Application Deadline is March 1, 2023
For information about the application or the program contact us at EarlyCollege@csmd.edu.
Early College: Charles County
Early College Program
Aligning with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, this dual enrollment program is for rising juniors and seniors at Charles County Public Schools high schools.
About CSM Early College
The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is proud to partner with Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) to bring CCPS high school students and their families the CSM Early College Program. The program for the 2023-24 academic year is open to rising juniors and seniors, this tuition-free program is an opportunity to experience being a full-time college student, save money, and complete college credits while still in high school.
Students will take college classes on the CSM La Plata Campus, while simultaneously fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Participating juniors will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management (60 credits) degree and seniors will earn a General Studies: Transfer Certificate (31 credits).
Watch a Recording of our Virtual Infosession
Program Benefits
Save Thousands on College of Southern Maryland CCPS covers tuition and course materials, saving each student and their family over $4,500 - $10,000 in tuition.
Students will take college classes full-time at CSM’s La Plata Campus and will experience the pace and rigor of college-level coursework.
Students will have access to CSM's top-notch support services, including dedicated advising and academic support. Services are available for students with disabilities. To obtain information or request services, please visit www.csmd.edu/disabilitysupport.
Costs
CCPS will fully cover students’ CSM tuition, administrative fees, and course materials. CCPS will also provide boxed lunches and transportation from students’ home campuses to CSM’s La Plata Campus and back.
The Early College Experience
As an Early College student, you’ll get the full experience of being a CSM student taking college classes full time.
You’ll attend class at the La Plata Campus Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, in CSM’s fully-equipped classroom spaces and labs, with small class sizes.
You’ll have access to CSM facilities and resources, as well as a comprehensive network of support services provided by both CSM and your home high school.
You’ll experience firsthand the pace and rigor of college-level coursework. Most importantly, you’ll see the reward for your dedication and effort when you graduate high school with your diploma and an Associate’s degree or a full year of college credit under your belt depending on when you start in the Early College Program.
As an Early College student, you’ll get the full experience of being a CSM student taking college classes full time.
You’ll attend class at the La Plata Campus Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, in CSM’s fully-equipped classroom spaces and labs, with small class sizes.
You’ll have access to CSM facilities and resources, as well as a comprehensive network of support services provided by both CSM and your home high school.
You’ll experience firsthand the pace and rigor of college-level coursework. Most importantly, you’ll see the reward for your dedication and effort when you graduate high school with your diploma and a full year of college credit under your belt.
As an Early College student, you’ll get the full experience of being a CSM student taking college classes full time.
You’ll attend class at the La Plata Campus Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, in CSM’s fully-equipped classroom spaces and labs, with small class sizes.
You’ll have access to CSM facilities and resources, as well as a comprehensive network of support services provided by both CSM and your home high school.
You’ll experience firsthand the pace and rigor of college-level coursework. Most importantly, you’ll see the reward for your dedication and effort when you graduate high school with your diploma and a full year of college credit under your belt.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2023-24 Early College program, students must:
- Be a junior or senior for the 2023-24 academic year at one of the public high schools.
- Have an unweighted high school GPA of 2.75 or better.
- Rising junior math requirement – Have completed Geometry with a grade of C or higher by the end of the 2022-23 academic year
- Rising senior math requirement - Have completed Algebra 2 with a grade of C or higher by the end of the 2022-23 academic year
- All rising juniors and seniors must have completed their Learning Service Hours requirements
- All rising juniors and seniors must have completed their state testing requirements
Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee with representation from CSM and CCPS. A letter of selection will be mailed to the student's home.
Students who are selected for the program will be required to participate in a CSM new student orientation. Some students will be required to enroll in a writing improvement bootcamp in the summer, depending upon selection criteria.
How to Apply: Next Steps
- Apply to CSM as a Dual Enrollment student
- Submit the Early College request form
The application includes an open-ended writing question:- You are to choose one of the two prompts below. Spend a bit of time thinking about the prompt, and then write an essay of three to four paragraphs that explains your unique goals, expectations, and potential challenges. Make sure to include specific details. Take time to edit your essay before submitting it.
- Think about your career and life goals. How will earning a college degree or transfer certificate at the same time as your high school diploma help you reach those goals? In what ways do you expect your enrollment at CSM to change your high school experience? What might be gained or lost by attending CSM during high school? How might you face any challenges that arise from balancing both high school and college responsibilities?
- Think about your college goals. What is your overall goal in attending CSM? Name two or more potential challenges you might face in college that you anticipate will be different than challenges you faced in high school. Then discuss how you might deal with such challenges. Be sure to list specific strategies you will use to be successful.
- You are to choose one of the two prompts below. Spend a bit of time thinking about the prompt, and then write an essay of three to four paragraphs that explains your unique goals, expectations, and potential challenges. Make sure to include specific details. Take time to edit your essay before submitting it.
Parents and guardians with questions can contact their child’s class counselor.