If you don’t see or meet with your guidance counselor or principal on a regular basis, request an appointment with one of them at the main office. To begin the conversation, explain why you’d like to graduate early and what your plans are once you do. Next, ask for their thoughts and ideas.
Many students who have taken advanced courses throughout middle school are able to graduate after two years of high school. Students who take advanced courses for three years of high school can often skip their last year.
These options can be difficult for some families to accommodate, so be sure to ask your parents or guardians for their help with planning. You may also need a signature from a parent or guardian showing consent for early graduation from your high school or for enrollment into accelerated graduation programs.
You’ll want to ask teachers, mentors, and coaches who know you well and will be able to vouch for your personal character, as well as your aptitude and performance level. Try to get 3 or 4 letters of recommendation and make sure those who give them to you are not related to you or each other.
If you plan to get into college with a scholarship for sports or a high school club activity (like science club), be sure that you’ll still be eligible with early graduation and have time to qualify or participate with an increased study and homework schedule.
Although earning college credit may not be something that helps you graduate high school early, it will allow you to graduate college early or make it easier to graduate as a double major. Proving your aptitude at a community college while still in high school may increase your chances of getting accepted to a higher ranked university. If commuting to a community college is difficult for you or your family, many community colleges offer online classes.
Enquire at your local library, community center, or town hall to find out if there are community classes available.
You can find online high schools through an internet search. There are some online schools that allow you to attend right from your personal computer and others require you to show up at an actual building where internet access is provided. [12] X Research source
The advantage of homeschooling is that you can learn at your own pace using your own personal learning style. However, you do need a parent, guardian, or supervisor to help manage your work and do the grading. Homeschooling can be expensive because you have to buy all the learning materials and pay for testing at independent centers to receive accredited graduation certificates. If your parents don’t have time to help homeschool you, search online for local homeschooling groups that may allow you to join them.
Getting your GED is a way to have the equivalent of a high school diploma, but the test is usually much harder than high school exams. [14] X Trustworthy Source Understood Nonprofit organization dedicated to resources and support to people with thinking differences, such as ADHD or dyslexia Go to source If your plan is to attend university, check admissions guidelines. Some universities do not accept GEDs without a circumstantial explanation. [15] X Research source
Make sure you stay up to date on when these tests are offered. Graduating early does not necessarily improve your chances of getting into college so don’t skip the college entrance exams.
Make a list of expenses. Talk to your parents to see if they can help you with finances. Search online for local scholarships you might be able to apply for. Check your eligibility for student loans.
