My family just moved in here from Africa and my son is suppose to be getting into college next year at the age of 15. His present high isn't so much in support of that ue to his age. He is the kind of student who has always been pushed forward. His transcript from Africa testifies that he's already done most of the major courses he needs to graduate from high school with. He is just goin to be spend one more year to do some American courses. His school wants him to stay for like two more years but he's really reluctant about that because he thinks that wouldn't be fair to him since he wroked extremely hard to get to where he is now. Atleast his present results here in U.S.A are really good. Please do help me if u have any advice on what to do. Ur advice will really count at this point.
2006-06-16 17:58:31 · 6 answers · asked by clueless 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Beccawho has made a lot of good points about the issue of being young in college, but I'd also like to raise the issue of the cultural differences of what your son would face in an American college.
My daughter started college a year early at 17 and that worked for her because she is very mature for her age and can also pass for being older. However, it is definitely not something that I'd recommend for just any young person - not because of the difficulty of the school work (I'm sure your son would do fine, academically), but because of the social "scene" on college campuses. Alcohol plays a large role in terms of how college kids socialize and since my daughter doesn't like to drink, she found it hard to meet friends. And friends are important when it comes to working on class projects together, walking home at night, going off-campus to buy supplies, helping you out when you're sick, etc. College life without a support system of friends can be rough.
Have you also considered the whole issue of your son's adjustment to American culture? I've traveled to other countries and I know that America's youth culture is not something that is highly respected by foreigners, and I can't say that I blame them. American kids grow up very "fast," and when they are off on their own on college campuses, I'm not sure that environment is something you'd want your son exposed to at such a young age. And then on top of everything else, you've got all of our crazy notions about race.
My advice to you would be to keep your son in high school for the full amount of time, if possible. He obviously should have access to college level work, so if your high school does not offer enough AP classes (which count towards college credit if he passes the exams), then I would hope that they offer the option of dual enrollment with a nearby college (being both a high school student AND a college student). With dual enrollment, your son's college classes also count towards his high school diploma and are often paid for by the school district.
By remaining in high school, not only will your son get used to American culture, but his amazing grades will more likely pay off in fabulous scholarship opportunities that he couldn't get if he skips graduating from high school. This I know, because my daughter missed out on those opportunities. In this way, his hard work won't be a waste, because he will receive more recognition in the long run compared to being the odd young kid in college who is mostly ignored. Please know that scholarships and awards mean even more than "results" and great exam grades, because anyone can earn great grades, but fewer are recognized with awards. People who get awards tend to get noticed with even more awards at later stages in their life, such as applying for things like internships, grants, special programs, etc.
If your high school cannot offer college level classes for your son in the subjects where he is ready for them, then have your son take classes at your local community college. Not only can your son earn two years of college credit at a community college, but the social atmosphere at community colleges is not the same because the population tends to be a bit older and more mature. Community college students tend to go to their classes and then go home or to work. (Probably what you may be used to with African colleges.)
Final piece of advice: if you insist on pushing your son into college, at least find one with a large number of international students.
2006-06-16 19:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by Janine 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think age doesn't matter as long as you have proper documentation that a school requires.
However, there are social issues that you and your son should consider. If he goes to college at age 15 or 16 he will be so much younger than his peers at school, it may be worthwhile for him to stick with high school in America just to have some friends in his age group, going through the same processes as he is. When I went to college there was a girl who was 14 when the rest of us were 18 and she was an outcast, she had no friends, and even though college should be about education it is also about socialization and your son may not be able to do all of that if people feel he is too immature because of his age.
It is great that he has such a work ethic but he could stay in high school and take A.P. (advanced placement) credits to use towards college, or take college classes during the summer so when he is the regular age to go to college he is ahead of the game, but still with some kids his own age.
Good luck!
2006-06-17 01:06:40 · answer #2 · answered by Beccawho 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a bit of adjusting time would be good for him. Before he goes to college, he must have a high school diploma or take duel-credit classes (he would get college and high school credit while being in high school).
Take it from someone who went the full 4 years in high school and has just completed the first year of college. Those high school years really saved me. It gave me time to mature and grow. I took some college while in high school and it help ease the transition, but I think he should take his time. If he is mature enough to take on the responsibility of major college coursework, let him go for it, but make sure to have a back up plan if it gets too overwhelming.
2006-06-17 01:05:46 · answer #3 · answered by *AstrosChick* 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is outstanding your son has achieved all he has done. I think you might have a tough time because of his age, but he would not be the first kid to go to college at such a young age. You will obviously have to sign parental permission papers and maybe even have to have an escort go with him each day, but don't let them tell you it can;t be done. He deserves it and i wish you the best of luck!
2006-06-17 01:05:36 · answer #4 · answered by suzanne p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if he meets their qualifications. Contact the Admissions Office.
2006-06-17 01:02:04 · answer #5 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ummmmm
taking the TOEFL test and getting REALLY good grades can probably help(your son is not native right?).
or REALLY good SAT scores (like 2200?) and good GPA would probably get you in alot of good colleges
2006-06-17 01:05:54 · answer #6 · answered by uluvsoop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