Harriton upperclassmen can choose among a variety of excellent programs in addition to honors and CP classes. Along with the challenges of AP and IB, Harriton partners with Penn State to offer the PSU Dual Enrollment Program. The program allows juniors and seniors to earn 13 college credits that can be applied to Penn State or transferred elsewhere.

The application deadline for sophomores and juniors is this Friday, November 13. The Harriton Banner sat down with a Dual Enrollment senior, Sholeh Masoudnia, to hear about her experience in the program.   

The Harriton Banner: What were the main factors that influenced your decision to apply for the PSU Dual Enrollment Program?

Sholeh Masoudnia: I really wanted to get an insight on what the college workload will be like and get to experience college before I actually go to college. Also, the credits were another thing. As of now, I don’t know what I would like to do in college. But if it has something to do with business, when I figure it out, I can apply these credits to take more advanced business classes.

HB: Some underclassmen may think the program is only for students interested in attending Penn State University after high school or gaining college credits. So, do you plan on going to PSU? And is there anything you’d like to add to that?

SM: I don’t plan on going to Penn State and didn’t even consider [that] when I joined this program. The main reason I took it was, again, for the college credits, so I could possibly have an advantage in college over the other students. It’s important to know that this program teaches you things you’re going to need [to know] in any college, not just Penn State.

HB: Are the business classes intimidating with the college-like environment?

SM: Not for me. I definitely think it gives you an idea of what is expected of you, in terms of working independently. We’re expected to read the textbook before we review in class, and it is definitely more independent than your other classes.

HB: Did you experience a lot of stress from this program?

SM: Not necessarily from this program. In fact, the other classes I take were more stressful. Again, it really depends on what kind of a student you are.

HB: If you had not participated in this program, what would be the main thing you would’ve missed out on?

SM: Definitely the APA [citation] format. It was never mentioned to me in my other classes and it’s really nice to know it before I go to college and get it wrong there.

HB: What would be your favorite part about the PSU Dual Enrollment Program?

SM: I love Dr. Glen and Ms. Canuso! The program does require learning, of course, but it is very fun!

HB: To what type of students would you recommend the program?

SM: Somebody who is intimidated by the thought of college. In this program, you get to learn from a professor (Dr. Glen) and Ms. Canuso is here to assist us further, and that’s not something you get in college. It’s a gradual pull into the real college experience.

Applications can be found online on Ms. Canuso’s eBoard or in hard copy in room 248. (If Dual Enrollment isn’t right for you, watch out for further Harriton Banner interviews with AP and IB students.)