<p>Question: Since the beginning of my junior year, I have constantly been seeking attention from my counselor about graduating early. She has told me very little information and even when I ask her what to do, she tells me its practically impossible. Well I want to achieve the impossible. Its now MARCH and I still [...]</p>
<p>I wonder if this student might be interested in an early college program that does not require graduation from high school. I am pretty sure that both the Clarkson School and Simon’s Rock are still accepting applications. It may be worth a look for someone who seems to want OUT of high school NOW!</p>
<p>A student from D’s HS went to Simon’s Rock as a dual enrollment/early college student a year ago. She came back last spring to graduate with her HS class and is now at a traditional college in a pre-med program. It was the perfect choice for her. The difference between her and the student in the OP is that our school pulled out all the stops to HELP her, not ignore her. This is something my own D is considering a few years down the road so I’m keeping abreast of the options.</p>
<p>These early colleges are good suggestions for some students but with one big caveat. If a student who attends an “early college” still expects to receive a high school diploma (as did the girl mentioned by sseamom), I’m pretty sure that the student is not eligible for Federal financial aid. Anyone in this situation should check that out carefully, especially because the Simon’s Rock merit-aid deadline has passed (not sure about Clarkson’s). An early college student who is not using the credits toward a high school diploma IS eligible for Federal aid (if, of course, the EFC allows).</p>
<p>Clarkson has a page talking about that in detail. I think most students either don’t bother with getting their high school diploma, or get a GED. But really, once you are in college, the need for a HS diploma is negligible.</p>
<p>I am not close enough to the family to ask, but the student I mentioned is not from a family that could afford much on their own. So this girl, is getting aid at her new college in some form. We’ll certainly check this out as we are not low-income but will still merit aid and the like.</p>