GradLedgerQuick answer: List each dual-enrollment course on the homeschool transcript in the grade year it was taken, using the college's course name (and number), the grade the college gave, and the high school credit you award. A widely used rule of thumb is that a one-semester college course of 3 or more semester hours equals 1 high school credit. Mark it "DE", name the college in a note, and say the college's own transcript is available from the college.
How to add a dual-enrollment course in GradLedger
- Add the course under the grade it was taken in, using the college's title, for example "English Composition I (ENG 1101)".
- Set the level to Dual enrollment. The transcript marks it DE, and the weighted GPA adds +1.0 (you can change that in Settings).
- Open the course's ⋯ options and fill in "Taken at" with the college's name and "College credit" with the hours, for example "3 semester hours".
- Enter the college's final grade and your high school credit, usually 1.0 for a 3- or 4-hour college course.
- Download the transcript. A note under the summary lists each dual-enrollment course and college, and says the college issues its own transcript.
Converting college credit to high school credit
| College course | Common high school credit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 or 4 semester hours (one semester) | 1.0 credit | Widely used rule of thumb: a college semester covers about a high school year of material. |
| 3 or 4 semester hours, conservative approach | 0.5 credit | Some families, schools and states count a semester as a half credit. |
| 1- or 2-hour course (for example a lab or PE) | 0.25 to 0.5 credit | Scale by the work involved. |
| Quarter-system course (4 to 5 quarter hours) | About 0.5 to 1.0 credit | Three quarter hours equal about two semester hours. |
Policies vary by state and by college. Choose one rule, apply it to every course, and mention it in the transcript notes or course descriptions.
Should dual-enrollment courses be weighted?
Many high schools weight college courses like AP courses, adding 1.0 grade point in the weighted GPA. GradLedger does this by default and always prints the unweighted GPA too, so a college can compare either way. Use the grade the college gave you, not your own.
How it looks on the transcript
| Course | Type | Grade | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government (POLS 1100) | DE | A | 1.0 |
| English Composition I (ENG 1101) | DE | B+ | 1.0 |
With the note: "Dual enrollment at [college]: American Government (POLS 1100) (3 semester hours) and English Composition I (ENG 1101) (3 semester hours). College transcripts for dual-enrollment courses are issued by the college."
Dual enrollment, AP, CLEP and transfer credit
- Dual enrollment: a real college course with a college transcript. Mark it DE.
- AP: the College Board asks that a course be authorized through its AP Course Audit before it's labeled "AP". If your student only took the AP exam, list the score under test scores. GradLedger isn't affiliated with the College Board.
- CLEP: an exam, not a course. List the score under test scores, and award credit for the related course if your policy allows.
- Transfer credit: courses from a previous school. Tick "Transfer credit" in the course's options; it's marked TR.
Also send the college's official transcript wherever it's required; colleges usually want it directly from the issuing college. For more detail on the course itself, write a course description.
Frequently asked questions
Does dual enrollment go on a homeschool transcript?
Yes. List each course in the year it was taken, with the grade from the college and the high school credit you award, marked as dual enrollment. Applicants usually also send the college's own transcript.
How many high school credits is a 3-credit college course?
A widely used rule of thumb is 1 high school credit for a one-semester college course of 3 or more semester hours. Some families and states use 0.5. Pick one rule and apply it consistently.
Which grade year does a summer dual-enrollment course go in?
Most families list it in the school year that follows the summer, or the year the course mostly belongs to. Keep it consistent and match the dates on the college transcript.
Should I use the college's grade?
Yes. Use the final grade on the college transcript. Colleges may compare the two.
Are AP and dual enrollment weighted the same?
Often, yes: many schools add 1.0 for both. In GradLedger you can set the Honors, AP and dual-enrollment weights separately in Settings.
More homeschool record tools
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team. GradLedger is general information and a record-keeping tool, not legal advice. Homeschool laws and college requirements vary; check your state's rules and each college's admissions requirements.