I’ve heard about kids going to college super young, like at 9 or 14. I’m really curious, how do they manage that? Is there a process in the US to skip grades, and how common is it?
I skipped a grade, but honestly, I regret it. I didn’t really gain anything academic-wise, but socially, I was a bit behind my peers. I was ready for college academically, but not socially.
Henry said:
I skipped a grade, but honestly, I regret it. I didn’t really gain anything academic-wise, but socially, I was a bit behind my peers. I was ready for college academically, but not socially.
I had a college roommate who started at 16. You could definitely tell they weren’t quite ready for the social side of things.
Henry said:
I skipped a grade, but honestly, I regret it. I didn’t really gain anything academic-wise, but socially, I was a bit behind my peers. I was ready for college academically, but not socially.
I get where you’re coming from. I spent 17 years in school, and I’m still not ready for social stuff. Hated most of it. I just slept through some of my classes.
@Charlotte1
Yeah, I’m 50 now, so it’s all in the past. But back then, being socially unprepared really messed with me. I lost my scholarship and had to work while figuring out how to get back into school. And I never got so bored I slept in class!
Henry said:
I skipped a grade, but honestly, I regret it. I didn’t really gain anything academic-wise, but socially, I was a bit behind my peers. I was ready for college academically, but not socially.
I also skipped a grade, but it was because I transferred to a school with a specific program. Being around other grade skippers helped, but I still wouldn’t recommend it most of the time.
I commented on another post about this, but in case more people see this: don’t skip grades unless you’re absolutely sure. Why rush to adulthood? Trust me, the social cost is high. You might be academically ready, but is it worth it if you’re isolated socially?
There was a 12-year-old in my senior project class, and no one wanted to work with him. I felt bad for the kid.
@Mentor
I completely agree. People ask me about their kids skipping kindergarten, and I always say it’s just taking away from their childhood. Why rush it?
Kathy said:
@Mentor
I completely agree. People ask me about their kids skipping kindergarten, and I always say it’s just taking away from their childhood. Why rush it?
I was that kid who started first grade at 4 because I was academically gifted. But socially, it was a disaster. I was always the youngest, picked on, and had trouble making friends. Being gifted doesn’t always mean you’re ready emotionally.
Kathy said:
@Mentor
I completely agree. People ask me about their kids skipping kindergarten, and I always say it’s just taking away from their childhood. Why rush it?
I also skipped a grade early on, and while it helped me academically, I did miss out on a lot socially. There’s definitely a downside.
@Mentor
It makes more sense to take higher-level classes but stay with your age group for most of school. I knew someone who took AP Calculus in high school while still hanging out with her middle school friends. She had a normal childhood and still excelled academically.
@Mentor
I skipped a grade in elementary school because I was way ahead academically. But emotionally, I wasn’t at the same level as my peers. I’m now a professor, but I was always a bit socially immature.
@Mentor
I skipped second grade because I was finishing my work too quickly, and they moved me to third grade. My parents stopped them from skipping me more, and I’m glad. I think skipping one grade was enough, but being 12 in college sounds like a nightmare.
Sometimes it’s all about pushy parents. Schools would rather skip a kid than deal with constant complaints from the parents.
I don’t think kids going to college young is that common. The media loves to highlight these stories, but it’s more of a rare thing than you’d think.
JimGreenfield said:
I don’t think kids going to college young is that common. The media loves to highlight these stories, but it’s more of a rare thing than you’d think.
Yeah, my roommate started college at 16. She graduated early because of a program in New York, but she wasn’t socially ready for it. While everyone was out partying, she was stuck being 19 and unable to join in.
JimGreenfield said:
I don’t think kids going to college young is that common. The media loves to highlight these stories, but it’s more of a rare thing than you’d think.
My husband started taking college language classes in middle school. Now he teaches himself languages before we go on vacation! It’s pretty cool, but it’s definitely a rare thing.
I’ve been a high school teacher for 30 years, and skipping grades rarely works the way parents expect. Maturity often lags behind, and kids tend to regress to the level of their peers.
However, dual-credit programs work well for smart teens. I had a student graduate early to train for the Olympic judo team!