<p>I'm currently a sophomore in high school, and this past semester I've been considering graduating a year early, as a junior next year. It was a possibility that I kept in my mind, but I wasn't completely commited to the idea. Nonetheless, I decided to take the ACT in April, just to see my current standpoint and whether it was worth exploring early graduation any further. I received my score a week ago, and to my shock, the composite score was 35. Since then, I've been weighing my options more and the idea of early graduation is now much more tangible than it was a month ago. I initially considered early graduation because my class loads freshman year and this year leave me with few options for senior year; so far, the only classes I would have to take are AP Lit&Comp and PE. However, my school waives the 4-years-of-PE graduation requirement for early graduates, and I would be able to double up on English classes next year. I would end up taking some colleges at either UIUC or the local community college if I stayed for senior year, so I figured I may as well get a head start on college. Though my schedule for next year is hectic and challenging, I think it will be manageable and I'm willing to work as hard as I need to in order to fulfill my goal of early graduation. I currently have a 4.0 GPA unweighted, and I am first in my class (albet it's a rather small class, about 360). I'm taking two AP tests this year (US History and Spanish) and I'm planning on taking 5 next year. I'm taking 3 classes online as Pass/Fail credit to compensate for the three credits needed for graduation that I have to obtain outside of school. </p>
<p>Academically, next year will definitely be a challenge since it's sort of like a cumulation of junior and senior year of high school. However, I am willing to do whatever it takes and I will push myself to work harder. Since my decision to graduate early has been recent, I am a little naive when it comes to college, however I do not want to narrow my options. I am definitely applying to UIUC, since I live in-town, but I was hoping to expand my options and try my luck elsewhere, for instance the East Coast. I am not sure if colleges will view my decision to graduate early as a potential weakess. I am considering addressing my early graduation in a college essay, but I'm not sure if that would be beneficial to my application. I'm relatively new to all thing college-related, and I'm open to any suggestions or advice. Thanks so much for your time!</p>