From SA To Princeton Theological Seminary
Ashley Wells (SA Class of 2015) February 13, 2019
My name is Ashley Wells and I graduated from Salem Academy in 2015. During my time there, I signed up for as many dual-credit classes as possible that were offered at Salem Academy. These benefited me in three life-impacting ways: financially, academically, and time.
After graduating from Salem Academy, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Ministries from Northwest University where I was able to skip a year of college. At Northwest University tuition costs $31,100 with room and board and additional $8,640. On top of that, there are student fees. Skipping a year saved me $40,180! Therefore, the small amount that I paid for dual-credit courses at Salem Academy paid off financially in the long run.
Dual-credit courses also prepared me academically for college. Starting as a sophomore, I was worried that I would not be able to keep up with my university courses. Despite being valedictorian at Salem Academy, I feared that my high GPA would not continue as I encountered tougher courses. However, this was not the case at all! My transition from Salem Academy dual-credit courses to sophomore level college courses was an easy step. This was a huge blessing that enabled me to graduate college Summa Cum Laude (with a 4.0).
Currently, I am attending Princeton Theological Seminary on a full ride scholarship. Salem Academy’s dual-credit program largely helped me achieve this by preparing me to succeed early on at college-level courses. Because of dual-credits (and skipping a year of college), I was able to enter seminary at just barely 21, will graduate seminary at 23, and start my Ph.D. work early. Dual-credit courses allowed me to achieve more in a shorter time – which means I can use my finances to pay for higher education and begin my academic journey earlier.
Throughout this journey, I have learned that God uses different means to get us to where we need to be. Dual Credit courses at Salem Academy trained me to be diligent in my studies and propelled me into further education. I believe that God used this program to help lighten my load academically and financially. I am incredibly grateful to Salem Academy for offering this program.