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Why I Should Graduate Early

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Financial benefits, early entry into the workforce.

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Are you a high school student who's thinking about graduating early? Maybe you have an exciting internship offer, want to start college early, or are interested in jumping right into the workforce.

The good news is that graduating high school early is often not as challenging as many people might think it is. This guide will give you all the tips and information you need to know about how to graduate from high school early in an easy and hassle-free way. It will also help you decide whether graduating early is ultimately the right decision for you.

What Does It Mean to Graduate High School Early?

In the US, the typical high school education lasts four years. Students who want to graduate early aim to complete their high school in less than four years , usually in three or three and a half years.

Unless you're homeschooled or attend a non-traditional school, it's often difficult or impossible to graduate high school if you have completed less than three years . This is because students normally can't complete all their graduation requirements in this tight of a time frame.

If you graduate early, you will receive the same diploma as any other graduate from your high school. Your transcript won't have any special indication that you graduated early , other than the fact that it'll contain fewer semesters than a typical high school transcript does.

Why Might You Want to Graduate Early? 4 Possible Reasons

What are the benefits of graduating high school early? Here are four of the most common reasons students strive to complete high school in less time.

#1: You Want to Start Your Next Education Phase Early

One common reason why students choose to graduate high school early is that they want to get a head start on college or technical school . You might want to do this if you have a lot of school left (say, you're planning on attending med school or getting a PhD) and want to get ahead so you can eventually complete your schooling a bit earlier.

You could also be interested in only attending college part-time but still want to graduate when you're 21/22. Completing high school early can help make each of these situations possible.

Graduating high school early can mean you enroll full-time (or even in just a few classes) at a new school. Students who enroll part-time often have a part-time job as well to help pay for classes.

#2: You Want to Pursue an Opportunity Before College

You might also have another opportunity you want to take advantage of that isn't related to school or classes. This could be an internship to get career experience, a job to earn money, or a similar opportunity you think is worth finishing high school early for.

Gap years , in which students take a year or so off from school to travel, work, or have a different experience, are becoming increasingly popular among high school and college-aged students. If you decide to do one, there are lots of options available, depending on your interests. You could work at a theater, help out at an archaeological dig, volunteer, and so on.

Spending a year away from school can help you get a better idea of how you want to spend the rest of your life —and it can also give you some great, enriching experiences.

#3: You Want to Enter the Workforce as Soon as Possible

Some high school students know early on what they want to do professionally and don't want or need to go to college in order to enter this field and be successful; as a result, you might want to graduate early so you can get started as soon as possible on establishing your career and earning a consistent income .

Entering the workforce at a younger age does come with its own set of challenges, of course (for example, you might find it difficult to get a full-time job if you're under 18), but it can be an ideal path for those who are ready to put in the energy and effort needed to find success.

Graduating high school early to start working might also be a good option for you if you want or need to start making money right away, whether to support yourself or your family .

#4: You Simply Don't Enjoy High School

A final reason you might want to graduate high school early is that you just don't enjoy it . Some people feel lonely or out of place in high school, and others don't feel that they're learning a lot.

This can be a legitimate reason to graduate high school early, but make sure you understand that it'll take time and effort on your part to plan it out , and you won't be able to finish high school immediately.

Disliking high school could be a reason to graduate early.

How to Graduate High School Early: 5-Step Guide

So, how can you graduate high school early? I've outlined the steps you need to follow below. There's a bit of math involved but nothing you can't handle. After all, you'll soon be a high school graduate!

Step 1: Decide When You Want to Graduate

This first step is pretty simple: all you need to do is decide how early you want to graduate high school . Do you want to graduate a semester early? An entire year? How long do you want to spend pursuing whatever it is you're doing instead of attending high school?

When figuring this out, keep in mind that it's often easier to graduate just a semester early than it is a whole year . If that doesn't seem like a long enough time to you, remember that even if you only graduate a semester early, you'll finish high school in December or January. If you start college the following September, that still gives you about eight months of time to work, travel, or pursue another opportunity.

If you still need help deciding, talk to your academic advisor. They're a great resource to have, and they'll likely be able to help make this process easier (not to mention, you'll have to let them know if you officially decide to graduate early, so you might as well start talking to them now).

Step 2: Calculate the Number of Credits You Need to Graduate

Now that you know when you want to graduate, it's time to get into the math. Almost every high school requires its students to complete a certain number of credits before they can graduate. Look in your student handbook or ask your academic advisor to find out how many credits your particular high school requires.

As an example, we'll use the high school I graduated from, which required its students to complete 21 credits, with each class worth about 0.5 credits per semester.

First, figure out how many credits you've already completed. You can usually find this information on your report card or transcript, or you can ask your advisor.

Next, subtract the number of credits you've completed from the number of total credits you need to graduate. The answer you get is the number of credits you'll need to take before you can graduate.

The good news for you is that the number of graduating credits for most high schools often doesn't require you to complete four full-time years of school . Again, for my high school, you needed to complete 21 credits to graduate, but a student attending high school full-time would complete about 7 credits each year, meaning most students at the end of their junior year would already have enough credits to graduate.

The number of credits you need to take isn't all you need to worry about, though, so let's move on to the next step.

Step 3: Determine Which Classes You Need to Graduate

It's time to figure out the specific classes you need to take to graduate.

Look at your student handbook or talk to your advisor to learn which classes students at your high school must take in order to graduate. This will usually require a certain number of semesters of math, English, science, and social studies , as well as some possible other requirements, such as a gym or fine arts class.

Make a list of all the required classes you haven't taken yet. Sometimes the requirements are general, such as taking six semesters of math, while other times they're more specific (e.g., all students must take algebra and geometry). Pay attention to this when making your list. Be aware that most high schools require four years of English but fewer years of other core subjects.

To again use my former high school as an example, all students had to complete the following:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math
• 2-3 years of science
• 2 years of history/social studies
• 1 year of a foreign language
• 4 years of gym/PE
• A fine arts class, a typing class, a driver's education class, and a consumer education class

Which classes does your high school require you to take?

Step 4: Figure Out Which Classes the Colleges You're Interested in Require

Now, we move on from classes that you must take in order to graduate to classes that it's a good idea for you to take (but aren't actually required).

Many times, the bare minimum high school graduation requirements aren't enough to get you into top colleges. For example, your high school might only require you to take two years of social studies, but the colleges you're interested in might want three to four years.

Check the admission requirements for several colleges you're interested in attending , and add any additional requirements they have to the list of classes you need to take in high school.

Keep in mind that you'll want to take more classes in the subject(s) you plan to study in college. So if you're planning on majoring in biology, you might be fine taking just three years of social studies; however, you'll probably want to take four years each of math and science if you're hoping to get into more competitive schools .

Step 5: Set Up a Schedule for When to Take the Rest of Your Classes

Now that you know how many credits you need to take and which classes you need to complete, it's time to start figuring out how you'll graduate high school early.

Make blank schedules for each semester you have left of high school. For example, say I just finished my sophomore year: I take seven classes a day and want to graduate a semester early. I'd make three columns, each with seven blank spaces, representing all the room I have left to take classes (see example below).

Next, begin filling in the blanks, starting with the classes that are required to graduate. For each class, put its number of credits next to it in parentheses. For some spots, you might not know exactly what class you'll be taking next, but you can put its general subject down for now like this: "English class (3 credits)."

After you've filled in required classes (and if you have extra space), start adding other classes you'd like to take or would be helpful for you to get into college.

Once all the spaces on your schedule have been filled in, add up all the credits you will have completed . Have you met the minimum requirement for your school? If not, how many classes will you need to take to meet it?

After, look at what classes are left over on your list. Are there any required classes you weren't able to fit? Any classes you don't have to take but would like to?

If you need to take either additional credits or classes, start thinking of ways you can fit them in outside of the normal school day. Some options include summer classes , taking classes at a nearby community college or university , or taking online classes . For each of these options, discuss it with your advisor before you enroll to ensure you'll get the required credit(s) you need.

Once you've figured out how you'll take each of these extra classes, add the information to your schedule.

Look at the junior- and senior-year schedule below for an example of how this all works:

In this example, the student would be able to graduate a semester early while having a course load that would be considered strong at many colleges . This student is planning on majoring in biology, so she wanted to maximize her math and science classes. Her junior-year schedule was pretty normal with the exception of taking two science classes (physics and AP Biology) at the same time. Taking two classes in one subject is something you'll likely have to do if you want to graduate early.

She realized that she wouldn't be able to fit in calculus normally, so she chose to take it over the summer. For her final semester, she took two English classes at the same time, took both a math elective and a science elective to get more experience in those subjects, and completed the rest of her required classes.

Assuming she had a regular schedule her previous semesters, she would have completed four and a half years of science, four and a half years of math, four years of English, three years of social studies, three years of a foreign language, and all her other required classes.

Completing those classes would be good enough for most colleges, though some highly selective schools would require four years of both social studies and a foreign language.

