I am graduating early from high school this year. This is the best choice for me because I will have completed four years (or more) in each subject. However, I have heard that colleges look down upon early-graduates. I have earned good grades, taken (and currently am taking) challenging courses (honors and AP), and my test scores are great as well. I know that one of the reasons why colleges do not like early graduation is because students miss out on or exempt higher-level courses, but I will have completed four years (or more) for each subject, plus electives.
I am planning to apply to NYU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and the University of Toronto, but will these schools be less likely to grant me admission due to my graduation status? Also, I plan to defer my admission for one year in order to gain more real-world experience before heading to college, so should I mention that this is my plan considering that another reason why colleges dislike early graduation is due to a possible lack of personal growth that could have been gained with an additional year?
I graduated early too, and I’ve already been accepted into two great schools and more letters to come! You’ll be fine. I think it looks very impressive as long as you don’t take a gap year.
@jakel26 the OP is planning on taking a gap year, which IMO is actually a good idea. However, if you worry that colleges will not like it, unless the college specifically asks you if you plan to defer, you don’t have to state that on your app.
Check that the colleges you’re applying to allow admitted students to defer admission! Not all do.