Q: (Initially posted May 20, 2004) FROM STUDENT MEMBER JOSIE K. IN GA
If I graduate a year early, with all the credits that I need, does that
change the outcome of my chances of getting into colleges? Do you think it will benefit me or hurt my chances of getting into the best colleges? Also, if a sophomore graduates in her junior year, do you think that it is necessary to take the new SAT for the colleges, when they come out?
-- I will be taking about 4 AP classes in my junior year next year, and 5 my senior year, What kinds of study methods would you recommend? Thanks all!

A: FROM MENTOR SUZAN SONG IN IL
For some reason I don't remember high school too much, but I'll try to help as
best I can. So you're in your 2nd year, and want to graduate after your 3rd
year. Your 3rd year will basically be like your senior year, so you should do
the same things they do (as regards the SATs - I don't know anything about the
new SATs). As far as helping/hurting with getting into college...

First ask yourself why you want to rush through high school. If it isn't
intellectually stimulating, then that's a good reason I guess. But you have
TONS Of time in your life - I really think it's much better to take adequate
time for personal growth. The main reason why a college wouldn't look favorably
on an early-graduating high schooler is maturity. Not maturity in the
responsibility/studious/well-behaved sense. But maturity in that the student
has tried to experience as much as she could during high school, both socially
and academically, and has learned good coping skills, as well as good ways to
self-reflect and introspect. (sure, most seniors still don't do this, but hey -
it's worth a shot).

I guess the only personal experience I have with this is that I had a chance to
graduate from college a year early. The pros: less debt. I was finished all my
requirements, and could get on with medical school. The cons: I wasn't quite
mature enough to jump into a new life/transition (although I thought I was), I
wouldn't have had the time that I did to join tons of clubs and meet lots of
different people, while experiencing a broad range of things (some of which
were great, some of which hurt -- all a learning process). I ended up staying
my 4th year and am SO glad I did. There really isn't a need to rush through
anything (unless you're like the 13 y/o boy at my school - Univ of Chicago
Pritzker med school, who's in the MD/MPH program already!).

So I'm kind of biased and think senior year is amazing - you go through a lot
with your class and the personal growth during that year is huge. The AP
classes are great and will help to keep you stimulated academically - there's
more to life than that though :) To study - keep as you are, since that seems
to be working for you. Definitely take the AP exams at the end - they'll save
you lots of credits during your first year in college so you can skip out of
intro classes and head right into the meat of things. And it'll leave you extra
time to take courses you may otherwise not have taken. please feel free to
contact me if you'd like to talk more. Best of luck!
********************

A: FROM MENTOR BRENDA WOLFE IN CO
Josie -
Is there a rush to get out of high school? I do not think you will be hurt getting into college if you finished a year early - except that it seems like a big load.
I never took more 3 AP courses in a semester and that was a lot of work!!
The goal for taking AP courses is to get a Grade of 4 or 5 on the year end test - so that you can get college credit and not have to take it again. If you get a 3 on the year end test - then most colleges recommend/ make you take it again anyway. So then, you really have not saved any time or resources.

My recommendation is to take 2-3 AP classes each semester and not worry about finishing early. You should enjoy your high school years - you never get to have that kind of time back in your life.
Colleges look for well-rounded individuals who do other activities besides just study.

Don't be in a rush to finish high school. If you are able to complete all of your high school requirements early with a good GPA and SAT scores (the higher, the better), I don't think this will be a hindrance for admission into a good college. However, if you graduate early with mediocre GPA and SAT scores, there is probably a much lower likelihood that you would be able to get into the "best" colleges. If you are doing well in school now, you should consider staying for your senior year and taking those AP courses or electives which you enjoy and may help you longterm. (Looking back now, I wish I had taken debate and more Spanish classes.) You can take the extra year to help raise your GPA and shoot for becoming the Valedictorian of your graduating class! Also, remember that your high school AP courses may help you place out of some of your college requirements if applicable (this is determined by th! e college/university). During this time, you can also look into applying for college scholarships.

I wasn't sure if you're referring to study methods for the SAT or for your classes. Regardless, everyone is different. Some people require more discipline to concentrate and take review courese, such as for the SAT. Others can study on their own. Whichever is the case for you, if you're trying to prepare for the SAT, I would recommend getting a hold of a good review book(s) (try to see if you can borrow the Kaplan's or Princeton's review books) and making a schedule for yourself as to what you want to finish reading/reviewing for each day. But be realistic and factor in meals, time with your family, other leisure time, and days off. In general, when I study, I like to use mnemonics to help remember things; but again, everyone's different. Also, personally, I usually will read quickly through the applicable material the first time around, underlining important material and making notes for myself. &n! bsp;Then, I go back and read carefully and in detail, as well as reviewing my notes. But definitely please try to learn and understand the material rather than just memorizing- it will really make the difference. So, I hope this helps. Enjoy high school and good luck with your future endeavors.