SHA Seniors Participate in Villanova University Dual-Enrollment Program

By: Julia O'Keefe, SHA Marketing and Communications Intern, Villanova University ‘24

Issa Lan Taitt ‘24 Experiences a College Atmosphere at Villanova

To prepare her for all that comes next after high school, Issa Lan Taitt ‘24 (pictured right) participates in Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr’s (SHA) Villanova University Dual-Enrollment Partnership, which allows SHA seniors to enroll in classes at Villanova for full credit. 

Issa is currently enrolled in a Criminal Courts class held Tuesday evenings in Villanova’s Bartley Hall. She selected this class because of her interest in criminal justice. 

“I have always been interested in criminal justice and I wanted to learn more about the United States justice system, especially after participating in a Network Summer Service Project through the Sacred Heart Network focused on Juvenile Justice this past summer,” Issa said. 

As part of SHA’s Network Exchange Program, Issa had the unique opportunity to spend two weeks living with host students and taking classes at the Sacred Heart High School for Girls in New Taipei, Taiwan. This program taught Issa much about Taiwanese culture and allowed her to become a more informed, global citizen. 

Through the Villanova Dual-Enrollment Program, SHA students can earn up to three college credits and elective credits at SHA. In most cases, these credits will transfer to other colleges or universities. SHA seniors can choose from a wide variety of college courses expanding well beyond those offered at SHA. Students can select courses from the entire College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as some in the College of Engineering, or the Villanova School of Business. 

Students enrolled in this program find themselves well-equipped to tackle the workload, which is a true testament to the strength of SHA’s own academic programs and college preparedness. Introducing Grade 12 students to a college campus exposes them to a new environment and diverse group of people, which only enhances their confidence in their college journey. 

“Sacred Heart has prepared me to take a college-level class through a rigorous course load with challenging yet supportive faculty,” said Issa. “Providing me with this opportunity to take a college class as a high school student has further allowed me to prepare for future learning in a college environment.”

Issa plans to transfer the credits to whichever college she attends next year. At SHA, Villanova courses are weighted the same as Advanced Placement (AP) classes, meaning students gain an advantage on their transcripts and college applications. 

“I have enjoyed the experience of taking this college-level course,” Issa said. “In addition to learning more about the US court system, the class has helped me to balance my workload and develop other skills that will help me to succeed in college.”

To qualify for SHA’s Villanova University Dual-Enrollment partnership, SHA students must have a 3.5 GPA or above. Students must first submit an application to SHA and if approved, submit a separate application to Villanova’s College of Professional Studies. Students may take one class per semester which meets after SHA school hours. Students use their study hall time to work on their Villanova classwork. Families are solely responsible for all tuition and fees, which are billed through Villanova University.

Villanova's Narrative Television Course Furthers Madeline Wuest's ‘24 Interest in Film and Media Studies

Madeline Wuest ‘24 (pictured left) explores her interest in film and media studies through Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr’s (SHA) Villanova University Dual-Enrollment Partnership. 

Madeline is enrolled in a Narrative Television course at Villanova in which she watches, analyzes, and discusses a variety of popular shows, from Jane the Virgin to Succession. Students study elements and themes used in production, such as lighting, camera angles, and sound. 

Madeline attends class every Monday and Wednesday evening in Villanova’s Tolentine Hall. She loves being able to attend class in person weekly on a college campus. Most notably, this program has allowed Madeline to explore her interest in film and media studies, therefore complementing the English electives she has taken at SHA. 

“I’ve always loved watching shows and movies and dissecting them on my own,” said Madeline, “but this class has given me the chance to do it in an academic setting and I’ve learned so much.”

Madeline’s experience in the class has been extremely positive. The combination of a great professor and devoted classmates makes for a compelling classroom. Her interest in the subject makes her excited to come to class well–prepared to discuss and learn from those around her. 

“This class is fun and engaging because it’s about a topic I’m very passionate about,” said Madeline, “so I’m able to share my thoughts and observations through daily journals, papers, and discussions.”

SHA’s academic programs have prepared Madeline to write formal college papers, give formal presentations, and engage meaningfully in class discussions. Earlier in her Villanova semester, she delivered a presentation about different editing techniques used in television production, and she will have one more paper and presentation to submit before the end of the semester. 

“I’ve been able to draw on my vast experience with papers and presentations so I was not scared when I had to do them for my college professor,” said Madeline.

Madeline has not only seen benefits in enrolling in the program academically but also in terms of her own college preparedness.

“This class has taught me how to engage in a college setting and how to handle my time responsibly, as the class does not happen every day but still requires quite a bit of work to do,” said Madeline.  “I feel that my education here at SHA has taught me how to work well with others and how to manage my time, two elements that are definitely needed for this class and college in general.” 

Finally, Madeline’s selection as a Diocesan Scholar allows her to enroll in the class free of charge on scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to SHA seniors in the highest academic standing who wish to participate in a dual-enrollment program. Under this award, students are only required to pay for textbooks. 

“I’m extremely grateful that I was chosen as a Diocesan Scholar and can attend this class on a scholarship,” said Madeline. “It means a lot to me and it has been such a positive experience overall. I’ve loved getting to know Villanova’s campus and getting to channel my interest in film in a formal setting.”

For more information about SHA’s Villanova University Dual-Enrollment partnership, visit the Villanova University Dual Enrollment page on the SHA website.