<p>I am a junior in HS and I am planning to graduate this summer so I can enroll in a community college (Montgomery College), and than after a year use the MTAP program to transfer to UMD College Park. The reason I am doing this is because I messed up my gpa REALLY BAD beginning of sophomore year and it dropped from a 3.5 to a 2.9. But since then I have really improved and this year I have maintained a 3.8 unweighted GPA. But it seems to be too late in my opinion, because by my calculations even if I keep this up, my overall GPA will only go up to a 3.3 by the end of 1st semester senior year. I know I can work at a college level because I have taken 4 AP classes and done good on all the exams. Even with all of this my shot at getting into UMD CP straight out of HS seems slim because it is very competitive (average accepted is 3.6 I believe). So this why I think if I graduate early, do good in CC, and than apply to UMD CP I will have a better shot. Also since I graduate early, I will be the same age as the incoming freshmen. Does this seem like a smart route?</p>
<p>If you were my kid, I wouldn’t recommend it. If the average GPA is 3.6 then about half the population is coming in with lower GPA’s. The school you mentioned is holistic meaning they are going to look at your recommendations, activities and essays, scores and transcript.</p>
<p>Community college won’t necessarily be easier. AP’s spread out a semester of work over a full school year. They assign lots of homework to not only make you study but to pad your grades. College classes don’t spoon-feed the material, grades can be based on as little as 3 tests and instead of getting 5 hours a week for 36 weeks you have to master in 16 weeks with less classroom time.</p>
<p>Getting the CC classes you need in one year may not be possible unless you have something that will give you priority registration. If you get less than 30 units you won’t qualify for MTAP and they’ll want to see your high school transcripts anyway. </p>
<p>Consider that your leadership opportunities may drop-off when you are no longer in high school. Any sports or activities you may not be able to pursue at the community college.</p>
<p>What do your parents think? Are they ready to pay for your classes and books this year?</p>
<p>Sheesh . … at least give the traditional route a chance before you bail! In other words, finish high school, apply to college during your senior year, and, then, if you don’t get in, try the community college route.</p>
<p>I can’t see any way that your plan would help you. And, for what it’s worth, you lose almost any chance at merit aid at any four-year college once you’ve attended community college for a year.</p>
<p>And (please correct me if I’m mistaken), I believe that UMD-College Park may not be the only college on the planet. Take a look around before your tunnel vision takes you down a path that may not be your best option.</p>