FAQs

Must my son/daughter attend Paul Smith's College to receive the credit?

No, your son/daughter may attend the college of his/her choice.

Are these credits transferable?

Yes, they are transferable. Paul Smith's College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is therefore recognized as an institution of higher education by other colleges and universities.

Will these college credits transfer to other colleges?

Generally, Yes!! However, colleges have a set of standards that they incorporate into their transfer policies.

For example: In order for a course to be considered for transfer credit into Paul Smith's College, the course must have been taken at or through an accredited college and the student must have passed the course with a grade of "C" or better. Additionally, it must be something that will satisfy either a specific course requirement or be able to qualify as an elective.

Paul Smith's College cannot guarantee that every institution will accept every course. Therefore, you are encouraged to contact the college(s) of your choice to inquire as to the transferability of a course prior to making your tuition payment.

What colleges have accepted credit through Paul Smith's College Advanced Studies program?

SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, Clarkson University, Meredith College, SUNY ESF, SUNY Cortland, Elmira College, NCCC, Hobart and William Smith College and Ithaca College, St. John Fisher are a few examples of colleges that have accepted transfer credit.

What is the process for the transfer of college credit?

If the student attends Paul Smith's College, the credit is applied internally upon enrolling in their chosen program of study.

If the student attends another college, they must request that their transcript be sent to the college of their choice. This transcript request is made through our Registrar's Office and must be done in writing due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws. The cost is $5.00.

Transcript Request Forms (PDF) may be obtained on-line or by calling the Registrar's office at 518-327-6231.

Please mail completed transcript request forms to: Office of the Registrar, Paul Smith's College, P.O. Box 265, Paul Smiths, NY 12970 or fax to 518-327-6951.

Is the course taught by a college professor?

No, Paul Smith's College recognizes the talent that is present in our local high schools and allows for the delivery of the course to be provided by the teachers your students are already familiar with. The teacher, however, must have the credentials appropriate to the college course being offered.

How does this course differ from AP courses?

Both the Paul Smith's College Advanced Studies Program and Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide the student with the opportunity to challenge themselves and possibly earn college credit. They differ in that the student will receive a grade for the Advanced Studies course and will not have to take another test in order to qualify for college credit.

Most colleges require at least a 3 or better on an AP test in order to receive college credit. Even if your son/daughter receives an "A" in a particular course, they will not get college credit without the final AP test and a qualifying score.

Who creates the course curriculum?

The course is taught using a syllabus created by the college. The teacher at the high school level reviews the syllabus and provides instruction that is equivalent to that of the actual college course at Paul Smith's College. Additionally, the teacher works with a college professor to assure that the course content is appropriate.

What courses are available to my son/daughter?

That depends. Each high school is afforded the opportunity to offer lower-division (100 and 200) level courses through the Paul Smith's College Advanced Studies Program that will meet the needs of their students. Also, much will depend on the expertise of the instructor and the ability of the high school to fit an advanced course into its curriculum.

How much does an Advanced Studies course cost?

Paul Smith's College charges the student $20.00 per credit hour. Therefore, a three credit hour course will cost $60.00; a four credit hour course will cost $80.00. Checks should be made payable to: Paul Smith's College. Deadline for payment is March 1st

Why is the cost so much lower than if my son/daughter were to take the course at Paul Smith's College?

Our costs are at a minimum because the course is taught at the high school using the local professional. The fee for the course covers our administrative costs.

What are the cost savings?

Much will depend on what the student takes and how many courses the student participates in. For example, one course will not save much in terms of the cost, but will save the student from having to take the course in college, thereby affording him/her the opportunity to lighten his/her first semester load and to concentrate on the balance of the courses he/she must take.

However, if a student takes three or four courses, this may result in substantial savings depending on the college they attend. A full semester is, at the minimum, 12 credit hours. Participating in this number of courses may decrease the student's stay at their college by a full semester and over the long-term; reduce the family's education costs.

(To illustrate: The tuition for one semester at Paul Smith's College costs $8,875.00. Taking four three-credit-hour Advanced Studies courses will cost $240.00. Net savings - $8,635.00.)

What are the benefits of taking this course?

• In addition to the monetary savings, the student is afforded the opportunity to take college courses at their local high school with teachers already familiar to them.
• The transition to college may be eased by having studied courses on the college level.
• Students are challenged in a way that will prepare them to think on the college level.
• When reviewing applications, colleges recognize the student's efforts to prepare themselves for the rigors of college academics.
• Students are encouraged and welcome to use the Paul Smith's College facilities, including the Joan Weill Adirondack Library and the Saunders Sports Complex.

Who provides the books and other class materials?

Books and other class materials are provided by the local school district.

Why is Paul Smith's College offering this program?

There are a couple of reasons for this.
• Paul Smith's College is committed to education and recognizes that a strong foundation at the high school level will provide the student with some of the basic tools needed to advance academically.
• Paul Smith's College sees this program as a partnership with area high schools and wants to assist in the K-12 experience.