<p>Though I am an academically strong student, I haven't followed a traditional route through school. I am currently in school outside of the country (parent is US diplomat). I skipped several grades and am a HS sophomore, though I also have 6 dual enrollment college credits. Next year I will be a fulltime dual enrollment student and will take 18 credits at the local university (local highschools did not offer appropriate levels). At the end of "11th grade" I will have at least 27 college credits. I am looking to enroll in college as a freshman at that time (fall 2012). I want to pursue a degree (actually several degrees!) in physics, more particularly nuclear physics. I am looking at William and Mary due to the physics program and also the proximity of the Jefferson lab for research purposes.</p>
<p>I don't know what my GPA is in American terms, however I have recieved the highest levels in both my highschool and college classes. I am young for grade due to the skipping. I am 14, will be 15 when I apply to undergrad. My age has never been an issue in my education so far with either the highschool or the college. I am very focused and driven when it comes to my studies. (Also, I would live with relatives and commute to school, not looking at a dorm situation. This seems to be the biggest concern people have with my attending college young). I am hispanic. I am OOS for W&M. I will be taking the SAT this year.</p>
<p>My question: does the above read as a strong candidate for W&M? Or am I going to be too "out of the box"?</p>
<p>We are certainly happy to consider students who have non-traditional academic paths and we will consider you based on the context of the schools you attended. However, we do strongly discourage students from graduating high school early. It sounds as if next year is your junior year of high school and we would encourage you to continue and complete a senior year. We believe that spending four years in high school allows students to grow academically and socially so that they are as ready as possible to transition to college. While we certainly have admitted students who graduate high school early it is rare. There are likely still plenty of course options for you as a high school student (maybe more dual enrollment courses) and it will allow you to progress in any extracurricular activities you’re a part of which are part of our review process. Spending a fourth year in high school also allows you to reach culminating courses like calculus, the fourth or fifth level of a foreign language, physics, etc.</p>
<p>As for living off campus unfortunately that is not an option. All freshmen are required to live on campus unless their parent/legal guardian lives within 30 miles of campus. W&M values the residential experience and it’s a huge part of our program so you should consider that you will be living on campus as you consider W&M</p>
<p>Thank you for the information. I can definitely see the positives for completing a full four years in highschool for a lot of students, unfortunately I don’t think it is for me. The highschools where we are posted are not able to offer the level of courses that I desired, that is why I started dual enrollment courses this year. Next year I will only be taking classes at the university. I don’t think that attempting a second year of fulltime dual enrollment for 12th grade would make much sense for me. I have already completed the culiminating high school courses in math, physics, and english and have begun the university sequences this year. I will have completed university Calculus I, II, III, differential equations, linear algebra, and two semesters of university physics and english composition by the end of next year (11th grade). At that point I think it really makes more sense for me to matriculate to college. Unfortunately I realize that this will close some college doors, but it is the right path for me. Thank you again.</p>
<p>Fair enough. We also consider any early grad to consider how their young age might impact them. Even if it is not an issue at this point, it sounds like you could graduate college at 19. And while that may be fine for you, your young age may limit your opportunity to land a job, rent an apartment, etc. so just more food for thought as you continue to chart your educational course.</p>
<p>Academically I agree with you that going to college earlier makes sense. Think about the social aspects, however. How well do you get along with people a few years older than yourself? W&M students are open-minded, so I don’t think they would treat a younger student as a freak. Still, it might be harder for you to form friendships.</p>
<p>I truly am not concerned about the social aspects. I attend college classes now and have never had any problems. I attend the physics society functions at the university and fit in fine. Honestly, most of the people there don’t even know that I’m a high school student. At high school I am in classes with kids two to three years older than me and have never had a problem making friends. </p>
<p>Where I would have problems fitting in? Middle school, which is where I would have been if I hadn’t accelerated my schooling. That would be sheer torture!</p>
<p>I just need to find the right college that can overlook my birthday and see my capabilitites and what I can offer to the school. And give me the opportunity to learn. There is so much out there that I want to know!</p>
<p>We certainly welcome your application but just keep in mind that as a residential campus, at W&M you will be surrounded by students at times 8 years old than you who will have privileges by virtue of their age that you may not have until after you graduate college. It’s a slightly different environment when you live away from home and there are additional social transitions for students (regardless of age) when they move away from home for the first time. Someone substantially younger may encourage a slightly more difficult transition. That certainly may not be the case for everyone but it’s just something to consider and allow for the possibility of.</p>