Is it reasonable for me to graduate high school early, and if so, how can I?

Question

Hello, my name is Elizabeth, and I am currently a junior in high school. It seems that after my sophomore year, my life has been put on hold... as if I'm just waiting. I am half way through my junior year now, and I'm taking as many advanced courses as possible. But quite frankly, I feel I got the short end with my school because we didn't have the qualified teachers for certain courses. My dream used to be to be valedictorian, but in the past year and a half, I've been thinking more long term.

I earn a 4.0 on a 4.0 scale and have never had anything less than an A. I love my friends to death, but the benefits of starting college early are out-weighing those of my senior year. And honestly, I'm dying to begin "life."

I'm open to any summer courses I'd have to take or after school classes--anything--because I feel that in the long term it'll be worth it.

Is this a possibility for me, and if so, how can I go about doing this?

Any and all advice is appreciated..Thanks

Answer 1

I just deleted three pages of incredibly detailed notes so, if these appear somewhat hasty, please forgive me. Arrggghh.

Okay, here goes again. . . excellent question. There are many possibilities available to the advanced high school student who is thinking about taking college courses or graduating early to attend college. Here are some general things you should consider followed by some more specific scenarios. There are links at the bottom to give you some online starting points. Keep in ming that the validity of this information may be dependent on the state and locality you live in and the local laws. Some options may or may not be available to you. Without more info, it's difficult to say.

General things to consider and do:
1) Speak with your high school counselor to find out how many units you already have and still need to graduate.

2) Do some research and think about which colleges you might like to attend. Check the deadlines for applying for the school year you would like to begin with.

3) Consider that you may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to many high school seniors in applying to more competitive colleges. That's one of the reasons for suggestion 2.

4) Sign up for the earliest possible SAT or ACT tests to be prepared should you go forward with plans to apply early to colleges.

5) Speak with your parents about their willingness to support you in this. If you are a minor this is really not optional. If you will soon be 18, it's still generally advisable. . . particularly if you expect their support. Remember, the more research you do and the better and more rational your arguments, the better the chances that your parents will take this seriously. You sound like a mature serious young person so this may not be an issue for you.

Some specific possibilities/scenarios:

1) College course during high school. It is generally possible to take regular college courses while still a full time high school student. This is dependent on your GPA and permission fromt he school you attend if it's during the regular school year. Classes may be for enrichment or to get some college requirements out of the way. Regardless they can help enhance your chance of admission at the college of your choice and may be fully transferable. Check with the college you hope to attend for details on transferring credits. This may give you more of what your looking for while staying in high school.

2) High School at college programs/honors programs. There are some junior, and occasionally other, colleges that provide for the option of completing your high school requirements while attending college. See links below for info. You may or may not have a program like this available in your area. Programs vary and some require some high school attendance. Check your local colleges for options.

3) Graduating early. To be honest, it may be late for this option if you want to attend a traditional four year institution right away. . . especially a more competitive one. Their applications deadlines are fast approaching for this year's senior class. Some of them are already past! There are, however, some schools with rolling admissions and alternative entry dates for entering freshmen. Check to see if your choices offer such options. To graduate early you need to know how many units you still require. You may already be within striking distance and coujld graduate soon, say at the end of the coming summer. Maybe you could load up on units next semester or take online high school or independent study classes to graduate in June. Regardless, you may find yourself with more limited options or, as mentioned above, at a disadvantage compared with current seniors in applying to more competitive schools.

4) Early admission. There are colleges prepared to admit advanced and mature juniors, sometimes even sophomores, directly from high school without graduating. Check to see if any of your chosen schools are among them. You will want to get an interview for any college you hope to apply to. They are often mandatory for high school early admissions candidates. Regardless you will want to interview to improve your chances of convincing them that you are ready for college life.

5) College for high school students. There is at least one college specifically geared towards the needs of advanced hgih school students who want to enter college early. Simons Rock College is designed for high school students who want to start college prior to graduation. There's a link below.

6) GED or other equivalency exam. If you are not interested ina ttending a four year institution directly out of high school then you may also consider taking a high school equivalency exam offered in your state. If you do that you may then proceed directly to a junior college and complete a two year transfer program and move on to a four year degree from there. The real issue here is: do you want to live at home or have the full college experience with dorms etc. It sounds like you want to "move on" so this may not be an exciting option for you. It is certainly the easiest and quickest and still can lead to an excellent education. If you're set on a four year school right away though, it's not often possible to do it this way. High test scores, recommendation letters and interviews may get some schools to waive the graduation requirements just as they may also accept students directly from high school without graduation.

7) Study abroad/exchange program. If you're bored with high school, maybe it's not college you really want! Maybe a student exchange program involving travel and study abroad is for you. Personally I think most high school students could benefit from such an option. It would also enhance your admissions prospects and many schools. Do you speak a language? Would you like to learn one? Think about this option.

8) Another alternative to going straight to college would be graduating early and then taking the time between graduation and regular college admissions to take a partial "GAP" year. This is quite traditional in Europe and is becoming more common in the US. Once again, I feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to gain some life experience as well as build your resume for college. Study a language, volunteer, do an internship or two. Work within a program or create your own opportunity. If you want to stay in the US there are options too. . . "city year" is just one of many. Some links are below.

I hope that this gets you started. Your career or college center may have more info as well. There are almost unlimited options but don't rush things. Take your time and find the right solution for you and your situation. Oh, and remember. . . life doesn't "start" just after high school or with work. Try and appreciate all of life. I know that's sometimes hard in high school and college can make the difference but life is NOW. Trite but true.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You know, you've got to savour the present. Don't be too much in a hurry that you can't appreciate the present. Enjoy your high school because it will be the best years of your school life. I am not saying that college life is not; all I'm saying is that College will mean a lot of serious hard work and discipline. No more kid's stuff. So I advise you to take it easy, make the BEST out of your high school life, aspire for honors, join english clubs, drama clubs, cheerleading etc. be a team captain in volleyball , learn how to dance ballet or karate. This is also a good preparation for college life. As they say, : "The past is money spent, the future a post-dated check and today is the only cash you have, so spent it wisely." Good luck.

Answer 3

OK over achiever. Many colleges and Jr colleges allow you to get credit for AP courses and or take college courses before you actually graduate from high school. A lot depends on what is available in your area.
The main advantage to taking college courses and/or graduating early is you do not dull your brain while waiting to get free of the mind numbing drudgery or most high school curriculum. Go for it if your parents agree.

Answer 4

Try community college for a semester. I enjoyed the people, work, and classes a load more than high school, and am doing better than I have in the past.

Answer 5

You can graduate early if you have enough credits. My friend got to graduate early in their senior year because they had a certain amount of credits.