I live in California I’m 15(skipped 1 year) right now and a junior. I was thinking about taking the CHSPE and leaving early, there are a multitude of reasons for this; 1. My GPA is not too hot around a 3.2 weighted(will go up to a 3.5) after this semester, I took way to many AP’s for me to handle sophomore year and freshman year I was, well a freshman. 2. I cant stand this environment, I go to a very competitive high school and I just want to be out of here. My proposed route would be take the CHSPE(I turn 16 in December) in spring then, maybe take some credits over summer at my school, but if I pass go to community college(4 year would be preferable but I don’t think that’s possible) and study very hard(This year I have almost all A’s with 3 AP’s) and from there a UC where I will be 1 year ahead of my peers but technically 2. If all goes well I could graduate with a bachelors at 20. If I don’t I feel like a run the risk of going to either community again(pointless) or I end up at a meh school when I could have gone to a UC. Also this is my 2nd post so idk if this is even the right place for it.
Thanks!
Look into Middle College programs that allow you to move to a community college setting during your last couple years of high school. That way you’ll be able to apply to four-year colleges as a freshman, even though you’ll have the college credits under your belt. Keeping your freshman status will give you more merit scholarship opportunities and the chance to live in campus housing with your same-age peers, and you can still graduate early from college.
Graduating HS early
Things to consider:
- You are competing with other students for admission who have had an extra semesters of classes, leadership, ECs.
- If you want to take college classes, why not take them through dual enrollment in HS? Then you don’t have to worry about paying for them or transfer issues
So in general, I would not recommend this at all. There is no real upside.
What did you end up deciding to do?
If your plan is to attend a UC, then I think taking the CHSPE and leaving high school early, is an excellent idea for the reasons you suggested — you will probably get into a much UC if you go to community college and get a higher GPA than the one you have now.
Either way, you should base your decision on what you feel would make you happy 
I dont’ think you should base your decision on what would make you happy…but what would help you achieve your goals.
I see more and more students doing what you suggest. It seems to work for the ones who are mature enough for it. You will have to seek out extra tutoring from faculty and support centers at the CC, but it’s doable, so long as you commit to doing the work and don’t expect too much hand-holding. Have you visited the CC and sat in on classes yet? Do that before you go through with your plan.
What did you decide to do? My son just took the CHSPE on March 16th, keeping fingers crossed he passed (he said it was easy, but you never know He’s a sophmore but he’s taken 5 cc classes at SMC, and he’s loved every one, so it’s definitely a good path for him.
One thing you said I wanted to point out, about graduating with a BA by 20 years old — don’t be in a hurry :). It’s more important to enjoy the journey and make the most of all of your opportunities. In my son’s case, he isn’t happy at his high school and he’s doing much better in his SMC classes, so the choice makes sense for him, but I wouldn’t worry abou getting out of college early.
College is a completely different enviroment, there’s a lot more freedom but there’s also more responsibility too. Like someone else said, you have to be more independent, there isn’t going to be as much hand holding. (Sounds like you’re ready for that though
So what did you decide to do? All the best to you
The OP has not been back since asking the question, so I am closing the thread.