College at 16
Each case should be considered on a case by case, teenager by teenager, basis. Some teens are ready to finish high school and move on to the college level, at least the community college level. There is an interesting article on this topic and Fox & Friends did a story on this topic this morning.
I have a friend currently in 10th grade considering doing this very thing. She was homeschooled from 1st-8th grade, entered public school in 9th grade and is passing each subject with flying colors. She works hard and has parents who greatly support her. I have complete confidence that she could pass a test to graduate early from high school and enter a community college then transfer to a 4-year college to complete her degree. Her maturity level is well above some high school students and she isn’t interested in a lot of the typical high school scenes.
The only concern I have is the social aspect of college life. Is a 16 year old ready emotionally and socially to enter the college scene?
Fascinating post!
I think that a 16 year old could certainly handle the academic pressures (assuming the skill level is there). However, the freedom one finds on campus is a different matter entirely.
Two cases present, myself and my sister. As for me, I was wild child in high school (maybe you remember, lol!) but I went on to college, settled myself down and now have two masters degrees and am considering a doctorate in my field. My sister was a model student in high school, straight A’s, good girl, the whole deal… and went to college and discovered boys and beer (and not necessarily in that order). I would be cautious about sudden, unexpurgated freedom in a child who has never had a taste of it. I TOOK my freedom, lol! but because it was my doing, i was able to overcome it. My sister never had any freedom until she left home and had a hard time handling it.
That said, as an educator I don’t believe in holding a child back out of fear that they will screw up. They WILL screw up, it is a necessary part of the maturation process.
Just my 2 cents. Hope that helps!
I, too, have a friend who took her GED in the 10th grade and is now a judge in the Tampa Bay area. So, can be done and I agree that in some cases it should be done. Best of luck to your friend!
Yes, Michelle, I do remember you being a bit wilder in high school than I was then you had settled down when we found each other again at FSC.
I agree with your comments and agree that a 16 year can make it on the college level, depending on the teen.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Congratulations on your educational accomplishments. I, too, am considering a doctoral degree …once my husband finishes his in the spring. I just have to find the right program for me.