Recently, St. Petersburg College has been sending letters to many students in Pinellas County pertaining to accelerated programs. They are offering the following options: Early College, Dual Enrollment, and Early Admission. All of these programs are absolutely free and beneficial if you would like to save time and money.

Early College. If you were to be accepted into this program, you will get your Associate’s degree during the same time that you get your high school diploma. For this program, you will be taking all of your classes on an SPC campus and they will fulfill your graduation requirements at PHUHS.

Dual Enrollment: You will be taking classes at PHUHS as well as on an SPC campus. This would mean that you would need to have a ride or at least be able to drive.

Early Admission is basically skipping senior year and going directly to college.

If you’re interested in any of the programs, there are several requirements you have to meet. To begin with, you would need to be entering the 11th or 12th grade. Secondly, you must have an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher and you must earn the appropriate scores on both the FCAT and PERT (College Placement Test).  Your SAT/ACt

If you’re seriously considering applying, you’re strongly recommended to complete the SPC online application for the programs to get an ID number at www.spcollege.edu. It’s crucial that you take action as soon as you possibly can because spaces are limited.  Also, pre-register for the PERT at https://www.spcollege.edu/survey/14675.

Test Dates for PERT:

January 17 and 24 at Boca Ciega High School, Pinellas Park High School, and Palm Harbor University High School.

2014 Information Sessions:

Tues., Jan. 7

St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus,

Conference Center

9200 113th St. N, Seminole

727-394-6023

(limited seating)

Thurs., Jan. 9

St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus,

Arts Auditorium

2465 Drew St., Clearwater

727-791-5971

Thurs., Jan. 16

Boca Ciega High School, Main Auditorium

924 58th St. S, Gulfport

727-394-6023

Wed., Jan. 22

Palm Harbor University High School,

Main Auditorium

1900 Omaha St., Palm Harbor

727-712-5400