Frequently asked questions

Students can take 2 college-level courses (up to 6 credit hours) per semester, helping them earn college credits early and accelerate their path to a degree.

The college pathway is a personalized plan that aligns high school learning with college majors and career goals. Students earn transferable university credit, explore interests and reduce time and cost to degree.

Unlike AP or IB, ASU Prep credits are actual university credits awarded without extra exams, and they transfer to most colleges and universities worldwide.

Yes. ASU Prep credits are widely recognized and transferable, allowing students flexibility in their college choices.

Depending on the number of courses taken, students can save thousands of dollars in college tuition (up to $55,000 in some cases) by earning credits before starting college. Learn more about savings and how to pay for college.

Students build critical skills like goal-setting, problem-solving, time management and academic resilience, supported by dedicated Learning Success Coaches, counselors and teachers to ensure a smooth transition to college.

ASU Prep students develop study skills, critical thinking, leadership, resilience and the ability to balance academics with extracurricular and personal growth.

Networkwide, Learning Success Coaches counselors and teachers help students plan their coursework, extracurriculars and college preparation strategies, ensuring they grow holistically and stay on track.

Coaches provide personalized guidance, help select courses aligned with students’ goals, offer mentorship and support college applications, standardized testing and career exploration.

Working with their Learning Success Coaches, students will receive test planning resources, practice opportunities and strategic guidance tailored to their strengths and timelines, ensuring confidence and readiness for college entrance exams.

Students meet with their Learning Success Coach, take career-interest assessments, explore ASU majors and create a roadmap to earn college credits while pursuing their interests.

Learn more about college pathways at ASU Prep.

Yes. ASU Prep connects students to internships, research and hands-on projects through Arizona State University and partner programs. In these programs and opportunities, students can network with university faculty and explore their interests to help make informed decisions about their future.

Students visit ASU campuses, attend labs and lectures, earn real college credits and engage with faculty and mentors to gain authentic university experiences.

• 9th Grade: Build strong study habits, explore interests, start early college courses.
• 10th Grade: Continue to take college courses, join extracurriculars, plan college pathways.
• 11th Grade: Focus on college-level courses, prepare and take SAT/ACT, strengthen applications.
• 12th Grade: Submit applications, secure scholarships and leverage earned college credits.

Through Senior Seminar and guided support from Learning Success Coaches and counselors, students receive step-by-step guidance for strong applications. In 12th grade, all students with a 3.0 GPA apply to ASU they plan for graduation and next steps.

Important milestones include: Finalizing college list (summer/fall), standardized testing (fall), submitting the FAFSA and scholarship applications (fall/winter) and decision confirmations (spring).

Through Senior Seminar, students receive mentorship, templates, guidance and review support for personal statements, recommendation letters and supplemental materials.

• Early Decision (ED): Binding commitment; apply typically in November, decisions in December.
• Regular Decision (RD): Non-binding; apply January–February, decisions March–April.

By earning tuition-free college credits in high school and guiding students through scholarships, grants and financial aid, ASU Prep reduces the cost and time to degree.

Students can access ASU scholarships, ASU College Attainment Program, NAMU, Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education Grants and Pell Grants as well as additional scholarship resources through FastWeb, College Board, Hispanic Scholarship Fund and more.

High school seniors and their families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by October 1 with guidance from Learning Success Coaches and counselors, ensuring accuracy and maximizing financial aid opportunities.

Students can take early college courses, participate in scholarship programs and plan strategically for financial aid to lower tuition and graduate faster.

Yes. ASU Prep provides a Scholarship Log and downloadable Pay for College playbook with tips, worksheets and checklists to guide families through college funding.

Students gain early access to a world-class education and higher education experiences with Arizona State University’s innovative programs, college courses, faculty mentorship, campus resources and real-world experiences.

Through concurrent enrollment, students take ASU classes tuition-free and interact directly with professors, receiving transferable credits and college-level learning experiences.

Students have the opportunity to participate in campus visits, hands-on labs, lectures, workshops and events that provide exposure to college life and career pathways.

By earning college credit in high school, students may enter college as sophomores or juniors, reducing time and cost to degree and giving them flexibility to explore advanced studies.

Yes. ASU Prep provides a Scholarship Log and downloadable Pay for College playbook with tips, worksheets and checklists to guide families through college funding.

Families can begin enrollment online, schedule a call with an admissions advisor or attend a campus tour to learn which program fits best.

Yes. ASU Prep offers campus tours, informational webinars and personalized consultations with admissions advisors.

Students work with Learning Success Coaches to design college pathways, select courses, explore majors and plan for college applications and financial aid.

ASU Prep offers free downloadable resources including the Prepare for College, Pay for College and Apply to College playbooks.