Notice that she had a lot of different options when creating her schedule —she could have dropped her foreign language and taken a different course, chosen to take two math electives her senior year instead of calculus over the summer, and considered a variety of other options.

Also, be aware that her junior year would probably be pretty challenging with her full course load that includes two science classes. Keep all these things in mind when creating your own high school class schedule.

Once you've finished designing your schedule, double-check it to make sure that all the school graduation requirements are met .

Congratulations—you now have a plan for graduating high school early! If you haven't before now, share your plan with your advisor and ask whether there are any additional steps you should take.

3 Potential Drawbacks to Graduating High School Early

You now know how to graduate high school early, but just because you can doesn't automatically mean that you should . Read on to learn the three potential drawbacks you might face should you choose to graduate early.

#1: It Can Be Stressful

As you saw above, graduating high school early takes a lot of planning and might mean you have to take extra classes during the school year and summer . Balancing this heavier course load can be stressful and tiring, and that's something you should consider before you commit to graduating early.

#2: You Might Miss Out on Important Events

Another potential drawback to graduating high school early is that you might miss out on special high school events.

For many high school students, senior year is their favorite year because of popular activities like homecoming and prom. If you graduate early, you might not be able to participate in these events. Additionally, you might not attend a graduation ceremony, which is an important experience for many students.

Before you decide to graduate early, think about how you'll feel if you see all your friends participating in events such as sports games, school dances, and senior days while you don't. For some people, this isn't important at all—but for others, they'd regret missing out on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

#3: It Won't Necessarily Impress Colleges

Lastly, don't try to graduate high school early to impress colleges. Just by itself, finishing high school in a shorter amount of time won't give your college applications a boost. In fact, if graduating high school early means you have fewer classes in core subjects, it could even hurt your chances of admission!

Unless you have plans to spend your time at a great internship or another exciting opportunity that will really show colleges who you are and what your skills are, colleges won't see graduating high school early as a sign of increased intelligence or motivation.

Don't expect colleges to be automatically impressed that you graduated early.

Should You Graduate High School Early?

You know how you can plan to graduate from high school early—but should you actually do it?

The main way to decide this is to think about what you'll do during the time you'd normally be in high school . If you have a great opportunity you'd like to take advantage of, such as an internship, a travel experience, college classes, or something similar, graduating high school might be a good idea.

However, if you plan to spend your time mostly watching TV or maybe working a few hours a week, it's probably in your best interest to graduate when you normally would.

Next, go through all the steps above. Is it possible for you to graduate early while also taking all the classes you need to and would like to without stretching yourself too thin? If you've found answers to both of the above considerations, graduating high school early might be something for you to start planning.

What's Next?

Thinking about summer school as a way to complete some of your graduation requirements? Check out our complete guide to summer school to learn whether it's a good option for you.

Do you think you go to a bad high school? Learn what your options are if you aren't happy with your current school .

Taking an independent study can be a great way to fulfill some of your graduation requirements. Learn how to take an independent study class with our expert guide.

What's the benefit to graduating high school early vs dropping out? Find out with our article on whether or not you need a high school diploma .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Essay on Why I Want To Graduate Early

Students are often asked to write an essay on Why I Want To Graduate Early in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Why I Want To Graduate Early

Following my passion earlier.

Graduating early can give me more time to pursue my passion. I have a strong interest in engineering, and I want to start working on my dream career as soon as possible. By graduating early, I can start taking college courses or begin an apprenticeship in engineering, getting a head start in my field.

Gaining Independence

Graduating early gives me a chance to become independent sooner. Living on my own, managing my finances, and making my own decisions are all important life skills that I can develop by moving out of my parents’ house and starting my own life.

Saving Money and Time

Graduating early can save me money and time. College can be expensive, and by graduating early, I can save a significant amount of money on tuition and fees. Additionally, I can start earning money sooner if I have a job or start a business, helping me to pay off any debts and save for the future.

250 Words Essay on Why I Want To Graduate Early

My determination to graduate early and its advantages.

Graduating early has been a goal of mine for a long time, and I am fully committed to achieving it. There are numerous reasons why I want to take this step, including the opportunity to pursue higher education sooner, the chance to gain valuable work experience, and the financial benefits that come with graduating early.

By graduating early, I aim to begin my higher education at an earlier age, allowing me to complete my studies quickly and enter the workforce sooner. This approach will save me both time and money, as I will be able to start earning a salary sooner rather than later. Furthermore, graduating early will provide me with the chance to further specialize in a field of my interest through postgraduate studies or additional certifications, thereby improving my career prospects and earning potential.

Additionally, graduating early will give me the chance to gain valuable work experience before my peers. This will not only enhance my resume but also allow me to explore different career paths, network with professionals in my field, and gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable in my future career. Furthermore, starting my career earlier means I can begin contributing to my retirement savings and other financial goals sooner, setting me up for long-term financial success.

In conclusion, graduating early holds the potential to accelerate my educational and professional growth, providing me with a competitive edge in the job market and allowing me to achieve financial stability at an earlier stage. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that come with graduating early and am confident that the benefits far outweigh any sacrifices I may need to make along the way. I look forward to embarking on this journey and achieving my goals.

500 Words Essay on Why I Want To Graduate Early

Why i want to graduate early.

I am a high school student who is passionate about learning and eager to pursue higher education. I firmly believe that graduating early will provide me with numerous advantages and opportunities that will greatly benefit my academic and professional trajectory. Here are several reasons why I want to graduate early:

Accelerated Learning and Advanced Opportunities

Graduating early will allow me to accelerate my learning and explore advanced academic opportunities. By completing high school in a shorter period, I will have more time to delve deeper into subjects that fascinate me and challenge myself intellectually. This accelerated learning will enable me to gain a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines and prepare me for the rigors of college-level coursework.

Time and Cost Savings

By graduating early, I can save valuable time and financial resources. I will spend less time in high school, which means I can start college sooner. This will allow me to complete my undergraduate degree in a shorter period, saving on tuition fees and other associated costs. Additionally, graduating early can open up opportunities for scholarships and financial aid specifically tailored to early graduates, reducing the financial burden of higher education.

Career Advancement and Professional Growth

Graduating early provides me with a head start in my professional journey. By entering the workforce or pursuing further education at an earlier age, I can gain valuable experience, establish connections, and advance my career more quickly. This can lead to increased earning potential, job satisfaction, and the ability to make a meaningful impact in my chosen field sooner.

Personal Growth and Independence

Graduating early will foster my personal growth and independence. By taking on the challenge of an accelerated learning pace, I will develop stronger time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This experience will instill in me a sense of responsibility, resilience, and the confidence to succeed in various aspects of life. Furthermore, graduating early will allow me to become more independent, as I will have the opportunity to live away from home and make my own decisions.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Graduating early provides me with greater flexibility and adaptability in my academic and professional pursuits. I will have the freedom to choose the college or university that best aligns with my interests and goals, without being constrained by traditional timelines. Additionally, I will have more time to explore different career paths, pursue internships, or travel before settling into a full-time job.

In conclusion, graduating early is an informed decision that will enable me to accelerate my learning, save time and resources, advance my professional growth, foster personal development, and gain flexibility in my academic and career endeavors. I am confident that this path will lead to a fulfilling and successful future, allowing me to make a positive contribution to society and live a life of purpose and passion.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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If you are an exceptional student and have exhausted all of your school’s course offerings, graduating early from high school may seem like an appealing, but daunting idea. So how do you go about finishing your high school career early and getting a head start on college? Read on for CollegeVine’s advice on how to decide if graduating early is the right path for you and how to navigate the process.

How do you graduate early from high school?

To start with, it is important to keep in mind that this option is intended for the most talented students who have taken advantage of everything their high school offers. You should have advanced to the AP, IB, or honors levels in all of your major subjects and excelled in them. (For more information on the importance of taking a challenging curriculum, check out our post, Should I Take AP/IB/Honors Classes? )

If your school doesn’t offer AP or IB courses, you should be trying to challenge yourself in other ways such as by taking community college courses and participating in pre-college or other academic summer programs . In fact, some high schools may allow you to use these courses as prerequisites or in place of requirements.

Whether or not you are able to graduate early also depends on your high school. Some schools may not allow it, and even if they do, they need to review your individual case to make sure you are a qualified candidate. You will need to fulfill all your requirements for graduation in a truncated time frame, which may require some advance planning. If you come up short meeting your requirements and have enough time to compensate, you might try summer school or other courses outside your high school. Your school may also have additional requirements that you need to meet; again, this varies by high school.

Advantages of graduating early

If you are an advanced and especially mature student, a college environment may be more intellectually stimulating, and could offer challenges you may not be able to find in high school. And if you have already exhausted the resources your high school and community college have to offer, graduating early may open up some more interesting opportunities.

You may have other motivations for graduating early, such as problems at home or in school, which might make leaving for college seem more attractive. However, you should keep in mind that starting college early isn’t necessarily a quick fix, and presents many other challenges.

