Early Graduation?

[Sam2018]

How would an early HS graduation affect admission chances? My sophomore DS is considering pursuing early graduation because we will be moving before the start on his senior year and he really wants to graduate from his current school. He is ahead in both science and math so he will still complete AP Calc BC, AP Chemistry, AP Bio and AP Physics before an early grad in addition to AP Eng, several years of AP History, 2-3 years of german, 6 varsity letters and should be inducted in NHS. Test scores should be solidly above the mean based on PSAT scores. Class rank is top 3%. He would be lacking in leadership and would not be able to attend boys state. He would still be 17 by I-day.
So would graduating early be a huge negative on his application? Thoughts.

 

[USAFA10s]

I don't think it would be a negative for the application, it could very well be a positive, but my question would be is he mature for his age? USAFA is a lot for an 18 year old and most cadets who did something else after college ( prep/prior enlisted/year of college) are very happy they had the extra time to grow up a bit.

If he is, and feels ready for that step, then go for it! It doesn't hurt to apply.

 

[Sam2018]

He is pretty mature for his age, on par or maybe slightly more than his brother who will be c/o 2021 Older brother is super smart but younger brother has more street smarts and social skills. And he's thinking if he doesn't get in he takes a year of college and applies again the next year and is the same age he would have been in the first place.

 

[fencersmother]

I could contact your ALO before you make any decisions.

Yes, the year of college will be in his favor.

 

[NavyHoops]

Agree with contacting your ALO. Also his age could be a factor. There are regulations about age that cannot be waived. Nothing wrong with graduating early and getting a year of college under his belt either.

 

[fencersmother]

Navy^ +1

Check out the date for birthday... used to be July 1 they had to be 17. Will be available on USAFA website or ask ALO

 

[Sam2018]

His age would be fine. He would be 17 on I-day. His biggest issue, I think, would be the potential loss of leadership positions. He might get a junior officer position in NHS this year but not much else would be available.

 

[USAFA10s]

Sounds like it wouldn't hurt to apply but also have a solid plan B in the form of a school that he could easily go to for just 1 year, cost effectively, and knock out a bunch of the core classes as well as have some leadership opportunities (whether that be actually in college or somewhere in town). Alternatively he could apply and go to a prep school for a year if it doesn't happen. I agree with everyone else on contacting your ALO, they can best explain the impact of graduating early and how/if the academy accounts for that.

 

[5Day]

Solid Plan B +1
Getting an appointment at a SA is not a slam dunk for anyone. If you DS graduates early, would he be "ready" for a civilian college, let alone a SA. Taking the SAT or ACT could also give you a good indication if he is ready academically.

Could he attend Boy's State this summer, if he will be a Senior this coming fall?

 

[tex2021]

How would an early HS graduation affect admission chances? My sophomore DS is considering pursuing early graduation because we will be moving before the start on his senior year and he really wants to graduate from his current school. He is ahead in both science and math so he will still complete AP Calc BC, AP Chemistry, AP Bio and AP Physics before an early grad in addition to AP Eng, several years of AP History, 2-3 years of german, 6 varsity letters and should be inducted in NHS. Test scores should be solidly above the mean based on PSAT scores. Class rank is top 3%. He would be lacking in leadership and would not be able to attend boys state. He would still be 17 by I-day.
So would graduating early be a huge negative on his application? Thoughts.

I bet your DS will find a way to follow his siblings to USAFA. I have no doubts on this. Good luck.