Many students go to great lengths to ensure their success in college. After all, college can be one of the most important stages in their lives. Many students believe that online college prep courses play a significant role in ensuring college success.
These online college prep courses teach a wide range of topics, from developmental writing to advanced math. You can also take these online college prep courses for credit, which eases the burden of your college classes. If you’re one of the college students interested in college prep, this article is for you.
Why Should I Take an Online Prep Course for Credit?
Taking a college prep program or an online prep course can help ease the transition to an actual college experience. These courses teach you key concepts and basics for subjects required in college. You can even learn from college professors in an online format to familiarize yourself with what it would be like on campus.
On top of getting almost college-level coursework, you can also gain college credit. Earning college credits early will help with your workload later. While these prep courses are not necessary for success in college, they can be a helping factor.
Top 10 Online Prep Courses for Credit
| Course Title | Provider | Price |
|---|---|---|
| College Algebra and Problem Solving | Arizona State University (through edX) | $600 for credit, $49 for a certificate, free without credit and certificate |
| Art History I | sophia.org | $79 monthly subscription |
| Environmental Science | sophia.org | $79 monthly subscription |
| Introduction to Biology | StraighterLine | $99 for StraighterLine monthly subscription, $59 one-time payment for course access |
| Macroeconomics Course Online | StraighterLine | $99 for StraighterLine monthly subscription, $74 one-time payment for course access |
| Math 114: Trigonometry | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $832 for undergrads and $980 for grad students (Courseware costs $81) |
| English 110: English Composition | University of North Dakota | $370.08 per credit (3 credits) |
| Accounting Information Systems | University of Phoenix | $1,194 flat tuition fee |
| Introduction to Psychology | University of Phoenix | $1,194 flat tuition fee |
| Physical Geology | University of Phoenix | $1,194 flat tuition fee |
Best Online College Prep Classes and Courses: Explained
1. College Algebra and Problem Solving
In this course, students learn college-level algebra in advance and earn credit at a fair price. They’ll learn various challenging subjects in algebra, such as algebraic reasoning, polynomial functions, and more. It is one of the best college-level courses students can take to prepare for basic college math.
2. Art History I
Sophia.org prepares students with college readiness through various college-level courses, one of which is Art History I. Students learn about art history in detail through this course, from the prehistoric era to the renaissance. Aside from earning knowledge, students can also earn up to three-semester credits through this online college prep course.
3. Environmental Science
Another course by Sophia.org is Environmental Science. Through Environment Science, students learn how to analyze environmental policies, issues, and solutions, among other subtopics. Like the previous courses, enrollees get up to three-semester credits from the program. This course is an excellent option for students pursuing environmental science careers.
4. Introduction to Biology
Introduction to Biology, offered by StraighterLine, helps prepare students for their college journey in a biology-related degree program. It comes with three credit hours, along with a free etextbook. Students learn various biology topics in this course package, such as DNA structure, genetics, and plant biology.
5. Macroeconomics Course Online
StraighterLine’s Macroeconomics Course provides students with an extensive overview of the economy. Students receive three college credits and learn essential topics such as fiscal and monetary policies, economics, and market structures.
6. Math 114: Trigonometry
Students earn two credit hours while learning trigonometry in this online course offered by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This is one of the best online classes you can take in your college prep journey, as it supplies you with essential math skills. Over 16 weeks, students learn about various topics such as inverse functions, oblique triangles, trigonometric functions, and degrees and radians.
7. English 110: English Composition
On top of math and social sciences, students should also keep their language and writing skills in top shape. This course offered by the University of North Dakota assists with that and grants three credit hours. This course equips students with the fundamentals of college writing and composition.
8. Accounting Information Systems
The Accounting Information Systems course is one of the college prep opportunities offered by the University of Phoenix. Through the five-week course, students earn a total of three credit hours along with essential knowledge about accounting information systems. They cover topics like fundamental concepts and technologies in the field, electronic commerce, and intranets.
9. Introduction to Psychology
It is another online option for college prep by the University of Phoenix. In this course, students learn about the basic principles of psychology, focusing on research-based behavioral science. Students earn a total of three credit hours from this course.
10. Physical Geology
Also offered by the University of Phoenix, the Physical Geology course is excellent for those aiming to one day launch their college career in a related science field. Students learn about geology concepts and earn three credit hours through this course. Topics include plate tectonics, erosion systems, and historical geology.
Top 5 Free Online College Prep Courses
- Marketing Essentials | IIMB. In this free course offered by IIMB, students can learn all about the basics of marketing management theories. It is good for students who intend to pursue a degree program related to marketing.
- Basics of Computing and Programming | NYU. If you are a college student heading into computer engineering, computer science, or a related field, this course is for you. This course teaches the basics of computing and programming using a popular programming language called Python.
- Introduction to Networking | NYU. This computer science-related course offered by NYU focuses on computer networking. Through this course, college hopefuls can gain decent knowledge about fundamental topics in computer science.
- Precalculus | ASU. This is a credit-eligible course offered by Arizona State University, where students learn college-level precalculus. ASU allows students to take courses for free and only pay if they want college credit. Students can learn various math-heavy degrees through this precalculus course.
- Introduction to Sociology | ASU. A credit-eligible free course by ASU. College-bound students that intend to get a degree in the social sciences will find this course incredibly useful. This course teaches students sociology and various subtopics, such as social problems, social control, and social systems. Students can pay a fee to earn college credit.
Are Online Prep College Courses Worth It?
Yes, online prep college courses are worth it, even if you opt for free prep courses that don’t offer credit. The experience and skills you learn in the process are just as valuable as college credit. As long as you keep the right goals in mind, an online college prep course is always worth it.
Online College Prep Courses FAQ
The best subjects to take an online prep course for are those you’re sure you will encounter in college. It ensures that your credit will be used rather than wasted. The most common subjects across all degrees are basic math, basic history, sciences, and literature-related subjects.
Yes, online college for-credit prep courses are effective and practical. Many students use them to gain knowledge and experience before college admission. The added advantage of these prep courses is that they lessen the subject pressure later.
A high percentage of college students have taken online prep courses. It familiarizes them with the coursework they intend to take in college. It is also an affordable and effective way to learn.
There is not much evidence that colleges give more value to students with online prep course experience. The main advantage is that they prepare you for college.
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