* Dual Enrollment/Concurrent Enrollment: This is the most common method. High school students take college courses *while still in high school*, often at a community college or through a partnership between their high school and a four-year university. If they pass the college course with a sufficient grade (this varies by institution), they receive college credit. There's no automatic credit; successful completion of the *college-level* course is required.
* Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Students take AP courses in high school and then take the AP exam at the end of the year. Colleges and universities grant college credit based on the score received on the exam. A high score (typically a 3, 4, or 5 depending on the institution and the specific course) is needed; a passing grade in the high school AP *course* itself doesn't automatically translate to college credit.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams: Similar to AP, IB courses are rigorous high school courses culminating in exams. Colleges grant credit based on the IB exam scores. Again, passing the high school course is not enough; a high score on the IB exam is necessary.
* CLEP/DSST Exams: College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are standardized exams that cover college-level material. Students can take these exams (often without taking a college course first) and earn college credit if they achieve a passing score. This is completely independent of high school course grades.
* Articulation Agreements: Some high school districts have agreements with colleges that guarantee college credit for specific high school courses. These agreements are not universal, and the specifics vary greatly. It is NOT an automatic thing; it depends on the agreement between the specific high school and college.
In summary: There's no scenario where simply passing a high school course automatically grants college credit. Credit is awarded based on performance on standardized exams (AP, IB, CLEP, DSST) or successful completion of college-level coursework (dual enrollment). Always check with the specific college or university the student plans to attend to understand their credit acceptance policies for these programs.