Disadvantages of graduating early

Graduating early may have some downsides, too. It can be overwhelming trying to finish your graduation requirements ahead of schedule. It can also be socially isolating to be on a different path from your friends and peers.

Additionally, you will have less time to develop a competitive college application profile. If you are taking many classes simultaneously, you may not be able to achieve grades as high as those you could achieve if you had more time to devote to individual classes. You also won’t have as much time for extracurricular activities, and could potentially miss out on leadership opportunities .

You will also miss out on many perks seniors enjoy, such as ceremonies, prom, and other opportunities for recognition. Additionally, you may not be eligible for certain awards and scholarships that are limited to graduating seniors. And you may simply not be ready—emotionally or academically—for college life.

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

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Action steps to take if you’re interested in graduating early

If you are interested in graduating early, you should start by speaking to your guidance counselor about your plans and if early graduation is permitted at your school. You will also need to review your high school’s graduation and course requirements carefully to make sure you are on track. If there are more courses you need to take, consider whether you have enough time to complete them. Don’t force the plan if it’s going to cause you undue stress; you don’t want to become so overwhelmed that your grades and life outside school suffer. (For more advice on balancing your time in high school, check out CollegeVine’s guide .)

You should also look into other options, such as taking classes at a local college or online while you are still in high school. There might be other continuing education classes available in your community as well; talk to your guidance counselor for ideas and look online for more ideas.

Consider how graduating early will affect your life in general. Will you be able to balance your social and family life with your workload? Will you have time for other commitments? Will it cause you unnecessary stress?

If you know other students who have graduated early, talk to them about your plans. They might be able to offer valuable insights about whether or not it’s a good idea and how to go about making it happen.

What comes next?

If you do plan on graduating early, you should also be thinking about what you are going to next. You could get a jumpstart on college, although some colleges may not admit students who graduate from high school early; be sure to review the rules at the colleges to which you plan on applying and discuss them with a representative from the colleges.

There are some college programs that are specifically targeted to students who graduate early from high school, such as Simon’s Rock College at Bard . This might be a good transitional option for some students.

Another option to consider is taking a gap year. As we discuss in this guide , taking a gap year has several advantages, such as providing you with the opportunity to pursue other interests like volunteering or traveling before you start college.

The bottom line

Graduating early from high school can be great idea for some students, but you need to be academically and emotionally ready for it. While there are certainly some advantages, there are also significant potential downsides. It is important to discuss your decision with your guidance counselor, as well as other people who can provide advice and may be affected by your plans, such as your parents, teachers, and friends. Ultimately, it is a serious decision, and you need to make sure you’re doing it because it will contribute to your life positively—not just because you can.

For more tips on how to challenge yourself intellectually in high school, check out CollegeVine’s blog posts below:

Should I Take AP / IB / Honors Classes?

What If My School Doesn’t Offer AP or IB Courses?

What Should I Do If I Already Finished AP Calc / AP Lit Before My Senior Year?

How to Effectively Balance Your Time in High School

Effective Summer Activities

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

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#HonorsProblems: Graduating Early, or an Essay of Hope

The following blog post was written by peer advisor Eva Martin, a senior in the Elliott School studying International Affairs. You can learn more about Eva here .

1 thought on “ #HonorsProblems: Graduating Early, or an Essay of Hope ”

Rich paths that are “full of experience, stories, and connection with other humans” — what a great message! I think it’s so important to recognize that pressure to succeed immediately for what it is — pressure, sometimes self-inflicted. Thanks for this post!

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12 Benefits of Graduating High School Early

Posted on April 21 2020

One of the biggest myths about high school is that it takes four years to earn your diploma. In fact, a growing number of students are completing the requirements for a high school diploma a semester, or even a full year, early. While there are many good reasons for experiencing four years of high school, there are just as many benefits of graduating high school early. Here’s a look at 12 ways students can gain an advantage by wrapping up their high school responsibilities in less time than the standard four years.

Not every rewarding career requires a college degree. Many trades, such as electrician, plumber, and construction worker, begin with on-the-job apprenticeships and other forms of training. However, as U.S. News & World Report explains, every graduate needs to have a plan in place for life after high school, whether they finish in four years or sooner.

School counselors understand that each student’s situation is unique, and in many cases, the decision to pursue early graduation relates to their family’s financial situation. One characteristic that counselors consider essential for students who plan to graduate early is a high level of maturity. Taking on real-world responsibilities requires both a post-graduation plan and the will and dedication to stick with the plan through challenging times.

Many high school students who choose to graduate early do so to pursue their postsecondary education at an institution that allows them to enroll midyear or even a year early. Getting a jump-start on earning a college degree allows students to enter the workforce a year or more ahead of their classmates. Early enrollment in college is especially beneficial to athletes who want to begin training in their sport at the college level as soon as possible. However, for many students who enter college before their high school classmates, the greatest benefit is the ability to reduce the cost of higher education by applying the same approach to college, earning an undergraduate degree in fewer than four years.

The one-size-fits-all curriculum of many high school programs fails to engage advanced students and make the best use of the time they spend in the classroom. A major benefit of graduating high school early for these students is the opportunity to study topics and material that will allow them to progress faster in their chosen fields. Colleges offer much broader curricula that students can use to craft a custom program of study, allowing them to hone their academic skills and kindle the excitement they feel about getting started in their careers.

The maturity required for pursuing early graduation is also a common reason for wanting to make a quick exit. By necessity, high schools tend to be rigidly structured learning environments because most high school students are not yet capable of taking full responsibility for their own education, let alone the duties that come with life after high school. For many students, gaining the freedom to make decisions for themselves is the main benefit of graduating high school early.

Students who test out of high school courses and finish ahead of schedule can make an impression on college recruiters and potential employers. Along with a high grade-point average and high scores on the SAT and/or ACT exams, the effort required to complete their high school requirements in fewer than four years gains the attention of college recruiters. In addition, the New England Board of Higher Education states that students who entered college early tended to be high achievers who outperformed the general student population: the GPA of early entrants averaged 3.6 in their freshman year, compared with 2.9 for all students, according to 2017 data.

Not all education takes place in classrooms, labs, libraries, and study halls. Earning a high school diploma early opens opportunities for graduates to pursue interests outside of school. Many students spend a gap year between high school and college or work traveling around the world, while others spend this time working or volunteering in their community before entering college at the same time as their peers on the standard four-year high school schedule.

Few high schools can match the range of subjects that colleges and universities offer their students. Once a person has discovered the field they want to pursue as a career, they can tailor their elective courses to match their interests. Whether the goal is to study a technical subject, an area of the arts, or a particular medical specialty, students are more likely to thrive when they are engaged in subjects they’re passionate about and making progress toward their career goals.

The last year of high school leaves some students suffering from a malady known as “senioritis,” which saps their enthusiasm for just about everything related to high school. Graduating early can help reinvigorate students by allowing them to focus their efforts on college or work opportunities. 

Fresh U, a site dedicated to preparing students for their first year of college, highlights the benefits of graduating high school early for one student whose case of senioritis threatened to derail her hopes for college. She had finished her most difficult high school courses, had her final ACT score, and knew which colleges she intended to apply to, but the prospect of another full year of high school filled her with dread. After a single meeting with her school counselor, she was able to reduce her senior year to a single semester.

The same student whose cure for senioritis Fresh U described also discovered another benefit to early graduation: the first half of her school day was spent at a local technical institute that allowed her to earn 6 credit hours toward her college degree. While many high schools offer advanced placement courses that qualify for college credit, they aren’t the best option for all students. Similarly, schools may offer dual enrollment in both high school and college; the New England Board of Higher Education reports that 28 states now allow colleges and universities to “host” high school seniors for a full freshman year of college.

A primary benefit of earning college credit before enrolling is being able to spend less on tuition and other college expenses. By applying the same effort that got them out of high school early, students can earn a college degree without having to pay the cost of a full four-year enrollment.

A growing number of states are attempting to stretch their education budgets by offering high school students incentives for early graduation. Secrets to School Success reports that the state of Indiana now offers high school students $4,000 if they graduate at least one year early, and several other states, including Utah, Idaho, Minnesota, and South Dakota, provide scholarships for students who graduate early and subsequently enroll in a “state-approved college.”

No matter the path students embark on after completing high school, education will be a big part of their lives. Professions of all types require continuous education to keep pace with changes in their industries. Students will need to take advantage of opportunities to advance their skills and training throughout their careers.

It isn’t unusual for students to be “done” with the high school experience long before their senior year. There’s much to be said for experiencing the rituals of high school — receiving your diploma, going to prom, hanging out with friends — but t here are many good reasons for students to finish high school early. Students can make the most of the benefits of graduating high school early by taking advantage of the online high school courses offered by The American Academy .

The American Academy caters both to students hoping to supplement their coursework at a faster pace through individual course offerings and students hoping to enroll in a different school altogether to complete their degree. Learn more about the benefits of online high school with The American Academy.

