<p>My rising sophomore friend told me about an idea she's considering as an alternative to finishing her four years of high school in the standard fashion: drop out when she turns 16, pass the GED test, enroll in community college for two years, then transfer to a four-year. Is this reasonable, let alone possible?</p>
<p>She's very unhappy at our public school -- unable to find her niche, extremely intelligent (238 PSAT, 4.0, but bored and without motivation), depressed, etc. In addition, her family is low-income and she thinks that this plan would allow her to work with more flexibility and earn more to help out. I should note that she aspires to attend one of the most selective schools.</p>
<p>Opinions? Advice? Other alternatives I could bring to her attention?</p>
<p>A lot of high schools will partner with a local cc to do a “running start” or “community college high school” program where you can complete high school and an associate degree at the same time so your cc course credits count towards your diploma also.</p>
<p>Most top end schools such as ivies would prefer to see that versus simply getting a GED.</p>
<p>She can do that. She’ll make it into CC and save $ while working. But it will be very difficult to make into highly placed four year colleges, except for the major State U.</p>
<p>Our local community college sends transfers to top colleges and universities every single year. If this student has the drive and organization skills her dream may well be possible. She should make an appointment with the admissions and transfer counselors at the CC she wants to attend to discuss her options.</p>
<p>She also should consider applying early to college. Most colleges and universities do not specifically require a HS diploma or GED. They will admit students who they believe to be college-ready - some even as early as 9th grade. For ideas, she could check out the list at [Hoagies</a>’ Gifted: Early College Entrance Programs](<a href=“http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/early_college.htm]Hoagies”>Early Entrance College Programs | Hoagies' Gifted)</p>