<p>I am a rising junior, ranked 1 out of almost 700 students. I have the opportunity to go to a dual college/HS program where I will attend dual enrolled Comm. College classes here and save 2 years of college (but only for FL colleges, so save 2 years at UF) There are no ECs at the early college program, and I think the classes are easier than AP according to friends who already attend. Should I stay at my HS to receive the valedictorian honor or save two years?</p>
<p>Well personally I would stay in HS not to become Valedictorian, but mostly because Com. C classes are not accepted at many top schools. Judging by your rank (and the fact you are on CC) you are probably ambitious. For example Duke does not accept classes taken at the Community College level for credit, however, they have a pretty lenient AP credit policy. It would be easier I guess to simply go through HS.</p>
<p>However, if you know you want to go to UF (that is the only school you are going to apply to), then you should probably do the Early College Program. Even if you don’t save 2 years you could end up with a double major that would look more appealing in the job market/graduate school admissions.</p>
<p>You won’t “save” two years. You’ll lose your junior and senior years of high school and your first two years at a regular college. Unless you really need to do this for financial reasons, you’re trading four of (probably) the best years of your life for four years of being in the workforce. A very poor trade, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Why not stay in HS, become Val, apply to top tier schools if you are eligible for financial aid, and see what opportunities arise? If you have a lot of need, you could end up with a free ride to a great school.</p>
<p>This assumes you want to go away from FL, and you have the ECs, etc., to supplement your academics.</p>
<p>It would not suprise me that the CC classes are easier than the HS APs. The better colleges will limit where you can bring credits from – the AP test is there for a reason. My advice stay and take the ECs.</p>
<p>I’m with Hunt. What’s the rush? I can tell you from personal experience that being the youngest person in your class is over-rated. Enjoy being an upperclassman. Take advantage of the opportunities and free time you have without the responsibilities of adult life. Finish up high school and the senior-year application season, review your acceptances, then head straight for the college of your choice.</p>