College Preparation of U.S. High School Students, the Dual Enrollment/Early College Program Model, and Impact on Educational Administration and Stakeholders

Numerous dual enrollment programs have recently emerged due to the ongoing push for pursuing higher education in the United States. In South Texas, dual enrollment programs are prevalent in almost every high school campus and collaborating colleges and universities. This begs the question, Are students being adequately prepared for college in high school? Currently, there are concerns regarding college preparation for American high school students that include academic preparation/college preparation, academic rigor, college readiness, academic preparation, and overcoming personal barriers to success. Moreover, this review also discusses challenges that students face to succeed in college such as financial barriers, being a first-generation college student, being a part of a minority group, and not receiving adequate preparation through college. Last, different stakeholders such as strategic leaders, educators, and students shed light on the dual enrollment/early college program and its impact.