<p>I am finding myself so very thankful for the internet community. There is no other way could have got so many thoughtful, probing, and helpful questions so fast.</p>
<p>I have considered doing a gap year on many occasons. However, my age prohibits me from a lotof gap year options. Traditionally, the gap year was a long-term break from full-time study to travel abroad, persue mission work, gain career experience, love as an exchange student, or hone a specialized skill. Unfortunately, I cannot travel, be a long-term misionary, or be an exchange student because non one wants to be organizations that provide those oppurtunities do not want to be responsible for a minor. here also aren’t many work oppurtunities beyond fast food and retail for fifteen year olds. I could take a year to spend more time on music or sports. But, I am concerned about social issues. </p>
<pre><code> Right now, I do not belong in a high-school setting. I tried that and found that I didn’t relate the way the other kids my age did. I often felt socially inept, introspective, and very stupid. This was unusual as I happen to be a very social, outgoing, and extroverted person. I have found myself happiest when relating to college age students at Church and with my older siblings’ circles. I feel that I do not belong with most kids my age and it would be socially and emotionally damaging to not interact with older students.
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<p>Not all of them fit your needs, but I do agree with a t least one of the above posters who suggested staying in your age group. I also agree that often the small Christian schools do not have the depth that you will need. In my very limited experience, the very brightest kids do not seek out the Christian schools, though I am sure some do.</p>
<p>You will find a Christian community in nearly all towns. The community of very bright young people is not as easy to find. The link I posted has many programs that are designed for bright young people.</p>
<p>Best wishes as you move through the process.</p>
<p>Rosietheriveter:
The subject of leaving HS early to attend college has been discussed much throughout this board. There are many views on the subject. It’s right for some but not for all.</p>
<p>In every thread where this is discussed, I do vividly remember some number of contributors that they left HS early to start college were looking back, some many years later, say they now deeply regret doing that.</p>
<p>Make sure you know what you’re doing and if it’s right for you. Some of your comments make it look like you are “running away” from aspects of your high school life. Feeling that way will remove any objectivity you’ll need to make a good decision.</p>
<p>AFS, YFU and Rotary all provide travel and exchange opportunities for students who are exactly your age. Your personal qualities of being outgoing and extroverted make you a terrific candidate.
Many HS students are reluctant to study abroad because they are unwilling to leave their HS life…you are very ready to go.</p>
<p>A young lady at my D’s school did exactly the sort of thing you are contemplating. She left her small public school after her sophomore year for Bard, spent two years there and got her AA degree and will start at a traditional state U this fall to get her bachelor’s. From there she will go for her MD. The one thing she did differently is that she actually returned to the high school and got her diploma based on her courses at Bard, AFTER she had her AA (received a few weeks earlier). I don’t know her religion, but she spoke at the graduation and talked about the on-going support of her school. She told kids they could do whatever they set their minds to. So I would look seriously at Bard.</p>
<p>I know of a deeply religious girl (my friend’s D) who was homeschooled and got HER AA from a local CC at 18 at the same time as her high school diploma, then entered a well-regarded state U as a junior. She will graduate at 20 with her BA and is already narrowing down her choice of graduate schools. Like you, she is highly gifted and left traditional school for that reason. She has found the religious life she needs in the city where her school is located.</p>
<p>Both girls are the sort who can relate to people of all abilities, but definitely found college at an early age a great way to make academic peers. These are only 2 people and neither are math prodigies, but at least now you know of two who took the road you’re on.</p>
<p>“I know of a deeply religious girl (my friend’s D) who was homeschooled and got HER AA from a local CC at 18 at the same time as her high school diploma, then entered a well-regarded state U as a junior. She will graduate at 20 with her BA and is already narrowing down her choice of graduate schools. Like you, she is highly gifted and left traditional school for that reason. She has found the religious life she needs in the city where her school is located.”</p>
<p>This seems like a very sensible way to balance your age limitations and academic ambitions. Staying near home for a year or two more to give yourself a chance to mature, while taking on the higher level coursework you desire. I know several kids here take advanced math classes at our Flagship U (an hour away) during their junior and senior years. Just another option to throw out there.</p>
<p>I worry that because you found mental stimulation being around older students that you might be thinking you will be among social peers in that age group. You won’t be. That large an age gulf will leave you out of social activities others feel you’re “too young” for.</p>
<p>Gap Year - I love the Rotary idea. But remember, not all Gap Years need to be structured programs. Anything is acceptable if you can show you did something.</p>
<p>One of my fav. writers (Christopher Paolini) spent a 2 yr gap writing from ages 16-18, writing. By the time he was 20 he was an international best selling author. </p>
<p>My son will be 17 if he goes off to college straight out of high school. We are learning not all college towns are welcoming to students under 18. The local curfews really effect the physical mobility of a student.</p>