[elaineeel0ve]

Hi, I have a few questions. Couldn't really find any answers while looking through the threads or surfing the internet, so hopefully someone can help me out here and give me a few opinions
(And hopefully I posted in the right thread o_o I dont really know if this belongs in pre-college. BUT ANYWAYS)


1) I've heard of high school seniors taking only 4 classes for two semesters their senior year, OR taking periods 1-6 for one semester and graduating early. Has anyone done this? Was it worth it? What did you do with your time after you graduated early?

2) If I have all of my high school credits done with and I've passed the CAHSEE by the end of junior year, could I just get my high school diploma early and not even attend senior year?

3) I've heard of a few people (more like geniuses) attending college at age sixteen/seventeen. Unfortunately, I'm no genius, but if I'm able to get my diploma early, I would like to just attend community college INSTEAD of my senior year. Would that make the whole transferring to UC process much easier on me? Or would it have the opposite effect? I'd also like to get the feel of being in college and what not as well. (Note: I've also had all the UC freshman requirements fulfilled). Or is this idea just too crazy and out of this world? (It just popped in my head, I've never actually heard of anyone doing this) When I think of it, it does sound a bit bizarre, haha, but opinions, thoughts, anyone?

Note: These are just scenarios and thoughts I had, they arent actual plans I'm planning to take seriously. If it would be possible for me to do any of these, that'd be great though. Missing prom and grad night and blah blah blah isnt really a big deal for me, I personally think those are a bit overrated. I just switched high schools and I'm not so worried about friends and all that. Getting a head start would be good, no?

Advice? Tips? Thank youuuu. haha and sorry for the crapload of questions.

[superhumanchichi]

When I was in high school, they let us take college courses from free since we were on a college campus. Some kids were so smart they finished their requirements and got out a year early. So yea, it's possible. You just have to find a way around these things. Sometimes the school will give you a hard time and say you can't etc etc. Ask your guidance counselor if you can speed things up a bit

[felinius]

Jeeze! California seems to be more complicated when it comes to high school.

I skipped my junior year and started going to community college at 16. I graduated at 17 in 2007. I didn't take ANY classes at school and did 5 classes every quarter (15 classes for one school year, or 16 including summer) so it really helped.

Transferring to UC is much easier than having to go in as a freshman. However you have to go for a full 90 quarter credits. I attempted to just transfer with only one year of credits (short about 15 credits) and they denied me.

You might want to just talk to your high school adviser about it.

[onhotwires]

One guy I know graduated after junior year and has been attending the cc since fall, but then again I live in Illinois.

[Donnerschlag]

I just took 4 courses my senior year and worked. During my junior year I took dual credits at a community college but stopped cuz it was such a long drive =/ So I just took electives my senior year and graduated with my friends.

[THEmerryJANE]

I skipped in elementary school so that's why I got out a year early. I'm not sure how you can graduate early in high school but I know some people are offered it if they have all the requirements finished. The only thing that people have trouble with is passing graduation tests (which is only administered to you if you are a senior). Go ahead and give it a try though, talk to a counselor (preferably an academic one) and see if they can do anything for you.

And from what I've heard and experienced, it is easier to transfer from a CC to your college than to get in as an undergrad (provided you have a good GPA).

[Midnight Dreams]

when i was in high school as a senior, i only took 4 classes each semester. the school didn't let me graduate because i needed to finish my math. >__> i hang out somewhere after i finish my last class of the day before going home. i had to much credits as a senior anyways.

it is up to you, you can take college classes when you are in high school. talk to your counselor at your high school.

[hannaface]

I'm graduating this year early. I'm also a junior and sixteen. (I will matriculate into college at sixteen)
I don't know if I'm terribly smart (2100 SAT, 4.9 GPA) but I guess I'm somewhat better than average.

For me, I have to take extra classes (economics, government, English IV) to get my diploma. Those classes are required to get my diploma at my high school.

As for community college, I would not recommend it. No offense to those who've attended, but community college courses don't look as good as attending and actual university of college. Later, when you try to transfer into a real university, you will not look as competitive as you could.

I'm not too sure about state universities, but liberal arts colleges such as Wellesley College or Smith College in Massachusetts, are very flexible to early graduates. They are very nice at the admissions office there too (:

But, best of luck. If you have any questions, ask away.

[lidolaydeej]

^^ 4.9 GPA...I'd say your def. above average

[felinius]

As for community college, I would not recommend it. No offense to those who've attended, but community college courses don't look as good as attending and actual university of college. Later, when you try to transfer into a real university, you will not look as competitive as you could.

I'm not too sure about state universities, but liberal arts colleges such as Wellesley College or Smith College in Massachusetts, are very flexible to early graduates. They are very nice at the admissions office there too (:

But, best of luck. If you have any questions, ask away.

Coming from someone who's transferred ... that's actually incorrect. Transfers are on a totally different level than freshmen are and have less people to compete with.

We get our own little spot for admissions with our own criteria. As long as you meet those criteria, you're more than likely to get into a university at the junior level. High school GPA doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is our community college GPA and classes.