I have a daughter that is a junior in high school and will only have three classes left for senior year. She could take those three classes on line and do an internship or something else during her senior year. My question is, will this cause problems for her getting into college? Or is this something other people have done and found it works? Any information appreciated. Thanks!
I don’t have a first-hand answer for you, but in general, colleges don’t look favorably on kids who just take a few courses. If she chooses that route, she should consider getting a job, dual enrollment at a community college, or something else that will occupy her time in a productive way.
FWIW, my sophomore son announced the other day that he only has three or four classes left in in his high school career, then he can finish. I informed him otherwise. He stays in high school for two more full years and takes courses that will round out his education, with a few electives also. Everyone can benefit from as much education as possible.
What colleges is she aiming for?
Top colleges will want her enrolled in English, math, foreign language, social science, science. If her high school doesn’t offer such classes at her level, can she take classes at a community college via dual enrollment (also called pseo, running start…) ? She could take 4 dual enrollment classes each semester thus meeting selective colleges ’ standards for rigor (which taking three classes wouldn’t meet) and still have time for an internship or big research project.
She can’t take any elective courses? Surely your HS offers some courses she could take in addition to what is required. One of my kids only “needed” several courses to graduate…but she took band, culinary arts, and a dual credit science course too.
I would suggest that your daughter look at the elective courses she can take.
She should max out on her free public school education as much as she can. Plus enjoy the social life- there is so much more than just academics. HS is a chance, especially senior year after gpa’s are submitted to colleges, to explore classes one might never have time for later in life.
Getting the minimum to meet requirements is not the best way to have a good knowledge base/foundation for college and the rest of one’s life. Look at not only the requirements for various colleges but what most admitted/accepted students have for their credentials. eg- Just because only 2 units of a foreign language are required does not mean getting in if most will have 4 units. Every course and experience will round her out and prepare her better for life. It will also make her more competitive for even the flagship U level of school.
Success is not getting by with minimums- it is doing so much more!
What type of college is she aiming for? If it’s a state public school, you could look at taking classes at a local college. Our state gives high school credit and college credit as transfer credit. If your state does, this would give your child “classes for high school” and even better, it could be possible to get some general education requirements out of the way. We’ve known students who are doing this and for some their goal is graduating early. It takes investigation and planning. Maybe meet with guidance at the high school or an advisor at a local college if this is something your child would be interested in.