Advanced Studies

Courses & Credits

What are the benefits of taking Advanced Studies courses?

#1 – Save Money: Taking Advanced Studies courses in high school means you won’t have to take them in college, saving on the cost of tuition. If you take several Advanced Studies courses, you may see substantial savings – up to a full semester, in some cases.

#2 – Save Time: College credits earned in high school may transfer to your selected college or university. By not having to retake them in college, you may be able to graduate early!

#3 – Ease the Transition: Your transition to college may be easier by having already taken college courses. You may be able to lighten your first-year course load, letting you focus on adapting to the college environment.

#4 – Competitive Edge: Colleges recognize students’ efforts to prepare for the rigor of college academics by taking Advanced Studies courses, giving them an advantage during the application process over students who don’t.
Are courses taught by college professors?

No. Paul Smith’s College recognizes the talent that is present in our local high schools. Teachers you already know teach the courses after they have been certified by the Advanced Studies program. All teachers in the program are credentialed to teach the course(s) and work with a PSC professor to assure the content is appropriate.

How do the courses differ from AP courses?

Both Advanced Studies and Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide the student with the opportunity to challenge themselves and earn college credits. They differ in that Advanced Studies courses don’t require an additional test to receive credits – your end-of-course grade qualifies you for credits. AP courses require a final test for an additional fee. Most colleges require a score of 3 or better on an AP test to receive credit.

Must I attend Paul Smith’s College to receive credit?

No, you may attend the college of your choice.

Will these college credits transfer to other colleges?

Generally, yes. Paul Smith’s College is an accredited college and most other accredited colleges and universities accept transfer credits from other accredited colleges. Each college or university has its own standards for which credits they will accept. For example, PSC’s transfer policy requires courses to be taken at an accredited college and the student must have passed the course with a grade of C or better. Additionally, the course must satisfy either a specific course requirement or qualify as an elective.

Paul Smith’s College cannot guarantee that every institution will accept every Advanced Studies 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.

Do graduating seniors get an honor cord for taking classes?

Yes! Every graduating senior will receive a green honor cord to wear at graduation. These will be mailed to school counselors to distribute to students. In addition, any student who takes an Advanced Studies course and then enrolls at PSC will automatically be awarded a $2,000 scholarship per year!

What is the process to transfer college credits?

If the student attends Paul Smith’s College, the credit is applied upon enrolling. If the student attends another college, they must request their transcript be sent to the college of their choice. This transcript request is made through the Registrar’s Office and must be done in writing or online. There is no charge to Advanced Studies students for the first transcript.

Request a transcript. Link to Registrar’s page.

Who creates the course curriculum?

The course is taught using a syllabus approved by the instructors at Paul Smith’s College. The teacher at the high school creates the syllabus and provides instruction that is equivalent to that of the course taught at the college. Additionally, the teacher often works with a college professor to ensure the course content is appropriate.

Who provides 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?

Paul Smith’s College is committed to education and recognizes that a strong foundation at the high school level will provide you with some of the basic tools needed to advance academically. We see this program as a partnership with area high schools and wants to assist in the K-12 experience.

Cost & Payment Information

How do students register for courses?

Registration for the 2024-25 academic year will open on September 1. Students will login online, complete a registration form, and pay with a credit/debit card. Registration with payment for fall or full year courses must be completed by November 1.  Registration reopens for Spring courses from Jan. 1 – Mar. 1.

How much does an Advanced Studies course cost?

A three-credit hour course is $125.00; a four-credit hour course is $165.00.

Why is the cost so much lower than courses taken at a college?

We can offer low-cost courses because the courses are taught at local high schools by their teachers. The fee for the course covers our administrative costs.

If I am eligible for free/reduced lunch, is there a different discounted cost for me?

Since our courses are already significantly discounted, there is no additional reduction in cost.

If you have any questions about PSC Advanced Studies courses, email advstudies@paulsmiths.edu. This will be the primary contact method for the program—previous emails and phone numbers are no longer active.