Recommended Readings

How to Do Well on a Test: Preparation Tips & Resources

7 Tips for Establishing a Successful Home School Schedule

Managing High School Stress: 5 Key Tips

Family Times, “Ditching High School: How I Graduated Early and Saved My Sanity”

Fresh U, “ How Graduating High School Early Changed My Life” 

Frugal Rules, “How to Save Money on College by Graduating a Semester Early”

New England Board of Higher Education, “Early to College, Likely to Rise? Benefits and Challenges of Early College Programs”

Odyssey, “13 Reasons Why Graduating High School Early Was My Best Decision”

Secrets to School Success, “14 Pros and Cons of Graduating Early from High School”

U.S. News & World Report , “How to Graduate from High School Early”

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The Admissions Strategist

How to graduate high school early: the mega guide.

High school is commonly a four-year endeavor, but some students choose to graduate early.

This isn’t a common practice—fewer than 3% of high school students take this route, according to the National Center for Education Statistics—but it’s one that may be worthwhile.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about early high school graduation.

Is graduating early for you? And if so, how do you accelerate your high school experience? Read on for answers to these questions, a step-by-step breakdown, and much more.

Click above to watch a video on how to graduate High School early.

How early can I graduate?

If you graduate high school early, you’ll finish one semester or one full school year before your peers.

Graduating even earlier than that is unlikely, since it’s nearly impossible to complete all required high school credits in fewer than three years.

What are the benefits of graduating high school early?

Graduating high school early gives you a head start on the next phase of your life , whether that’s an internship, a job, college, or technical school.

• You may be pursuing your PhD and want to start that long journey as soon as possible. Or perhaps you want to work part-time, attend school part-time, and still finish college in your early twenties.
• Another possibility is that there’s an internship or other opportunity you’d like to explore for a semester before starting college. Whatever your situation, an early high school graduation can make any of these ideas a reality.

Often, that also means you’ll begin earning an income sooner . This is especially beneficial for students who need or want to help their families financially.

Additionally, there are some college scholarships specifically for students who graduate high school early. You’ll have a wider range of scholarship options with a smaller pool of potential recipients. (Still, make sure to apply to all sorts of scholarships—not just those for early graduates.)

And of course, for students who aren’t enjoying their high school experience, finishing early is a benefit in itself.

If high school isn’t challenging you or if you’re unhappy there, early graduation may be for you. However, keep in mind that it isn’t a quick and easy process, and college presents its own unique challenges.

What are the drawbacks of graduating high school early?

Graduating high school early takes a lot of planning and hard work. The process can be stressful, and you may have to take on a heavier course load than your classmates, or even take classes during the summer.

• Plus, you could miss out on events like prom, your graduation ceremony, and other classic high school experiences.
• Ask yourself if school dances, sporting events, and spirit days are important to you. You don’t want to regret rushing through high school.

Finally, keep in mind that graduating early doesn’t necessarily enhance your college applications . In fact, having fewer classes in core subjects is frowned upon by some colleges. If impressing colleges is your sole reason for graduating early, you may want to reconsider.

How does graduating high school early affect college admissions?

When you graduate early, you still receive a standard high school diploma.

Your high school transcript also won’t mention that you graduated early. However, colleges will notice that you have fewer semesters than the average student.

As mentioned above, having fewer classes in core subjects can be detrimental to your chances of admission at some colleges.

Top colleges want students to go above and beyond the bare minimum requirements for high school graduation. For instance, they may prefer four years of a foreign language instead of two.

• You’ll also have less time to involve yourself in extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and other resume-boosting endeavors.
• And if you become too overwhelmed with racing to early graduation, your grades may suffer.

Of course, graduating early for an exciting opportunity (like an internship) can highlight your passions, intelligence, initiative, and dedication. You’ll have to carefully consider the requirements and expectations of your top colleges as you decide whether graduating early is right for you.

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8 steps to graduate high school early, 1. weigh the pros and cons..

The benefits and drawbacks listed above will help you decide whether early graduation is right for you. To recap, benefits include:

• Getting a head start on the next phase of your life
• Earning an income sooner
• Being eligible for college scholarships meant for early graduates

On the other hand, some drawbacks of graduating early are:

• Undergoing a stressful process that involves a heavy course load
• Missing out on classic high school events and experiences
• Not necessarily enhancing your college applications

Think about your goals and plans for the future, what’s important to you, and how graduating high school early will affect you.

Consider how well you’ll manage stress, a heavy course load, and being on a different path from your peers. Talk to trusted adults like your parents or teachers if you need help making your decision.

2. Decide when you want to graduate.

If you decide that leaving high school early is best for you, the next step is to decide when you want to graduate. Unless you are homeschooled , remember that graduating more than a year (two semesters) early is unlikely.

So, would you like to finish high school in three years or in 3.5 years? Think about why you want to finish early.

If there’s an opportunity you’re pursuing before starting college, how much time will you need? Otherwise, it’s easier and less stressful to aim for graduating one semester early.

3. Talk to your guidance counselor.

As always, your guidance counselor is an excellent resource to consult throughout this process. Your counselor can help you with every step along the way, from weighing the pros and cons to creating your own early graduation timeline.

• Plus, you’ll have to inform your guidance counselor that you intend to graduate early (and make sure that early graduation is allowed at your school).

Meet with your counselor and explain that you would like to graduate early. Is this permitted? Are you a qualified candidate for early graduation? How many credits do you have remaining, and which classes do you still need to take?

Your guidance counselor can answer these questions and address any other concerns you may have about early graduation.

4. Determine how many credits you still need.

How many credits do you need to earn to graduate from your high school, and how many have you completed so far?

Subtract the number of credits you’ve completed from the number you need to graduate, and you’ll know how many credits you have left to earn.

You can find this information on your transcript, or you can ask your guidance counselor for help.

• Typically, each class is worth 0.5 credits per semester. So, when you pass two semesters of a class, you earn one credit.

The total number of credits you’ll need varies by school and state. In Florida, for example, students need 24 credits to graduate.

5. Look into additional graduation requirements.

Simply racking up the required number of credits does not make you eligible for graduation.

Your school will also have requirements about which classes you need to earn credits in. Many high schools, for instance, require the following:

• 4 English credits
• 3 math credits
• 2 science credits
• 2 social studies credits
• 1-2 foreign language credits

Additional requirements may include earning credits in gym/physical education, driver’s education, art, and other courses specific to your school or district. Along with your guidance counselor, determine how many credits you need and which courses you still need in order to graduate.

Next, ask your guidance counselor if there are any other requirements for graduation.

Florida students, for example, must pass certain state exams in order to graduate. Make sure that you’ve completed all extra requirements or have a plan to complete them.

6. Research the classes required by your top choice colleges.

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to see which high school classes are required or recommended for admission to your top choice colleges.

Remember, most highly competitive colleges look for applicants who go beyond the basic course requirements for high school graduation.

Add these courses to your early graduation to-do list. As you do so, think about your college plans. If you want to major in engineering, for example, it will enhance your application to complete extra science and math courses.

7. Decide what classes you need to take and set up your own early graduation timeline.

Using the information gathered in Steps 5-6, create a complete list of the classes you want to take before you graduate .

Based on your response to Step 2, how many semesters of high school do you have remaining? And at your school, how many classes do you take per semester?

• Now, make a chart or spreadsheet to help you organize this information .

The easiest way to do this is to have one column for each of your remaining semesters. In each column, there should be blank spaces representing the number of classes you can take per semester. So, if you take seven classes per semester, each column will have seven blank spaces.

• Next, begin filling in the blank spaces with your top priority classes .

These are the classes you must take in order to graduate. If you have space remaining, you can add other courses (such as extra math and science classes for a future engineering major).

• When your schedule is full, count the number of credits you’ll earn with this schedule. Will you have enough credits to graduate?

Then, look over the list of classes you wanted to take. Are there any classes that didn’t make it onto your schedule? If these are classes you must take or would really like to take, consider online classes, summer school, or community college courses to fit them in.

Once your plan is complete, have your guidance counselor review it to ensure it’s doable and that you’ll meet all necessary requirements.

8. Follow your plan to an early high school graduation.

Now that you have your plan, all that’s left to do is follow it. Of course, that can be easier said than done. If you find your new schedule overwhelming, seek support.

Talk to your teachers or parents about tips for time management and balance. Get a planner or organizer to help you stay on track, and make time for exercise, sleep, and nutritious meals.

• Find hobbies that help you relax, like painting, reading, yoga, or taking walks. Prioritizing physical health keeps your mind clear and makes it easier to manage your many obligations.

If you feel yourself falling behind, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get a tutor, talk to your teacher after class, or form a study group with motivated peers. It won’t be easy, but if you stick to your plan, you’ll graduate early and take the next step toward your future.

What can parents do to help their child who wants to graduate early?

