What steps do you have to take in high school in order to graduate from college in 3 years?
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Anonymous
| My 13-year-old son just started 8th grade a few weeks ago and even though he's still in middle school, we're already talking about his college plans. One of the things that would be really nice is if we could save a year's worth of tuition. College is very expensive, and I would much prefer if I only had to pay for 3 years instead of 4. Obviously, in order for this to work, he would have to have a year of college credit by the time he graduated from high school, allowing him to enter with sophomore status. He's probably going to graduate with about 9 or 10 AP classes under his belt, but many colleges don't accept AP credits. I know that taking classes at a local community college is also an option. If we take this route, how soon would he have to start at the community college and how many college classes should he take each semester? |
Anonymous
| I would be careful about putting too much pressure on him. Look for a school that will accept his AP credits - I was able to knock out a semester that way in-state without too much trouble. But think about if you really want to "make" him graduate in 3 years. Almost all of the fun and usefulness of college is in the experience, and you'd be having him miss out on a full 1/4 of that - it could affect his friendships, networking prospects, etc. |
Anonymous
| I did college in 3 yrs by carrying 18 credits per semester and 6 credits during the summers. |
Anonymous
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Schools that don't accept APs aren't going to accept community college credits taken in high school either. So if the goal is 3 years then look for schools that do accept AP credits. My DC goes to a top state flagship and got credit for 9 APs, which was a year of credit. That required 4s and 5s on all the tests. Some had to be a 5 to get credit.
While DC could have graduated in 3 or 3.5 years that wasn't a goal or an interest so it will be 4 years. If you really want to save money a better option may be the community college to 4 year college route. |
Anonymous
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1. Look at canadian schools
2. Look at british schools Pay attention to what APs are required to get credit in Canada. Unis is England are three years by default, Scotland is four. |
Anonymous
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DC is at RPI. If he wanted, he could graduate in 3 years with a math major. They allow a max of 30 credits from co-curricular and AP tests. DC received 30, including a year from his 5 on BC Calculus, another semester from his co-curricular Maxtrix (linear) algebra and multivariable calculus. He received a year for his 5 on both the AP Phycisc C tests. A semester each from his 5s on AP Bio and AP Chem.
He is planning on double majoring, but hasn't decided yet between two interests. If he chooses physics, he could graduatea semster early. If he chooses his other interest, it will take the full four years. I know others who have been able to graduate a semster year from Georgia Tech, UNC, Purdue and UVA. |
Anonymous
| My sister graduated from swarthmore in 3.5 years - could’ve been 3 - she had a metric ton APs she took with her there that wiped out a bunch of credits she had to take |
Anonymous
Same. |
Anonymous
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Has he decided on a major? That's pretty important. Some majors are really would make graduating in 3 years a bit tough.
- why not have him get a job, especially during the summer to help pay for things - if he's going to an out of state school, consider renting a house or something to get in-state tuition - if you're really that organized to be thinking of this stuff now then why not start looking for scholarships now? - tell him you'll only pay for three years of college, the fourth year must be funded by him and it's his responsibility to either get a job and save or get a scholarship or work study. |
Anonymous
| I took 14 AP classes and graduated from an Ivy in 3 years with a major and a minor. Would do again. But warning: it's hard to manage from a job hunt and social perspective. If I had to do it again, I would take a year of absence in the middle vs. graduating early. |
Anonymous
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Research scholarship opportunities thoroughly. I know 2 students in my DD's small private school class (a few years ago) received full ride scholarships to schools. There are definitely opportunities out there, but you need to be vigilant and research them early to know the requirements. They are not easy to get and your child needs to be an excellent student and well-rounded in many areas. However, if you know what is needed then it is possible.
One point to note, though, is that both of the kids I know who got these scholarships were motivated to get them on their own. You, as a parent, cannot force your DS to achieve this if he doesn't really want it. If scholarships don't work out then research schools in Canada and England. England's programs are generally standard 3-year programs. Canada has both 3 and 4 year programs. |
Anonymous
+1 My summer classes were online through the community college, so minimal time and money investment. I would still caution you against forcing him through college. Growing up and experiencing the world on his own is part of why he is there. |
Anonymous
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It's easy. 4s and 5s on AP exams and take full advantage of state-subsidized dual enrollment:
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Documents/OCP/Publications/EarlyCollegeCreditFAQ2014.pdf |
Anonymous
| Why not do community college to college route is the goal is to save money. Your son would not be in school for a full college experience anyway, he would be there to get the degree. |
Anonymous
A lot of people end up close with their freshman year hall mates. Going to community college would mean skipping that experience. It's much easier to graduate in 3 years and keep in touch than to have never had the shared experience at all. |