Will graduating a semester early affect my college applications?

Pre-College Issues Home Schooling and College
1

I am a junior in high school who is on an independent study program. I am dual enrolled as well.

While on my independent study program and as a junior, I have been able to finish all my “senior” course load. (English IV, U.S Gov, Economic, etc) My academic advisor informed me that I will have the opportunity to graduate by the fall semester of my senior year. This interested me because as a dual enrolled student, I am only allowed to take 11 credits per semester at my local cc. Graduating high school early would allow me to take as many classes per semester and obtain my AA by the spring of that academic school year.

If I do not choose to graduate early, I still would be able to receive my AA but in the summer. I would also take all electives during my senior year, but they would not be AP/Honors course, as this school does not offer such classes. I do want to seem like I am not challenging myself on my college applications because of this. And I wonder if colleges see that as ambiguous…

All in all, I am concerned as to what will be affected on my college application if do/ do not choose to graduate a semester early.

Thank you so much for your help.

2

I should mention that I have not taken any SAT/ACT tests. I am unsure if I need to take them since I don’t know if I have to apply as a transfer.

3

If you take college classes after graduating from high school, you will be considered a transfer student. The best scholarships, if they matter to you, are for entering freshman.

Can you take courses independent study? Maybe courses offered through opencourseware?

4

Perhaps they want you to graduate early so they do not have to pay for your dual enrollment courses?

I think I would stretch it out, especially since you haven’t taken SAT/ACT yet. And if you don’t meet all the requirements for graduation, you can take another semester of dual enrollment classes. This will help you for college admissions and financial cost.