If you’re the parent of a child who wants to graduate early , talk with your child about the benefits and drawbacks of early graduation.

Will they feel regret if they miss out on experiences like prom , graduation ceremonies, and senior events? Will being on a different path than their classmates and friends feel isolating?

• Do they think they can manage a heavier course load without too much stress? These questions are important for any student who is considering early graduation.

If your child decides to pursue early graduation, provide encouragement and support . Make a copy of the schedule your child creates with his or her guidance counselor , so you’re informed about the process and requirements involved.

• Check in regularly to make sure your child is managing extra stress in a healthy manner.

If your child is struggling, help them come up with a plan to better manage their time or get extra help with difficult classes.

As your child takes major steps toward their goal, celebrate ! It can be as simple as cooking their favorite dinner or watching a much-loved movie together, but knowing that you’re proud and supportive means a lot (even if your child doesn’t say so).

Alternatives to graduating early from high school

Depending on your reasons for graduating high school early, there may be other alternatives to consider.

For instance, if your goal is to finish college faster, other options include:

• AP/IB courses for college credit
• Dual enrollment
• Taking college courses over the summer

These options allow you to earn college credit while still in high school. You’ll graduate alongside your peers, but you’ll still have a head start on completing your college degree. Some students manage to finish college a year early using these alternatives.

If you want extra time between high school and college to complete an internship, explore an exciting opportunity, or even travel, consider taking a gap year.

With a gap year, you’ll graduate high school in the usual four years, then take a year off before enrolling in college. You can even apply to colleges as a high school senior and defer your acceptance for a year, saving your spot for when you’re done exploring.

Final Thoughts: How to Graduate High School Early

Graduating high school early can put you on the fast track to your future, but it’s not an easy road. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons, talk with your guidance counselor, and make a plan that ensures you can meet all graduation requirements in a shorter time frame.

If your schedule looks daunting, remember that there are other ways to complete college faster or to take time off between high school and college.

Whatever you decide to do, early planning is key! If you think early high school graduation is right for you, schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor and get started.

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Graduating High School Early

Madeleine Karydes

Lead admissions expert, table of contents.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

Graduating high school early, by a semester or a whole year, has recently gained more attention. It’s become an increasingly popular topic in the college admissions realm. Once never even considered by students and their parents, it has consistently been a recurring topic in conversation. Today, we’re going to discuss graduating high school early from a college admissions perspective.

When considering the option of graduating early, applicants should weigh the possible advantages and disadvantages. With an altered plan, many implications could incur. It may seem like good idea to get on one’s college path early to get a head start, it doesn’t necessarily bode well for every student. Let’s discuss why it may not give the applicant a competitive advantage in the long run; and may actually be detrimental in other ways.

From a developmental standpoint, graduating high school early wouldn’t be the most ideal move for most students. From a technical view, it may be hard for students so young to explore internship opportunities as they won’t be the legal age to work full time for many openings. In addition, companies and startups s teer away from the youth and inexperience of a younger student in the beginning. If you decide to forego their last year of high school, keep this in mind .

Adjustments

From a non-technical standpoint, sending a student early to college may not be the best for the student’s mental development. Especially for students who didn’t go to boarding schools away from their parents, adjusting to the college may style may be extra challenging. Spending extended time away from family for the first time in an environment where students have to focus on classes will take its toll regardless of how prepared the student may think he or she is.

However, there are certain elements and scenarios where it would be in the best interest of the student to leave high school a year early to start college. Specifically, in 4×4 school systems, students can essentially “double up” on courses . In this scenario, students will be able to finish their academic curriculum in three years. In this case, a student may want to consider graduating early as there isn’t many more academic classes for the student to take.

Stay organized

In addition, if the student has already taken his or her standardized testing (including subject tests), a student should consider at least researching possible options a year earlier. With so many checkmarks done in the college planning list, it wouldn’t be the craziest idea for a student to try and apply early. Remain organized so you don’t forget anything critical on your way!

Our position

For the majority of school students, graduating high school early to pursue a faster college degree is not the most ideal move. Even for students who only graduate a semester early to travel or work, y ou will need to plan your time. A certain element of continuity is missed when students take very extended time off of academic work.

And this is assuming, of course, that the student is ready to be independent.The social aspect of college is also important. Students who start early may have trouble finding friends and enjoying themselves.  

That said, graduating early isn’t taboo to all students ; especially, those who have already exhausted their academic options in high school. It can allow forward-seeking students continue to academically challenge themselves. If the above conditions are met, consider graduating early.

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How to Graduate High School Early

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Graduating high school is fairly uncommon in the U.S. It seems most students don’t consider it, and those who do sometimes don’t know how to graduate high school early. Perhaps you are reading this article because you want to graduate early and get a head start on college. Maybe you want to take up an interesting internship offer. Whatever the reason, you should know that it will take a lot of planning on your part.

Luckily, we’re here to help you out! This guide will give you all the information you need to know about graduating high school early. Most importantly, we include a step-by-step outline on how to do it!

What does it mean to graduate high school early?

Graduating high school early means exactly what it sounds like – that you’re graduating before completing the typical four years of high school. This is usually done within three or three-and-a-half years. Completing high school any earlier than this is nearly impossible for students unless they are homeschooled or attend a non-traditional school.

While students have a variety of reasons for wanting to graduate high school early, there are a few most common reasons. Let’s get into them!

Also see:  Free summer programs for high school students

Common reasons for graduating high school early

Each student’s specific reason for wanting to graduate high school early will differ.  The reasons can most often be boiled down to reasons related to one’s career, academic plans, opportunities, or personal reasons. Let’s get into some of the most common reasons students graduate early.

Many want to graduate early so that they get into the workforce earlier and start building their earnings or establishing their career. Graduating high school early and starting  postsecondary school or a career will quicken a student’s transitions into adult life. If this is your plan, though, make sure you’re prepared to give the full energy and effort needed to find success. Remember, you’ll likely be younger (and less experienced) than both your classmates and your coworkers for the next few years.

Other students choose to graduate high school early solely so that they can start college earlier. This is more often done if the student plans to do a lot of schooling in their life. If they plan on pursuing graduate school or another professional program after undergraduate school, they will graduate earlier (and younger!). 

Also see:  High school checklist: Freshman through senior year

A chance to pursue an opportunity  

Great opportunities often manifest in the form of internships, jobs, or other unique experiences. Some students want to take advantage of those opportunities when they come along.  Somewhat similarly, many students choose to graduate early so that they can take a gap year before starting college . Some may also take this opportunity to travel, start a personal project, volunteer, or really anything they like.

Not enjoying high school

This last reason is a more personal reason that some high school students choose to graduate early,  and it is a completely valid one. If you feel that school is negatively impacting your mental health, you might be thinking of graduating early. It will take some time and effort to plan out your early graduation, but it is doable.

Now that we’ve gone over some common reasons for graduating early, how do you actually do it?

How to graduate high school early: An outline

Graduating high school early, like any long process, will take some planning and preparation. However, it’s not too complicated. Let’s break down the steps you should take if you’re planning to graduate high school early.

Pick your graduation date

If you’re graduating early, you first need to determine when. Within 2.5, 3, 3.5 years? How early you want to graduate can typically be determined by how long you want (or need) to spend doing the activity that you’re graduating early to do.  This might include starting a career, college, or taking a gap year rather than attending high school. 

Also, keep in mind that it is easier (less stressful!) to graduate high school a semester early, rather than a year early. If you do this, you will still have around 8 months (from December to September) to pursue your goals. 

Ultimately, if you’re still not sure how early you want to graduate, we definitely recommend reaching out to an advisor or counselor. They can give you helpful advice, an alternate perspective, and even help you plan out your classes for the remainder of your time in high school.

Determine how many credits you need to graduate

Now that you’ve determined how early you want to graduate, it’s time to do some calculations. You’ll first need to figure out how many credits you need to graduate and what class requirements these credits must fill. While most every high school requires their students to have a certain number of credits to graduate, this number varies by school, so we recommend checking with a school counselor (or any faculty that may know).

Once you’ve figured that out, find out how many credits you’ve already completed, and how many credits a typical class is worth. To find how many credits you’ve already finished, you can check your transcripts or report cards. Always ask an advisor to confirm your findings. Then, subtract the number of credits you’ve finished from the total number of credits you need.

This number (the difference) is the number of credits you need left to graduate. Now, to find how many classes you need left to graduate, divide the number of credits you need left to graduate by the number of credits that a typical class is worth.

For example, if you need 80 credits left to graduate and a typical class is worth 5, you will divide 80 by 5. Since the answer (the quotient) is 16, this means that you’ll need to take 16 more classes to graduate. 

Figure out what classes you need to graduate

Once you’ve figured out how many credits and classes you need left to graduate, it’s time to find out what requirements those credits and classes must fulfill. To find out what your school requires for graduation, we would recommend checking out your student handbook, searching your school’s website, or talking to an academic advisor.

