<p>I'm a junior and I have taken a lot of college classes like (C++, Calc III, and physics courses), I can attain an Associate Degree in math before i graduate high school or maybe even before I start applying to colleges. I want to apply to ivy leagues, stanford, mit, caltech, and such colleges. I'm not applying as a transfer applicant. I've also maintained straight As in high school taking 5 APs this year and 4 APs last year. I do some community service. Do you think the colleges will be very impressed with the Associate Degree and give me admission? Thanks</p>
<p>While impressive, an Associate Degree isn't an automatic admit. It seems like you have some impressive stats, so I think you have a shot at most of the colleges you'll apply to. Just remember not to rely on a single achievement and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>It depends on some other factors as well, such as ECs, your interests, and test scores. It will definitely look good and help your chances though.</p>
<p>Sorry; if you have an associate's degree, you will, by definition be a transfer student, whether you want to be or not. You cannot just "decide" to be a freshman student.</p>
<p>Per Harvard:
[quote]
Once a student has completed one year of full-time study at a single college or university, he or she ordinarily may apply only as a transfer student to Harvard College.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>From Stanford:
[quote]
You should apply as a transfer applicant if:
. . .
you have attended college/university on a part-time basis and you have accumulated 26 or more semester or 39 or more quarter units of transferable course credit.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>An Associate's Degree means you've completed two years.</p>
<p>If your college classes were dual-enrollment, in that they count as part of your high school record, you may be able to get away with freshman admissions, but not likely if you accept a degree from the community college.</p>