The Grind: Graduating Early and Getting Ahead

Graduating Early and Getting Ahead: How Sloan Used Dual Credit to Jumpstart Her Future 

Sloan achieved what many students don’t attempt until much later. A student at Manhattan High School, she was set to graduate a full year early and planned to attend Kansas State University for accounting. Manhattan Tech played a key role in helping her earn college credit and explore her future career.  

“I wanted to challenge myself and get a head start on college,” Sloan said. “Earning credit hours early meant I could focus on what I really want later and graduate early with more options.” 

Discovering Dual Credit 

Sloan’s decision to graduate early was shaped by the students around her and the opportunities she learned were available. 

“Seeing others graduate early and hearing about the opportunities at Manhattan Tech showed me I could earn college credits and get ahead,” she said. 

Her introduction to dual credit and concurrent enrollment was close to home. Her brother, who also attended Manhattan High School, had taken advantage of similar opportunities. 

“Seeing how it worked for my brother made it seem possible for me too,” she said. 

College Experience While in High School 

While still in high school, Sloan completed college-level courses at Manhattan Tech, including accounting, business, public speaking, and English Comp. 

“I really enjoyed the classes,” she said, “and they’ve helped me jumpstart my career.” 

Those courses also helped her narrow her focus and confirm her goals. 

“I want to get into accounting and finance,” she said. “I took an accounting course at Manhattan Tech, and it really opened my eyes. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do.” 

Several classes stood out as especially impactful, including those taught in the Business program. 

“They really helped me succeed,” Sloan said. “They were really beneficial to me.” 

She also appreciated the hybrid flex format used in those courses, which allowed her to balance school responsibilities more easily. 

“I could be at home and do the class, or I could come into class,” she explained. “It was really flexible and helped me succeed academically.” 

Support, Flexibility, and Balance 

Balancing high school coursework, extracurriculars, and college classes required organization and discipline, but Sloan says the support from instructors made a difference. 

“With the courses here, my teachers are very flexible, and they want to help me succeed,” she said. “A lot of it comes down to my time management and knowing what I need to focus on.” 

That flexibility showed up in clear communication and quick responses. 

“If I don’t understand an assignment or can’t make it to class, I just email,” she said. “They get right back with me and make sure I stay on track.” 

Looking Ahead 

Through dual credit and concurrent enrollment at Manhattan Tech, Sloan earned valuable college experience while still in high school. She graduated early and entered K-State with credits already completed, moving forward with confidence in her chosen field. 

Her story highlights what is possible when motivated students are given access, flexibility, and support. For high school students considering dual credit, Sloan’s experience shows how early opportunities can open doors long before graduation day.