Frequently Asked Questions
Following are the most frequently asked questions by students and parents about the ADVANCE Program.
- Will I be better prepared if I take these classes?
- Will I take all of ADVANCE classes?
- Is it possible to test out of these classes?
- How are these courses graded?
- When is the program offered?
- Do these courses count toward athletic eligibility and financial aid?
- Do these courses count toward my degree?
- How long will it take me to graguate?
- How many extra hours will I probably have on my transcript as a result of this program?
For further information contact:
Christine Pruitt
Director, ADVANCE Program
Harding University
Box 12235
Searcy, AR 72149.0001(501) 279.4220
FAX: (501) 279.4217
cpruitt@harding.edu
Will I be better prepared if I take these classes?
Students completing the program have achieved higher grades and a higher retention rate than students admitted to Harding before the ADVANCE program began.
Will I take all of the ADVANCE classes?
The classes you take will depend on your individual ACT or SAT scores. For example, if you scored 18 or lower in English on the ACT, you would take English 100 (Basic English). If you scored 19 or higher in English on the ACT, you would take English 111 (Composition I).
Is it possible to test out of these classes?
Yes. The Nelson Denny reading Tests will be administered before sutdents are advised during Summer Experience or Student Impact to determine placement in or exemption from a reading class. Tests will be administered in ENG 100, MATH 100, and RDNG 100 and 101during the first day of class. Based on test results, you may be exempt fromone or more classes, and changes to your schedule will be made as soon as possible.
Grades in these courses are computed into the overall grade point average just like any other class. However, a student must make at least a 70 percent (C) or higher in order to pass an ADVANCE class. Any grade below a70 percent is not considered passing, and the class must be retaken.
The program is offered during the fall and spring semesters.
Do these courses count toward athletic eligibility adn financial aid?
Yes, just like any other college courses.
Do these courses count toward my degree?
These courses carry degree credit only when they can be used in a curriculum as free electives. However, most majors do not allow many hours, if any, of free electives, so many students will find that these courses are taken in addition to the courses required for their major.
How long will it take me to graduate?
If your major does not accept ADVANCE classes as electives, the hours you take in ADVANCE will be added on to the hours needed to fulfill the requirements for graduation. Many factors, such as changing your major, retaking classes to raise your GPA, work, and health issuses, can lengthen the time it takes a student to graduate.
How many extra hours will I probably have on my transcript as a result of this program?It will depend on how many ADVANCE classes you need to take. The entire program consists of 15 hours, but some students will take fewer hours due to their test scores.
