Is it a good idea for a 16 year old to go to college?

Question

They will finish high school at a university math & science academy. All the academy students will live in a special dorm but attend regular college classes. When they graduate high school, they will be juniors in college.

Yes, they are still enrolled in their high schools, so they can go to all the school dances, games, functions, & stuff. They just can't play high school sports because their studies are too rigorous.

Would you let your 16 year old go, or if you're a student, would you wnat to go?

Answer 1

I loved band, so I would be hesitant.  How would it benefit them in the short term?  Long term?

Answer 2

I graduated high school when I was 16, and went to college 2 weeks later. I can't speak from a parental perspective, but I know that as a driven young adult, the idea is very attractive, The main issue is not capability (obviously the child can do it), but maturity (whether the child SHOULD do it). The thing to consider is that during the "senior" year of college, the individual will be 3-4 four years younger than everyone else. Peers may be married, there are legal implications (I have to have my parents sign campus documents for another YEAR--and this is obnoxious), and the age difference will be obvious. I would want to go for academic reasons, but the social ones might hold me back-- college is much lonelier than most people realize.

Answer 3

Of course!

Answer 4

I'd finish school much faster and that's a huge plus! As long as the school has a good academic reputation, then it sounds good. As a student I would want to go because I could then go to college earlier, and also earn multiple degrees earlier and quicker.

Answer 5

i don't favor the idea..look for rigorous college courses and ap courses at the high school.your child can prob get at least one year of college over with but two years IS pushing it it is too much of a different in age socially...let them enjoy their high school experience AND college experience.Let them enter college and be around the same age and be able to date and have fun.Its all about the experience of it not just academics.Your child may be ready for the academic part butthat'ss not all that's important ;there are other factors.He/shedoesn'tt need a better chance of success from supervision if they are smart and driven as described.Hope that helps

Answer 6

Very good idea IMHO.  I would send any student without hesitation.  The fact of the matter is in countries like Australia they teach subjects at US first year university level to 15 years olds - often to 14 year olds in private schools.  To be blunt the US needs to raise its game as far as secondary education goes.  The best schools are fine and teach subjects at a rigorous enough level - but the average school simply is not teaching at the correct level IMHO.

Thanks

Bill