I am about to complete my junior year of high school. As of now, my preferred university is Washington University in St. Louis. I have been diligent in my academic pursuits (4.0 GPA, 35 ACT, Honors & AP courses) and find myself involved in my school and community. However, I received news recently that I will be required to move after the first semester of my senior year. Although this wasn’t my plan, I am now attemping to adapt. I would strongly prefer to complete my high school education at my current school rather than move to a new school across the country for my last semester.
In order to achieve this, I am in a position to complete my education a semester early according to my high school’s requirements. I would like to do this and upon moving attend some junior college classes in my new town as well as work a part time job. However, I question the implications of such a plan. Primarily,
How will graduating a semester early affect my chances of admission? Is this viewed as a display of academic drive, or is it frowned upon?
Further, if I were to take junior college classes for a semester before attending a university, would I still be eligible for incoming freshman scholarships? (Some sources online have said that such students are regarded as transfer students.)
Thanks ahead of time to anyone who provides any input!
I don't know if it is frowned upon but keep in mind that competing students will have four years of high school and 3-4 years of core subjects.
You will probably be considered a transfer student, especially if you have over a certain number of college credits from studying at the CC. Transfer students receive considerably less scholarship money from schools.
It’s not like being that one guy who graduates mid year will make it any easier. Just consider yourself done once you go to your new school but still take your classes.
Do your schools require a certain # of days of attendance per year? If so, you need to complete those # of days to graduate. Will your current school issue you a diploma? If they do, once you enroll in a cc you may be considered a transfer student. If not, you need to find out what the attendance requirements are in the new state.
What about graduating early and then using that bonus time to study abroad with AFS or a similar organization? You would not risk jeopardizing your freshman status and you would have an incredible life experience.
@austinmshauri my school outlines a plan where as long as you have completed enough credits, you are allowed to graduate halfway through senior year. Because I was in the accelerated program and took high school classes in 8th grade, I am able to meet these requirements. Thanks for the help!
@siliconvalleymom Although I don’t see myself leaving for a whole semester, I think pursuing a unique opportunity with my open time is a great idea. Do you happen to know how I would include such experience on my college applications, considering a the time of applying I would have not yet completed them?
@Scrantonicity97, That’s great. As long as you can get your high school diploma, you can use your last semester to add to your application. You should be able to include supplemental info. to explain to colleges why you’re graduating early and how you intend to spend that time. You can always give them an update in the spring if they really want it.
I want to make something very clear. You will NOT be considered a transfer student as long as you haven’t officially received your high school diploma. If you receive your high school diploma AND take college courses afterwards, you WILL be considered a transfer student. And yes, even if you earn your associate’s degree, this still applies. You are a freshman applicant for admissions purposes.
Not to hijack the thread, but would taking language classes abroad at a university in the country native to said language make you a transfer student in the eyes of an admissions committee?
@lpreston As long as you are still considered a high school student (no HS diploma/GED) at the time you take the college course, you are still a freshman.
@AnEpicIndian thanks for your comment that’s very useful information! So just to make sure I am fully understanding, enrolling in any junior college classes after receiving my HS diploma in December will automatically make me viewed as a transfer student (regardless of how many hours/classes I take)?
@Scrantonicity97 Yes, the vast majority of colleges will view you as a transfer. Some may view you as an exception if you’ve taken X or fewer credits, but I wouldn’t risk it. You can take as many college courses as you want to as a high school student and still be considered a freshman applicant.
@AnEpicIndian But if I take the language classes as a gap year option after graduation, I would not be considered a freshman? If so, then why do so many language-based gap year programs offer university courses? That doesn’t really make sense if most universities would consider you a sophomore after completing the program.
This is state dependent, which is why I suggested consulting the education regulations of each state. NYS colleges, for instance, can’t award degrees to students who don’t have a high school diploma (or its equivalent).
@ipreston, That’s a great question. Please make your own thread so others who have a similar question later will be able to search the archive for the answer.
I don’t believe you would be because AP tests are only for high school students. I recommend trying CLEP since there are no limitations to who can take them.
@Scrantonicity97@TheDidactic CLEP is seen as inferior to AP at many schools, and therefore, some schools do not accept CLEP credit. I believe more schools accept AP than CLEP, so you need to be careful about relying on CLEP.
Only in the situations of the uber elite places, CLEP isn’t accepted. I’ve found that generally CLEP isn’t considered inferior. It’s just that College Board pushes AP so much–CLEP covers the same type of college level material for a subject. The administration of the test is just slightly different. I found this one comment on a similar question on Quora. (not sure about the reliability but still…) (http://www.quora.com/Can-you-take-AP-exams-after-graduating-high-school/answer/Pablo-Escobar-3?srid=TeF8&share=1) College Board, in the email, encouraged college students and post high school students to take CLEP.