Generally, to fulfill such requirements, you must take a certain number of math, science, English, and history classes, as well as a few “random” (often physical education or art) classes. 

After you find out what the requirements are, we highly recommend that you create a list of those that you have not yet fulfilled. Make sure to pay extra attention to the requirements and their wording, so you don’t miss anything. Hopefully, you’ll have enough space in your schedule to fulfill all your requirements on time and take a few classes you enjoy.

Find out what classes your potential colleges require

If you’re planning on graduating early to go to college, we would definitely recommend finding out if there are any class requirements that you must fulfill to attend your prospective college(s). If there are, remember to add these onto your list of class requirements. However , remember that your high school graduation class requirements should take priority over these (your potential college’s requirements), so only take them if you have time in your schedule. 

To find out what classes your prospective colleges might want you to take, we recommend looking over the admission requirements for these universities (which can usually be found on their websites).

Similarly, if you know what you plan on majoring in during college, it is a good idea to take as many classes in that subject as possible during high school. For example, if you’re planning on majoring in chemistry, you should not only take the standard chemistry course, but also the Honors or AP Equivalent (if available). This will show colleges that you’re dedicated to your course of study and are willing to go to extra lengths to show it.

Map out your plan (and follow it!)

Last, but perhaps most importantly, you should plan your class schedule to ensure you graduate by your desired date. To do this, we recommend making a table listing each semester that you have left in high school. Then, make an empty/blank schedule under each semester. Using the list of class requirements you made before, you should now use this information to fill the empty schedule with the classes you plan on taking each semester. As you do this, we recommend also writing down how many credits each class is worth, so you can see if you’ll have enough credits by graduation.

Once this is done, double check your schedule. Go through your list of class requirements and make sure the classes in your schedule have fulfilled them all. If all your requirements have been fulfilled, that’s great! 

And, if there is still empty space left over on your schedule, feel free to go through and add whatever extra classes you would like to take (but make sure to first add those classes required by your prospective colleges, if you haven’t yet!). Once every space for each semester is filled, go through your schedule, and count how many credits you’ll have completed. Ideally, all your class and credit requirements will be fulfilled by following the schedule you have made.

If this is not the case, however, you will still need to take more classes or finish more credits. There are a few (relatively) easy ways to do that. You can either take classes over the summer or take classes at a local community college. If you prefer, online classes could also fulfill the rest of your requirements. Before you sign up, confirm with your school (or academic advisor) that they will give you credit for these courses. 

If these courses are eligible for credit, we highly recommend that you add these extra classes to your schedule. Then, we highly suggest that you have an advisor look over your schedule. The advisor can confirm that you will be able to graduate as early as you want. If they approve, you’re good to go!

Should you graduate high school early?

Onto the most important question of all – should you graduate early? It really depends on you, your goals, and what you value. 

For example, would you rather get a head start on “adult life”? Or, would you rather take it slow – not focusing too much on the future quite yet? 

Ultimately, if you feel like what you’d be doing with your time off (after graduating early) is much more valuable than staying in high school, graduating early might be the right option for you. However, if you don’t think that what you would be doing is very important, it might just be better to remain in high school. This is because graduating early isn’t necessarily impressive to colleges. After all, it means that you would be competing against college applicants who had more time to perfect their GPAs, get involved in extracurriculars , and prepare for standardized exams .

However, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t graduate early – we just want you to consider whether it’s really the best option for you. 

To help you decide, here are some more pros and cons of graduating high school early:

And that’s it! We hope that all this information helped you figure out how to graduate high school early. By now,  it should be easier to decide whether or not it’s what you really want to do. No matter what you decide, we wish you good luck in your future endeavors!

Frequently asked questions about graduating high school early

What is the earliest age you can graduate high school.

Great question! The earliest age that you can graduate high school in the U.S. is 16. This is as  long as you have fulfilled all your state’s graduation requirements . What this means exactly differs by state though; in the majority of states, compulsory school attendance ends at age 16 . In the rest of the states, though, you have to be 18 to leave school. But keep in mind, you can attend any other type of school from age 16-18. So, no matter what state you reside in, you can still graduate high school at age 16.

Can you still get scholarships if you graduate early?

Yes, definitely! Rather than preventing you from getting scholarships, graduating early often opens you up to more scholarship opportunities. This includes scholarships specifically made for students who have graduated early! So, whether you graduated early or not, make sure to search for scholarships that match your location , major , background , and more!

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The how and why of early graduation

Almost all undergraduate students step foot onto campus with a shared goal: to graduate and get their college degree. It’s a certification proving years of studying and a ticket into certain jobs and further education. While most take four years to achieve a degree, some students look to shave some time off. These students must weigh the costs and benefits of sacrificing a year of their undergraduate experience for their future.

Students graduating early still have to complete all requirements for their degrees, including major requirements, credit minimums, and general education classes. Dalena Pham, a human health psychology and clinical psychology double major from Seventh College, discussed her workload in preparation to graduate in three years at the end of 2023-24 academic year.

“I’d say my freshman year it was 12, 16 units, a pretty basic load,” Pham explained. “And then it was really taking summer courses. I would take two or three each summer session, both summer sessions, and I think that helped me a lot in getting units.”

Pham noted that her Advanced Placement credits allowed her to get the jump on her degree. 

The AP system is a commonly offered option for high school students to take college-level courses. After a year of studying advanced material, students take the AP test, receiving a score from 1-5 based on a curve across the country. Based on their scores, they are able to receive college credit at some universities, allowing for a quicker path to graduation and increased priority during enrollment time.

Pham took AP courses alongside several community college courses during high school, giving her a wealth of units before setting foot on the UC San Diego campus. Due to her double major, however, she still had to take some unit-heavy quarters.

She described some 20-unit quarters as difficult during the term, but manageable looking back.  

“In the moment, I’m definitely like, ‘I hate myself right now,’” Pham said.

Pranav Kurup, a junior neurobiology major from Eleanor Roosevelt College who plans to graduate this upcoming spring, described his approach to his course load.

“Some people prefer to really load it up on your fall quarter and your regular year. But for me, I like to spread it out,” Kurup explained. “During the regular quarter, I’ve taken maybe five classes for one quarter, but other than that, I’ve really just gone with four.”

Kurup has also supplemented these courses with summer session courses and International Baccalaureate credits. 

The International Baccalaureate is an organization that operates similarly to the AP system in America, but it seeks to offer course standards that apply to universities around the globe. Students take varying difficulty levels of university-level courses in different subjects, culminating in a final series of tests and projects.

Sasha Winner, a junior clinical psychology major and writing minor from Sixth College, explained the challenge of getting credit for the IB courses she took in high school.

“I believe my higher level IB math counted as 16 credits, which is two years in high school,” she explained, “But something like my IB World Religions didn’t count for anything because it was one year, it was a standard level class, and it didn’t have a good 1:1 fit with UCSD courses.”

Kurup faced similar difficulties with redeeming credit for his IB courses, noting that it took about a quarter for his units to be processed at all. 

“I had to go bother them about my credits and say, ‘I sent you my transcripts, I sent you my transcripts,’” Kurup said. “But I mean, once I bothered them about it, they did recognize my credits and it was pretty okay.”

Though all three students had credits headed into their UCSD education, Winner was the only one to note a lighter course load. Winner stated that she took only 16 units per quarter, wrapping up her requirements to finish perfectly in three years.

Although the large course load could be challenging, meeting the requirements set out for them was of greater concern to the students.

Kurup explained his concern about completing his major and the worry he’d felt over class enrollment.

“It’s kind of sad that I have senior standing, and I’m still worrying about which classes I can get,” he commented. “I know that for multiple classes this quarter, I got literally the last two or three seats, and if I didn’t get those, I would be here for an extra two quarters or something like that, so that part sucks, but I’ve been lucky so far.”

In addition to their course loads, all three students mentioned also working, interning, or volunteering at at least two different locations. 

“It was a balance between a social life and work,” Pham said. “But compared to my friends, my social life is not that drastic.”

Not every student capable of graduating in less than four years chooses to. All three had their own reasons for graduating early.

Kurup and Winner, both out of state students, noted cost as the major motivating factor. 

“Each year is pretty hefty,” Kurup said, “and so you start wondering, okay, what’s the benefit of that extra year? And I just realized it would be better to graduate and maybe save that money to spend on a master’s program or some other pursuit.”

Pham, as an in-state student with financial aid, said that cost wasn’t her biggest concern. Instead, she looked to time as the motivating factor.

“I want to be a clinical psychologist, but that also requires going off to a doctorate degree,” Pham explained. “If I get an extra year out of the way, then it might help, because if I’m gonna be in school forever, might as well.”

Winner, too, intends to become a clinical psychologist, but plans to take the year after her undergrad graduation, when she would normally be enrolled in school, to work and think.

“My masters program will be a very long commitment, potentially up to a decade in whichever state I choose to take it in,” Winner explained, unsure of whether she wants to become certified in California or her home state of Oregon. “It’s not a decision I’d want to make lightly, and I’m still not decided on my state of choice.”

