At the beginning of the course, students receive a packet containing a letter explaining course policies, information on how to contact the instructor, a course syllabus, and textbooks. Instructors initiate contact with the students within the first ten days of class, establishing a communication framework for the exchange of assignments, projects, tests, etc. Students send completed assignments directly to the instructor, who corrects, grades and returns the work. LetterLinks students must have a personal commitment to the field of study. Successful LetterLinks students should possess excellent independent study skills or quickly develop them during the course.
Classes require a minimum of four to six hours of work each week.
The pace of the course varies with the student's ability and prior knowledge, but instructors make every attempt to guide students toward proficiency at an even pace during the year. Each course carries either one or two semesters of high school credit. The amount of credit is listed with each course description. At the end of the course, students will receive an evaluation detailing their performance in the course, a letter grade and the amount of credit earned. Upon request, the Center will also send an evaluation and an official transcript showing the course grade and the amount of credit earned to the designated high school.