<p>Iggal, if your son really is competing at a top level, and likely to get where he is aiming soon (within the next year or so) - then that attainment might be the sort of hook that will get him into a private college that would otherwise be a big reach. </p>
<p>As noted above, if his long term plans are for college, I wouldn't stress over a year or two's delay while he is doing something where he is performing at a top level. A lot of young men really could use some time to grow up before starting college in any case -- the fact that you are worried about drug use at a college and characterize him as classic ADD would tend to support the idea that he may not really be ready for college at 18 in any case. That is, intellectually he would be ready, but in terms of emotional maturity/focus he may need more time. I mean - this fits under the "be careful what you wish for" umbrella: the last thing you want is a resentful kid who parties and slacks off and gets himself kicked out or put on academic probation by the end of his first year of college. </p>
<p>Is there a good chance for big prize money with these competitions? That might be a big help toward paying for college - something else to keep in mind.</p>