve your career goals. Enrolling in an online course not only helps you earn some college credits, it also helps you master your skills, sharpen your interests and better prepare yourself for the university classroom.