I am moving this summer and will be starting my junior year at a new high school. Because I am moving, I am thinking of graduating early and applying to college after I finish my junior year. I am interested in majoring in Mathematics and/or Computer Science. I will apply to a state school for safety, but I want to apply to top schools such as Columbia University, MIT, UC Berkley,and Brown.
I have already taken the ACT. I made a 30 without preparation. I am planning to take it again in September.
I have taken French up to French 3, Chemistry, Physics, Math up to Calculus, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, AP European History, and state required high school courses. I am planning to take AP courses at my new school: AP Physics, AP Chem, APUSH, AP English 11, and AP Calculus BC.
Given my intended major and the courses I am planning to take my junior year, do you think that it is a good idea that I graduate early?
I know many people have asked this question. I ask this question now because I don’t have a counselor to ask about this at the moment and I want to know if this is a good decision to make.
I don’t think it’s a good idea to graduate a year early. Instead excel in additional AP courses and if they aren’t available pursue similar courses at a local college that coops with your new school, take another shot at the ACT as a 33+ should be your target for the reach schools, and pursue some leadership opportunities over the next two years in things that you care about.
One challenge is that your junior year teachers will only have known you for a couple of months before the rec letters are due.
Have you had any contact with the college counseling staff at the new high school yet?
@siliconvalleymom No, I haven’t. My parents only contacted about registration for the new school.
That ACT score is not good enough for those colleges.
@marvin100 I’m aware of that. I said I’m taking the ACT again. I have been preparing and am aiming for at least a 33. I was barely a sophomore when I took it, so I expect to score much higher.
It seems like your ECs will really suffer. You won’t get much traction junior year – but you could build some traction for senior year. I would not do it.
I agree, ECs will suffer. You need to ensure you have some related math-sci experience in school and out, if possible. Plus some other activities. That matters to C, MIT and B. And at this point, you have no idea what the academic differences/challenges will be, incl the peer competition. It’s not as simple as thinking you met all the hs grad requirements.