Should I Graduate High School Early?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of graduating high school early, including potential benefits and risks, the impact on university admissions, and the personal readiness of the student. Participants explore various aspects of this decision, including academic preparedness, social implications, and alternative educational opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest discussing the decision with a guidance counselor to understand the implications and requirements for early graduation.
  • Concerns are raised about the student's preparedness for college coursework, with questions about their current course load and work habits.
  • One participant proposes using the final year to improve grades or retake exams, while others mention the possibility of taking IB courses.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of meeting university admission requirements, with differing views on how early graduation might affect this.
  • Some participants emphasize the social aspects of high school, questioning whether the student is ready to transition to college at a younger age.
  • Others argue that the student should prioritize academic challenges over social experiences, especially if they feel unchallenged in their current environment.
  • A participant expresses a preference for starting university early rather than pursuing the IB program, citing broader opportunities in university.
  • The student indicates a strong desire for a challenge and confidence in their ability to succeed in post-secondary education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the decision to graduate early. While some support the idea and emphasize academic readiness, others caution against the potential social drawbacks and the need for thorough preparation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention varying educational systems, such as credits in Canada versus units in the US, which may affect the discussion on university admissions. There are also references to specific courses and programs that may not be universally available.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering early graduation, parents seeking guidance on educational pathways, and educators advising students on academic decisions may find this discussion relevant.

Jow
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Recently I have been entertaining the idea of graduating high school early. Currently I am in grade 10 and I can do it, if I wanted to. I am really bored in high school and I would love to graduate a year early. What are your thoughts on this? What benefits and/or risks are associated with this decision? Do universities care if one graduates early or is it simply about one's grades (ie. if a university was considering two people with the same grades and one graduated a year early, would they prefer them or the other one).

PS. I am not leaning towards staying or leaving early, I just want to explore all of my options.

(These are the courses I am taking now)
Physics 11, pre-calculus 11, French 11, English 11, Band 11, Social Studies 10, PE 10, Christian Education 10 (don't ask)

(If I did decide to graduate early these would be the courses I would take)
Summer School: Socials 11, Chemistry 11

Normal School: Physics 12, pre-calculus 12 (or AP Calculus), French 12, English 12, Chemistry 12, Biology 11, Christian Education 12 (it's mandatory)
 
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If you can, and still do what you want at the next level, do so.
Probably the best bet is to talk it over with someone at the school who knows you and what the school has to offer ... just in case there is still something you need.
 
Definitely talk it over with your guidance counselor. Are you taking/taken any honors/AP courses? It doesn't really look like you've prepared yourself enough for college coursework yet.

We don't know your work habits nor strengths and weaknesses. Graduating early requires a lot of out of you.
 
Plan to graduate early and then use the last year to improve on any classes you might feel unsatisfied with. (ie Working for a 90 as opposed to 85 or doing Provincial exams again, assuming you're in Canada, you can take those exams twice for every time you take the class)

I would graduate a year early and then take summer school the summer after.

Or take IB. If what I suspect is true (that you go to Pacific Academy in BC) then you can take IB.
 
Make sure you can meet the requirements for admission to whatever universities you're interested in. In the US, I think most colleges and universities require a certain number of "units" of English, math, foreign language, etc. I don't know how it works in Canada (if that's where you are).
 
jtbell said:
Make sure you can meet the requirements for admission to whatever universities you're interested in. In the US, I think most colleges and universities require a certain number of "units" of English, math, foreign language, etc. I don't know how it works in Canada (if that's where you are).

We use credits in Canada. I am pretty certain my plan will give me enough credits, but next week my mother and I will be going to see my counsellor.
 
Klungo said:
Definitely talk it over with your guidance counselor. Are you taking/taken any honors/AP courses? It doesn't really look like you've prepared yourself enough for college coursework yet.

We don't know your work habits nor strengths and weaknesses. Graduating early requires a lot of out of you.

I am taking honours courses, in math, french and english. I don't want to sound arrogant, but I believe that I am capable of graduating early as well as being successful in post-secondary. That being said high-school has been a breeze for me, so I don't yet know my weaknesses. This is one of the reasons I want to graduate early; I need a challenge.
 
I don't know. I think the social aspect of high school is a unique experience that people should go through. Is your high school really so bad that you can't just continue taking APs/take classes at local colleges? I know kids who were taking BC calc and AP physics in 9th/10th grade who stayed in high school all 4 years. Do you really want to be the 16 year old freshman in college? I know this is supposed to be academic guidance, but I think it's important to consider non-academic stuff as well, especially if your high school offers opportunities to take higher level classes.
 
dh363 said:
I don't know. I think the social aspect of high school is a unique experience that people should go through. Is your high school really so bad that you can't just continue taking APs/take classes at local colleges? I know kids who were taking BC calc and AP physics in 9th/10th grade who stayed in high school all 4 years. Do you really want to be the 16 year old freshman in college? I know this is supposed to be academic guidance, but I think it's important to consider non-academic stuff as well, especially if your high school offers opportunities to take higher level classes.

I don't like the social aspect of high school. I have plenty of friends, but I think high school is a bit ridiculous. Also, if I did stay in high school for four years I would be taking AP courses. Unfortunately, my school doesn't offer many and I would be forced to change schools and leave the friends I do have anyway. So missing out on the social aspect of high school isn't really a concern for me.
 
  • #10
The IB is not all that. Given the choice to start university a year earlier, or do the IB, I would for uni. Cooler stuff to learn, wider range of people to meet, more opportunities to be had.
 
  • #11
Jow said:
I am taking honours courses, in math, french and english. I don't want to sound arrogant, but I believe that I am capable of graduating early as well as being successful in post-secondary. That being said high-school has been a breeze for me, so I don't yet know my weaknesses. This is one of the reasons I want to graduate early; I need a challenge.

Good, I finally find out how use quotes.

On topic: Very good, I was hoping to hear "honors", "breeze", "challenge" and the like. Provided you adjust your work habits for college (shorter school time/more at home learning than usual), you should be capable of university work. If you do choose to graduate early, I would suggest to make plans to apply for admission so that you would attend a university immediately after your junior year (I assume that's what you want). Email admission officers to see if you need any special requirements that you may not be aware of.

Of course, I believe the application process is still further up the road.

Also, look into some majors/careers you might be interested in. It's never too early to begin planning out your college studies.
 
  • #12
I think I am pretty much decided on graduating early based on all of your comments. The next step of course is to consult my guidance counsellor and see what the process involves. Thanks for all of the advice.
 

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