Would it be helpful to say that I’ve also been chosen, in 8th grade, for being the first students of the Aerospace Corporation’s Science Camp? I was chosen by a senior scientist, and only 20 students from southern California were selected.
There are many more things that I have accomplished, in terms of research, language-and-literature-kind accomplishments, environmental efforts, astronomy, and music, but I really do think that adding all this will give my personal identity away if you search this stuff up on Google.
I think your age will be a big factor in your not being accepted to the tip top universities.
@aunt bea I’ll be 16, though, by the time I go to college. I know of many people who have graduated a year or two early and have still gone to the top universities. Like MIT, for example, asks, “Why is this student applying to college now? Have they exhausted all of their resources? Do the teachers support this decision? Does this student have the emotional and social maturity to be a successful college/MIT student?” (http://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/doogie_howser_et_al), as I’m sure all universities do. I’m pretty sure I can satisfactorily answer these questions; I find it boring in high school because there’s not really anyone who I can talk to about mathematics, anyone who I can actually work with. I will also exhaust my local community college’s courses next semester, so I’m sure you understand my need to go to university early.
Most of the young people I know of, who have jumped ahead of the system, rarely get into the top schools-they head off to lesser known universities. Why? Because the age of 16 is considered an insurance liability. You are not considered an adult, and would need parent permission/signatures to sign documents. It’s not the university’s call, it’s the insurance company’s call.
Don’t listen to the naysayers. I think what you are doing is worth a shot. You have to get the university involved, though. What they don’t want is a non-standard student getting into trouble. Talk to them about your situation and feel them out for their past experience. They might have some suggestions which, of course, you are willing to work with. If they seem reluctant because of a bad experience in the past, you might want to move on to one that is more positive about it.
Younger students do it all the time at schools with Early Entrance programs and you might look them up to familiarize yourself with some of the issues so you’re ready when they are discussed. One would be the Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington. They have an EEP.
Can I ask how old you appear? That can be a big adjustment factor for boys.
@JustOneDad Physically, people tell me I look like a 16 year old, though I’m actually 14. Mentally and emotionally, I don’t really know, but people tell me that I have a very high maturity level.
@JustOneDad, the student is underage and is NOT a US citizen or permanent resident which complicates things. That’s why he needs to be aware that the top schools may not bite, so he needs to consider some safety schools if he really wants to go to a university level program.
I’m not too worried about it.
@aunt bea Given the information above (my ACT/SATs will be taken soon), what safety schools do you suggest for me?
You’re currently in the US? Is there a local university in your town?
@aunt bea Yes, I’m in California. There’s a local community college, but I will have finished all math courses there by half of sophomore year (and as you probably guessed, I wish to major in mathematics).
Actually you have gd chances. If you get into any of those, I have my money on Stanford. Of course, given you write great essays.
@TrElite I think I write good essays (but of course, that’s what everyone says!). Thanks!
No, I wasn’t referring to community colleges, reread my post, I was referring to a university, not a CC.
Is there a local university in your town? Not a CC.
Part of the reason I ask is that your parents will have to sign some documents, that you won’t be able to sign as a 16 year old like (your medical insurance, financial aid documents, etc.). Some universities won’t want to take the liability or risk. My dd was conducting diabetic research under the guidance of a professor at our local university, but, she was 17. When the research committee found out that she was only 17, her research basically stopped. So, you need back-ups from your local university, not a CC.
@aunt bea UCLA is only about 15 miles from where I live, does that count?
Yes, I would focus on UCLA and USC since you live within the area. The privates would also be good backups: Loyola Marymount, Chapman because your parents can get to those universities to sign for you. CSULB is an “up and coming” university in the areas of research, and, it is impacted in every department, but you would have multiple opportunities for research since they are very open to high-performing students and provide full-funding. They would have you teaching soon. After you turn 18, it won’t be too much of a problem.
@aunt bea Thanks for your advice! Of course, UCLA and USC are great schools. Though I know I have a low chance, I’ll apply to Harvard and MIT as well (hoping that I get in). Thanks again!
Cambridge won’t accept students under 17, and Oxford is getting more restrictive about it- too many prodigies who then fall apart- but it could be a wonderful place for you. I know of a student at Trinity College, Oxford who enrolled at 16 (now in his 3rd year, just turned 18) who seems very happy.