Should I graduate with speed or with quality?

Question

My counselor offers an early graduation, which will cut off my junior year. I'm currently in my freshman year, and early graduation is pretty much possible for me. I have good grades too ( mostly above 95 and none below 90). Should I cut off one year and graduate early, or spend the junior year to take AP courses, in order to make my college access easier ? I'm taking some honors courses already.

To those who are confused, I'm in high school.

Answer 1

If it weren't for the AP course option, I'd say graduate early. One of my college roommates graduated from high school a year early and then did college in three years. She always said that she should have stayed in college for 4 yrs (she graduated with a GPA too low for her career goals because she was pushing herself too hard) but that she didn't miss a thing by leaving high school early.

However, it sounds like for you staying in high school longer could mean less time in college without having to push yourself really hard, or at least being able to spend your time in college being more focused on your goals. So, if you can get out of the basic college courses by staying in high school, stay. I can guarantee you that the basic college courses are just as boring as the basic high school classes. Plus, getting out of them will make college less expensive and if you decide that you want to go to grad school you will be able to get there more quickly.

I think that you're on the right track. Keep thinking about what will get you to what sounds like a promising future, though it may not be the most direct path. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Quality is generally better than quantity (or speed, in this case).

I could have skipped a grade or two in elementary school but I decided not to. Also, I know someone who did a special accelerated junior/senior year combo in their high school years, similar to what you seem to be describing.

In my opinion, it's a good idea to experience all of the education you can. You won't get a chance to go back and relive things if you pass them up now. Sure, high school might not seem all that great, but when you're older, you may wish that you had taken more advantage of the opportunities that you were given.

So to answer directly, go through your junior and senior year. Take the honors and AP classes you want and need. And have fun. There's no going back.

God bless.

Answer 3

When talking about education, the most important thing is quality. Not to mention since you're in high school you would miss that extra year with your friends. Just as with doing a project or homework, you can get it done quickly, and not learn anything, or you can take a little more time and retain some information. Take advantage of the time while you have it and don't grow up too soon.

Answer 4

You should stay in school for both your junior and senior years, and take as many honors and AP courses as you wish.

Colleges sometimes hesitate to admit students who graduate early, on grounds of potential lack of social maturity.

Good for you for asking this question. Decisions like this can affect the rest of your life.

Best wishes to you!

Answer 5

Go for the quality I know at this point the extra months may seem like a lot of time but they will be over before ya know it, and looking back a few years from now it will seem like the blink of an eye.

Answer 6

If you find school boring, you can cut a year. If you find it challenging, take your time. You may progress fast educationally but socially you may be at an earlier stage.

Answer 7

quality plus the experiences and the memories you will have while taking the 4 full years of high school! dont rush out with things! you are still young! enjoy your high school!!

Answer 8

Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y!!!