<p>Right now I am a junior in high school and begining to look further into my future college. One thing that concerns me is the fact that I will be graduating my senior year at the age of 16. How will this affect my chances of getting into colleges? (If any at all.) My parents have suggested that if I'm not ready to go right into college to perhaps take a "gap" year. I would prefer, however, to continue on with my education, provided that my age does not interfere with my chances of being accepted. Does anybody know how colleges handle young high school graduates?</p>
<p>I think they expect you to have the same level of maturity as the 18-19 year-olds that you will be living with. Your recommendations should vouch for this.
I agree with your mom that a gap year might be a good idea. You can continue with your education - just do something related that shows the interest and passion for your field - a job, an internship, a volunteer post - the possibilities are great.
I don't believe that the colleges will give you any brownie points for being young. If anything, they will be more cautious.</p>
<p>I'd take a year off if I were you. Do something in that year that would make you a more attractive applicant; so some research or something in your field, self-study for some AP exams you haven't taken, maybe take a few courses at a local CC, get a job and make some dough for a year (hell, if you worked just 25 hours a week at minimum wage you could make like $10,000+, money that would come in handy in college). I don't like to judge because you could be the most mature 16-year old out there and no one would ever know you were only 16, but you may have a hard time fitting in with 18-19 year old freshman at college being 3 years younger. A year off (a productive year off) would be good...</p>
<p>I think it is better to go straight on to college unless you are burnt out. Your age might actually be a plus, depending on why you are graduating so young. If you take time off and accumulate college credits somewhere you may no longer be eligible to apply as a freshman. You would be a transfer student. It might make you ineligible for some forms of financial aid. So, be careful.</p>
<p>if i were you i'd take a year off...definitely earn credit while doing it, continue to challenge yourself by studying for APs or taking comm college classes, and i agree with the other poster who said to get a job while doing all of that. you might also look into some community service organizations or find something meaningful you'd like to do with a year of your life...it's prolly the last chance you'll ever have to "do what you want"</p>
<p>no 18-19 year old frosh girl will want to talk to you</p>
<p>don't worry, there will be plenty of people going to college that are 17 (I was 16, and my roommate was 17) and I've meet many young people. i'm usually the youngest in my year, but that doesn't matter now that I'm a junior and some freshman's are still older than me. Unless you are extremely immature, your age shouldn't be a factor. Then again, I am a girl and was extremely mature (although you cannot believe how much more mature I have become in the 2.5 years I've been in college). If you are smart enough to graduate when you are 16, I think you'll do just fine adjusting and fitting in. Good luck on your decision whether to go to college or take a gap year.</p>
<p>id take a year off.</p>
<p>What is this "frosh" ? Is this just another term for Freshmen? If so why isn't Freshman good enough?</p>
<p>for the sake of meeting girls, take a year off.</p>
<p>take a year off, but make it a meaningful year. The changes in maturity during the years 15-22 involve big steps each year. You go to college at 16 and you're competing against kids with 2 more years of prep. Not a great idea for most people.</p>
<p>I graduated at 15 and went to college. I had no problems, since the level of my maturity went way beyond the typical applicant. If that's your case, do it and don't look back. </p>
<p>Oh, by the way, If any girl is shallow enough to judge you by your age, she shouldn't be worth your time anyway.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>