Graduating High School a Semester Early

<p>So, I've recently been thinking about graduating high school a semester earlier than my peers. In my state, there is a $2500 scholarship awarded for each semester graduated early to be used towards postsecondary education.</p>

<p>I've always done well in school and I have a 4.0 GPA. In 11th grade (and first semester of senior year) I was enrolled in full-time PSEO, or Post Secondary Enrollment Option which allows me to take classes at the community college free of charge. I've been able to rack up 35 college credits (plus 8 Harvard Summer School credits that I'm currently doing, and the credits from first semester senior year). </p>

<p>If I kept in the PSEO program for the full 2 years, I could potentially graduate the college with an associate's degree by the same time I finish high school, easily accumulating more than 70ish credits. I believe that credits earned with a degree are pretty much guaranteed to transfer to colleges within the state, so I'd be able to finish college 2 years early and head to med school. </p>

<p>My issue is that I'm really aiming for an Ivy League school like Harvard, Yale, or Brown. I've talked to a few of their admissions officer and they're very picky with transfer credits, so my community college credits probably would not transfer. </p>

<p>Instead, I'm thinking that I should just take the 2 required classes for graduation this coming semester, take the last semester off and get a job to save money, and start college in the fall with the rest of my class. </p>

<p>Any thoughts or advice?</p>

<p>Oh also, I'm hoping to apply to the QuestBridge National Match scholarship and I believe they release their results sometime in December, by which I'd be assuming I would have already had to make my decision about whether or not I'd be graduating early... My only real downfall for the QuestBridge scholarship and what hurts my chances of an Ivy League college is that I haven't taken any AP tests since I take all my classes at a college already... Otherwise, I have a 32 ACT composite (after taking it once without studying) and I'm probably going to either retake it or take the SAT. I'm also pretty well rounded and I think I really do have a fair shot to get into an Ivy League.</p>

<p>I'm pretty torn about what I should do so any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!</p>