I'm a current high school student, and I've started the application process to Bard College. They sent me a booklet in the mail about their college saying that many of their students leave high school after 10th or 11th grade, stay for two years earning an associates degree in the arts, and then transfer to some of the most prestigious universities in the US. I've been doing my research on the college and it seems like it would be a good fit for me personality wise, but it's always been my plan to apply to top tier universities. Before I continue with the application process I would like to know if going to Bard and transferring to a better college, or staying in high school and taking advanced coursework would improve my chances the most.
It sounds like you are looking at Simon’s Rock. You might want to post this in the High School forum rather than the Bard College page.
Briefly, though, it is generally best to apply to prep school or Early College because that’s the experience you want NOW, not because you hope it will set you up better for college admissions.