So I’m currently in high school, and, while I really do love academics, I really, really, want to pursue a career in performing arts. Does anyone know of colleges where you can graduate in 2 years with a bachelor’s degree? Then, I could start training more seriously in my discipline and still be young enough to actually do it. I just want to know if it’s possible.
Maybe you’d be better off trying the performing art first?
@bodangles that’s what I want to do, but I worry about not having any kind of fall-back at all.
If you have about two years’ worth of credit (college, AP, IB) earned while in high school, the college is generous with such transfer credit, and your intended major and the college’s breadth requirements are not voluminous or require long prerequisite sequences, you may be able to do it. But it will be a tight fit in any case.
I know of someone who graduated in 2.5 years because he had many AP credits, and, crucially, he tested out of many general ed requirements using CLEP. CLEP is run by College Board. Google it. These tests mean you have passed an equivalency exam in a subject such as English 101 and do not have to take it in college. The caveat of CLEP is that the college needs to accept it. It is generally publics and less selective privates that accept these credits. College Board has listings of colleges that accept CLEP and the credits accepted.
You are smart to think like this. It’s hard to make a living in performing arts. You will save a ton of money if you test out of as many classes as possible, and you will get your degree sooner.
Can you train in your discipline while in college? What type of discipline do you do?
I would check out some specific music/dance type sub forums and ask for advice there too.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/college-majors/
At my community college I’ve met some students doing dual enrollment while still attending high school. This allowed them to earn more college credits compared to other high school students taking AP classes in high school.
Also when I was in high school, I had a friend taking classes at night at the local community college and during the summer. He ended up earning around 60 units by the time he graduated, however not all courses were transferrable. I’m from CA, so there are transfer course agreements between the community colleges and public 4 year schools in CA.
Look into the CLEP.
Not sure if two years flat is possible but I’m sure 2.5-3 is; I know a few people who got their BS in 3 years and finished the first half of a Master’s in their remaining year. Depending on which area of the performing arts you’re into though (I’m guessing dance if you’re worried about still being young enough…), a conservatory or school with a strong performing arts program (I have a friend in the audition-based Musical Theater program at CNU) may be an even better option. They’re hard to get into but will give you the chance to practice your discipline (and get a feel for what a career might be like), in addition to getting a traditional college education.
Another option is to audition for a few groups/shows now and see where you fall, if you get callbacks, etc. A friend of a friend was a very skilled ballet dancer and auditioned for a touring group during high school. She got in after graduating HS and toured with them for several years. She made enough money to afford college on her own and is now studying business. This is risky and a long shot, but if you’re serious and think you’re good enough, auditioning is always an option.
But really, the answer is no.
BS/BA takes 4 years worth of classes.
Unless you have 2 years worth of credits from AP/IB/Dual Enrollment in HS, you cannot do a BS in 2 years.
But you can pursue your art now and get a college degree later. Columbia GS and Penn LPS (and other programs for non-traditionals) were made for people who didn’t attend college straight out of HS.
There’s also Harvard Extension School (which you can do mostly online) and other programs for working adults. Also University of London International (which is very cheap but also has very little hand-holding or support and follows the English system of higher ed).
Coming in with 2 years of credits doesn’t mean they are all usable. Everything will depend on your major - can you get classes in your major in 2 years or does the sequencing take more than 2? How many credits does it take to graduate in your major and how many of those are gen ed? There’s not a one size fits all answer here, but generally I think it would be very difficult to do. Potentially easier if you came out of HS with an associates degree from dual enrollment.
@JustGraduate I might try to do something like running start if I can.