How does early graduation look to colleges?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Your opinions?</p>

2

<p>In most cases I don’t think it’s a good idea. An extra year will give you a chance to improve your resume, and that will help your chances at selective colleges (and your chances for merit aid). You can accomplish more in four years than you can in three. </p>

<p>I’d look into taking dual-enrollment classes at a local college. In some states it’s free (or discounted) for high school students to take college classes, and graduating early would deprive you of that opportunity.</p>

3

<p>My opinion is that colleges wouldn’t be particularly impressed by someone who graduates early if they haven’t exhausted the relevant resources at their high school and in their community. Our high school only requires 26 credits to graduate, which nearly all honors students will have by the end of junior year, so anyone who could convince the school to let them take the senior required courses (gov and English) before senior year as electives could do it. </p>

4

<p>What if a student skipped a grade early on? Do you think it helps to be younger and maybe stand out, or would colleges think you aren’t ready? Would they even notice?</p>

5

<p>Before high school it wouldn’t make a difference either way. </p>

6

<p>@zoemurr, colleges are going to see relatively older and relatively younger students, because different states (not to mention different countries) have different cut-off ages for school entry. So, I doubt they would even notice if you were some months younger than many other applicants. If you would be 16 or younger when you start as a freshman, you should check the school’s policies to make sure they take applicants of your age, particularly if you intend to live in a dorm.</p>

7

<p>I agree with @halcyonheather that you should look into AP courses, if you’re not currently in them, or possibly dual enrollment at a nearby university. Colleges want to see you challenging your self and going past the requirements. Leaving early when you could still take courses is the overall message. There’s more courses you could take. </p>