Is the high school experience really that worth it?

I am currently in a situation in which I could stay at my high school and have about 40-50 hours of college credit or I can leave my high school to go to an early college residential program, in which I could would graduate with a high school diploma and an associates degree. The early college program would mean that I would have to move out of my house to the University and live there for my junior and senior years of high school.

In terms of cost it’s about $8,000 for room and board and all of the tuition and books are paid for by the state, but they do offer higher level math and science classes including Calculus 2, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, that my high school does not offer.

The only thing holding me back from fully committing to the early college program is the idea of missing out of the “high school experience”. I will have to quit my sports and move out of my home, which is a big change but something I am willing to sacrifice.

Is it worth missing my last two years of high school to start an early college program?

I don’t think anybody can answer this for you. It’s a big move to live away from home at this age. What do your parents think? Have you talked to current students in the early college program? Where do you think you’re more likely to have friends? I think neither way is wrong and you should ultimately do what you think will make you happier.

Some people thrive on that high school experience and crave it- and some don’t care about it in the least. Both of your choices are good ones, and which is best will depend entirely on how you feel about it.

I’d stay and do traditional high school. Can you take some of the high level classes through dual enrollment at a closer college?

It depends. Do you feel bored and unchallenged academically at your current HS?

If the answer is no, then stay where you are.

If the answer is yes, then either explore opportunities for add on enrichment (hard core research lab internships, advanced classes at universities, etc.) to your current HS program, or take up the opportunity for the residential program.

The advantage of adding on to your current HS is flexibility, as opposed to a locked in two year commitment at the residential program.

For someone with no enrichment options, the two year residential program can be a life saver, but it sounds like you have options for enrichment at your current HS.

It depends on what you feel like you’d miss most looking back.

Are you currently thriving off of your relationships with friends? Loving the immature fun high school students get to have? Would you feel like you grew up too fast and missed out on the fun if you moved on to college? Or do you feel dissatisfied, academically unchallenged, and like you could do more? Would you regret not pushing yourself forward when you had the chance?

If you think you’ll be fine in terms of academic rigor at your high school, stay there. But if you know you want to go beyond what they’re offering, the early college residential program is worth consideration.