My Son Will Graduate High School at 14 - Which of the 3 Big Schools Would Be Best?

[ImustStudy]

Marianne202, Why don't you kick his dog too while you are at it... LOL

I think you bring up some good points here, not everyone is ready for college courses at 14 years old. I do however reason that a 14 year old who is self motivated and can study independently has an axcellent chance at independent college learning and much more so than his less mature and less motivated public school competitors.

I for one would argue that this particular chap is by far head and shoulders ahead of many (if not all) of the public school kids that are enrolling in your community college classes. Homeschooled or independent learning kids consistently perform at a much higher rate not only in school, but throughout life than their colleagues.

To say that this highly motivated, exceptional home/independently educated student should not pursue his goals is simply to project the experience of your friend's child onto this outstanding and highly motivated student.

JaronB34, you have my vote for full speed ahead on the college and graduate school journey. Excelsior is an excellent option in my opinion and as an Excelsior graduate, I can definitely see your student excelling with all of the available options there. That being said, don't rule out other options which might be available such as local private institutions which share your worldview or perhaps Ivy League schools if it meets your son's needs. Even state schools are an option, however the independent study option at home offered at Excelsior, TESC, COSC etc. allows you to provide the guidance that your son will need as he matures and grows as a scholar and as a young man. Excelsior (and other Big 3) students have indeed been accepted to Harvard and other well-known schools so I wouldn't worry. Either way, a 16 year old with a Bachelors degree will definitely not blend in or get lost in the crowd.

I don't know the particulars as to age requirements but if your student completes the requirements, you can petition for early graduation or perhaps a waiver (which could be granted in exceptional cases such as yours perhaps) and if they won't award the degree in the meantime, perhaps he could consider the option of pursuing an intership with a likeminded Congressman, Senator or other office in your area that would give him a "stamp of approval" and a jump start on a career, regardless of the actual career field he pursues.

That being said, a completed degree that has not yet been conferred is still worth as much as the conferred degree and most employers if asked would likely accept a letter from the university attesting to the completion pending conferral. Graduate schools will likely also accept your son as a "probationary" student pending actual conferral of the bachelors degree and convert the status after it is conferred. (If you don't ask, you won't get)

I think you are on the right track and commend your gifted scholar. You are doing something right at home and parents across America can learn from you and your son.

I have attached a study referencing Johns Hopkins University and early college graduation, here


Extremely young college graduates: Evidence of their success

Here is another article on exceptional young scholars. One being Woody Allen's son Ronan who graduated from Stanford Online High School at 11, earned his AS and BS degrees and was accepted to Yale Law School by age 16. Definitely an under-achiever who should have stayed in public school and "thrived" with his young future leaders and future congressman, senators and union bosses.


Child Prodigies: The YOUNGEST College Graduates (PHOTOS)

Perhaps Marianne might be concerned that your son might end up like Ms. Yusof (a dropout who appears to be the exception when compared to the other exceptional scholars) unlikely in my opinion.

Keep up the good work and press on.

Best wishes to you and your son.

Just a side note that while he may be done with high school at 14, he may not have the maturity to handle college level work at that young age. I'm a college instructor who's school teaches college classes to high school juniors and seniors and believe me, more fail than not, as they are just not ready for the rigor and speed. Not to mention he may be way out of his league solely based on life experience to get into a graduate program so early. Depending on his career choice employers may not even consider him, even with a graduate degree at 18, for employment. Also keep in mind that your income and assets will also be considered for any and all loans and grant applications until he reaches 21, so he may not be able to get any financial aid or limited financial aid while still being so young. While it is great he is accelerating at such a young age, just be careful not to overload or overwhelm him. I had a friend that had a similar situatation with a younger than normal college age son and he bailed out after one semester with an ulcer, because he felt too outcast and honestly he lacked a lot of the necessary life experiences and to fully understand and complete his assignments. Make sure you let him enjoy being a teenager! Good luck to you all!