Kurup, meanwhile, intends to take his education and career in a different direction and is using his extra time to switch gears.

Kurup plans to change fields from neurobiology to computer science. He explained that he was in the process of looking into Georgia Tech’s masters program and was focusing his future efforts on taking preparatory classes. 

“I’d rather spend time prepping and figuring out how to switch in other ways than spend another year in undergrad,” he said. “Because, at the end of the day, it’s an undergrad degree.”

All three students noted the role of their friends in their decisions. Kurup lives with one roommate, another junior intending to graduate in three years. Pham noted that many of her friends are graduating early as well. She also hopes to continue her education in the UCSD graduate program and intends to continue living with her same roommates. Winner, while taking a gap year to consider, also mentioned the people she lived with; delaying by a year will allow her to stay on pace with them so that they can round out their undergraduate experience together.

“I don’t have a problem with undergrad education,” Kurup said. “It’s actually pretty fun, and I think it gets more fun as you continue. But yeah, graduating early is just how it worked out for me.”

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16 Pros and Cons of Graduating Early from High School

There are many students who have graduated from high school a year or two early, but none had the same levels of success as Michael Kearney. He attended high school in Novato, California for just one year, and then graduated at the age of 6 in 1990. He then studied at Santa Rosa Junior College, earning an associates’ degree in geology at the age of 8. He then earned a Bachelors’ degree at the age of 10 in anthropology, a master’s in chemistry at 14, and then a second graduate degree in computer science at age 18.

Despite setting these records, Kearney’s accomplishments are more game-show related than academically relevant. He won over $1 million on a trivia game called Gold Rush, and then made appearances on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Million-Dollar Password.

Some students have a gift for learning that allows them to pursue their future at an earlier age than others. There are some definite pros and cons to consider when graduating early from high school, whether you do so at a young age like Kearney or take a year or two off of the usual schedule.

List of the Pros of Graduating Early from High School

1. You can get an early start on your career. The most significant advantage you receive when graduating from high school early is the opportunity to get started on your career. Even if you only get an extra year available from this process, that gives you an opportunity to pursue an internship doing something you love. You also have the option to apply to colleges to get a head start on the undergraduate degree that you want. That means you can start earning a livable wage sooner than your peers, which gives you the opportunity to become independent.

2. There may be more opportunities to earn scholarships. Graduating early from high school will definitely turn the heads of some admissions personnel when you start looking for a college. You may find that there are some academic scholarships that are available to you because of your ability to learn and apply information in educational settings. Although this advantage is not a guarantee since many scholarships like these are competitive, it is possible that you can earn a full ride to study something that you love – especially if your grades are exceptionally high.

3. Some states will pay students who graduate from high school early. If you live in the state of Indiana and you graduate from high school early, then you will receive a $4,000 reward. Idaho, Minnesota, Utah, and South Dakota all provide incentive scholarships to students as a way to encourage them to get through their high school studies faster. Once you have covered your tuition and living expenses with these awards, then you get to keep the rest of the cash as a way to jumpstart the next stage of your student career.

4. It allows you to take classes that are actually interesting. Most students complain about school because the information they receive from teachers is either not useful to their career goals or something they learned before. By graduating early from high school, you can take a curriculum which you are passionate about as you strive toward your eventual career. Even kids who take AP classes at school say that they want to get out early because the information presented to them was irrelevant. When you can start taking college classes sooner, then you can become more competitive as a potential employee.

5. You get the chance to avoid the classic “senior slump” year. When you already have a plan for your life that includes college, students will often receive their acceptance letter during their junior year. That means the senior year of high school often feels like a complete waste of time. If you are involved in athletics, then it can still feel rewarding, but many teens find that graduating early allows them to be more productive than they would be otherwise. It can be a definite shot of energy to one’s creativity.

6. It gives you an opportunity to set your own schedule. Going to school is challenging for many teens because of the hours that are set by the public school system. Most young adults have a biorhythm which has them feeling more away at night, and then sleeping longer in the morning. Whether you decide to pursue a job or go after an undergraduate degree, you have more options available to you that make it possible to set a better schedule for yourself. You’ll get the sleep you need without compromising on your vocational or educational opportunities.

7. Graduating early gives you the opportunity to leave behind peer pressure issues. There will always be some form of peer pressure that you face throughout life. When you look back at your high school years, the issues that happened in those hallways are far different than what you experience later in life. This option gives you a chance to pursue the expectations you have for yourself instead of having criticism placed in your ear by fellow students. Even if you head to college afterward, the social environment there is much different.

In high school, your classmates often care about the music you listen to each day, the clothes you wear, and sometimes even the way you comb your hair. These trivial issues don’t always disappear as you grow into your career, but they do certainly become less relevant.

8. It can provide a significant boost to your self-confidence. It is not unusually for gifted and talented students to unconsciously suffer from a reserved or quiet personality. Many of them feel like a social outcast in high school because they learn differently, pick up on things faster, or receive “special” treatment from teachers and administrators. These kids stop participating in classroom discussions because their intelligence can lead to bullying opportunities. Moving to an advanced grade and graduating early can help to alleviate these social concerns. One of the best and fastest ways to alleviate school-based anxiety is to encourage harder academic challenges.

9. You can take college courses through your high school without the tuition costs. Some high schools provide you with the option to take college courses at the same time you are pursuing an early graduation. If you can put together a full year of undergraduate credits before it is time to move into a formal university setting, then you could save upwards of $15,000 on the cost of books and tuition while being 25% of the way toward your next degree. Taking AP classes all year for college credits is a tremendous advantage to consider. You might also opt for an International Baccalaureate® program if one is available in your community.

List of the Cons of Graduating Early from High School

1. You cannot enter the workforce sooner, even with your degree. Although you can start earning money sooner through a skilled vocation when you graduate from high school early, the child labor laws in your community still apply even with your education already complete. The Fair Labor and Standards Act restricts the hours that youth under the age of 16 can work. There is also a list published by the government which details hazardous occupations where your age makes it impossible to find employment.

If you are not 14 years old yet and you graduated from high school early, then agricultural work may be your only option. Kids at any age can delivery newspapers, perform as an actor/actress, or work in most businesses owned by their parents. Baby sitting and minor chores around private homes are also permitted. Some states have minimum age requirements which exceed the FLSA as well.

2. You must face the expenses of life faster than you would otherwise. When you start earning an income, then Uncle Sam (or your local government) is going to want their share through taxation. You may need to purchase a public transportation pass to commute to work. If you decide to go on to college, then your parents have less time to begin save up for your tuition costs. There are insurance, medical, and other personal care expenses to consider with this process as well. Even the cost of a wardrobe that is appropriate for an internship or career must come into this consideration. It might be cheaper for some students to skip the early graduation.

3. You might be told to attend a specific school to receive a scholarship. Many states have discovered that encouraging students to graduate early from high school helps them to keep their educational costs down. Even if a $4,000 scholarship or award is offered, that is 50% of the cost of supporting them for another year in the K-12 system. Many of these awards also have the catch that you must attend a specific college or university that is in their home state. That means you may not have any choice in where you go, and then potentially responsible for future costs once this award runs out.

4. Some students may not be ready for college coursework. There is a legitimate difference between the expectations for homework in high school and what a college or university expects of you. Most students who decide to drop out of college do so during their first semester because the classes they attend were much more difficult than they anticipated. Although society places a lot of pressure on teens to pursue an undergraduate degree, it does not always work hard enough to prepare kids for the transition that they must endure. If you graduate early from high school, try to take a college-level course as part of your studies before receiving your diploma so that you can know what to expect.

5. Many students say that their senior year was one of the best times of their life. There are a lot of noteworthy events that happen during the senior year of high school that you cannot replace if you decide to graduate early. There are numerous school activities that take on added meaning during this time, from homecoming to prom. If social situations are just as important to you as your overall educational experience, then an early graduation may not be worth it in the long run. You don’t want to be regretting this decision 20 years from now, wondering what might have happened if you had stayed home.

6. Graduating early from high school requires lots of self-discipline. Many teens admit that if they didn’t need to get up early to go to school in the morning, then they would likely stay up all night and sleep in every day. Graduating early doesn’t change the fact that you must be productive at some point during the day. You must be a fully functional individual when you arrive at class or for work. If you’re struggling to maintain the usual schedule for high school classes, then it might not be the right time to start thinking about an early exit from the K-12 system.

7. There are still unfair teachers who can impact your education after high school. If you think that graduating from high school will take you away from teachers that do not grade exams or homework objectively, then you’ll want to consider this disadvantage. College professors are arguably even more personally involved with the curriculum, which means any debate or questions you have that run counter to the materials present could result in a lower grade. When this happens after you move away from high school, then there are fewer moments when your parents can step in to provide you with the support that you need as well.

