Having A.A. Degree Before Graduating High School

<p>I've been taking college courses at my local community college since my freshman year and will have my A.A. (two years) by the time I graduate from high school. How impressive is this to colleges (specifically UPenn, Cornell, URochester) and will it boost my application much?</p>

<p>I know someone who did this. She actually had her AA a few weeks before her high school graduation. She was accepted by some very prestigious colleges, and the one she chose accepted all of the credits. She will graduate after her second year there (next spring). She plans to go straight into a Master’s program. She’s a very driven individual and it just made sense for her to double up on her education. Even that was apparently not quite enough of a challenge for her. I don’t think her situation is all that common though.</p>

<p>The duel credit program is more common than you think. It will impress college admissions officers, as long as you did well in those courses. It proves that you can handle colligiate-level work and are a self-motivator. Being able to motivate yourself is one of the most important traits of a successful college student. There is no one holding your hand. At a large university there won’t be a ton of homework to turn in for a grade. Your grades will most likely be based, instead, on a couple of large projects and exams. </p>

<p>If you know what you want to major in than you can apply directly to that program. At this point you will be classified as a college junior (credit-wise, for registration purposes). </p>

<p>Congrats on your A.A!</p>