The pros and cons of graduating early from high school offer students an opportunity to get a faster start on their future. Although you would need to be self-motivated to make this happen, it gives teens a chance to gain real-world experience without the peer pressure that exists in hometown school districts. If you think this option might be right for you, then speak with your parents or guardians, a school counselor, and others that you trust to see if trying to earn that diploma faster is your best choice.

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Home Essay Samples Education

Essay Samples on Graduation

Graduation is an exciting time in any student’s life. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, reflect on the past, and look towards the future. If you’re tasked with writing an essay on this topic, it can be a daunting task. However, with some helpful tips and graduation essay examples, you can craft a perfect essay about graduation.

One way to approach an essay on graduation is to focus on a particular moment or experience from the graduation ceremony. For example, you might write about the feeling of receiving your diploma or the emotions you felt as you walked across the stage. By focusing on a specific moment, you can create a more compelling and personal essay.

Another approach is to write about the broader significance of graduation. You can explore the importance of education, the challenges that students face, and the impact that graduation has on individuals and society. By taking a more philosophical approach, you can create a more thought-provoking essay that engages readers on a deeper level.

When it comes to graduation essay topics, the possibilities are endless. You might write about the history of graduation ceremonies, the impact of technology on graduation, or the role of graduation in different cultures. Whatever topic you choose, make sure it’s something that you’re passionate about and that you can explore in depth.

In conclusion, writing a perfect essay about graduation requires creativity, passion, and attention to detail. By using graduation essay examples and following the tips above, you can craft an essay that celebrates the importance of graduation and inspires readers to reflect on their own educational journeys.

How a Graduate Degree Can Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

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Career Goals After Graduation: Mapping the Journey

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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gap Year: Exploring Paths of Exploration and Reflection

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My Convocation Day: An Experience I Will Never Forget

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What I Want To Do After My Graduation

Graduation is an exciting time for my life, specially a university’s graduation. When I think of family and relatives, friend gathering together to celebrate a gratifying event, I feel I accomplished my goal. Graduating from university give me a valuable outlook. So, you just graduated...

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A College Degree: The Next Step or a Mere Stepping Stone

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Prom Night and Prom Limo Rentals as Integral Parts of Graduation

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The Negative Preconceptions Surrounding the Prom Night

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The Search for a Suitable Limo for a Prom Night

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Relevance of Changes in Canadian Employment Law

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Steven Spielberg Commencement Speech in Harvard University

Harvard University graduation, students, parents, family, faculty and friends anticipated the big speech by the famous film director, produce and screenwriter, Steven Spielberg. As he kicked off his commencement speech, he began with his Universal Studios dream job he was offered his sophomore year telling...

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How Well Do High Schools Prepare Teens for Life after Graduation

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Looking Back at the Many Years of a School Life

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Graduation as a Transitional Experience and a Rite of Passage

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Best topics on Graduation

1. How a Graduate Degree Can Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

2. Career Goals After Graduation: Mapping the Journey

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gap Year: Exploring Paths of Exploration and Reflection

4. My Convocation Day: An Experience I Will Never Forget

5. What I Want To Do After My Graduation

6. A College Degree: The Next Step or a Mere Stepping Stone

7. Prom Night and Prom Limo Rentals as Integral Parts of Graduation

8. The Negative Preconceptions Surrounding the Prom Night

9. The Search for a Suitable Limo for a Prom Night

10. Relevance of Changes in Canadian Employment Law

11. Steven Spielberg Commencement Speech in Harvard University

12. How Well Do High Schools Prepare Teens for Life after Graduation

13. Looking Back at the Many Years of a School Life

14. My Highschool Reflections Before Graduation

15. Graduation as a Transitional Experience and a Rite of Passage

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• American Education System
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How to Distinguish Yourself in Your College Applications as an Early High School Graduate

More students are learning about and taking advantage of early graduation opportunities across the United States. Some states offer exams to sophomores and juniors that give them clearance to graduate early if they pass. The California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) , for example, is available to High School students in California who would like to get a headstart on applying for college or joining the workforce. If students pass, they receive a Certificate of Proficiency, which is equivalent to a High School diploma. 

If you’re anything like we were at sixteen, you’re probably itching to graduate and start the next chapter of your life. If you envision your next chapter on a college campus, then you will have to start the college application process in your junior year (which likely means starting the search process in your sophomore year). You will have one less year of English class and writing experience under your belt as compared to most fellow applicants, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still submit a strong and distinct college application.

We recommend addressing your early graduation in the Additional Information essay section available to you in most college applications, including the Common App.

While your personal statement should serve to reveal information about your background, character, and/or strengths, your additional information essay should address anything unusual in your academic record. 

Some questions you may want to think about as you begin drafting your essay:

• Why did you choose to graduate early from high school? 
• How did you come to this decision?
• How do you hope this decision will serve you in the future?

Some common reasons why students choose to graduate early:

• To seek a more rigorous and challenging curriculum at the collegiate level
• To better balance schooling with a career path, such as competitive sports or performing arts.
• To pursue a worldly education (a.k.a. travel the globe).
• To start and/or dedicate more time to a business endeavor.
• They have already completed the high school curriculum at an accelerated pace as a homeschooled student.

If part of your reasoning for graduating early was escaping a toxic environment, whether that be at home, in your community, or at your school, you can certainly address those factors in your essay, but focus on what you learned, what you’ve taken away from the experience(s), and your vision for the future. 

Remember, admissions officers will expect your writing skills to be on par with the high school seniors submitting applications alongside you, so it’s in your best interest to put time and consideration into your drafts (i.e. don’t leave them ‘til the last minute)!

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Written by Kat Stubing

Category: Admissions , advice , College Admissions , Uncategorized

Tags: early graduates , junior applicants , junior graduates

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How to Graduate Early from College

Some Students Can Save Well Over $70,000

• Graduation & Beyond
• Before You Arrive
• Health, Safety, and Nutrition
• Living On Campus
• Outside The Classroom
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Admissions
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• Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania
• M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania
• B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT

Many of the top private colleges and private universities in the country now have a total sticker price well over $70,000 a year. Some public universities have total costs of over $60,000 a year for out-of-state students. However, even if you don't qualify for financial aid, there's an obvious way to reduce your college costs: Graduate from college early. Finishing college in three and a half or even three years can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Key Takeaways: Graduating Early

• Graduating early not only saves you college expenses, but you can start earning money in a job sooner.
• Credits are the key to graduating early. Plan classes carefully, take a full load, and try to bring in as many AP, IB, and dual enrollment credits as you can.
• There are downsides: you'll have less time to foster relationships with friends and faculty members, and you may miss out on a senior thesis or research opportunities.

How to Fast Track Your College Career

So how can you graduate early? The math is pretty simple. A typical college load is four classes a semester, so in a year you're likely to take eight classes. To graduate a year early, you need to acquire eight classes worth of credit. You can do this a few ways:

• Take as many AP courses as you can. If you score 4s or 5s on the AP exam, most colleges will give you course credit. In some cases, a score of 3 will earn credit.
• If you have the option of an International Baccalaureate program , you can often earn college credit if you score well on your IB exams.
• If your high school has dual enrollment options with a local college, the credits you earn will often transfer to your undergraduate institution. 
• Take all available placement exams when you arrive at college. Many colleges offer placement exams in subjects like language, math, and writing. If you can place out of a few requirements, you'll be in a better position to graduate early.
• Take community college courses for general education classes like writing, history, or introduction to psychology. Course credits will often transfer. Summer, even the summer before college, is a good time to rack up credits. Be sure to check with your college's Registrar first to make sure the course credits will transfer.
• If you plan to study abroad, pick your program carefully. You'll need to transfer credits back to your college, so you want a program where all of your course work is going to count towards graduation.
• Take the maximum number of credits allowed when you're in college. If you have a strong work ethic, you can pack more into a semester than the average student. By doing so, you'll fulfill all of your academic requirements sooner.

With some professional programs such as engineering and education, graduating early is rarely an option (in fact, often students end up taking more than four years).

The Downside of Graduating Early

Realize there are some disadvantages to graduating early, and you'll have to weigh these factors against the financial perks:

• You'll have less time to build relationships with your professors. As a result, you'll have less opportunity to conduct meaningful research projects with the faculty, and your professors won't know you as well when you need letters of recommendation .
• You'll be graduating with a different class than the one you entered with. This isn't necessarily a big deal, but you may find that you end up without a solid sense of class affinity.
• You'll simply have less time to grow and mature. Many college students really blossom during senior year as their experience and confidence grow.
• For many students, college is a wonderful time for making new friends, growing intellectually, and discovering one's self. Students are often in tears at graduation because they are sad to have college come to an end. Make sure you really want to rush this time of your life.
• This is related to many of the above points, but with less time to gain research and internship experiences, and with less time to foster meaningful relationships with the faculty, you'll be in a weaker position when applying to jobs or graduate school. It's possible the money you save from graduating early will be lost with lower lifetime earnings.

These issues, of course, aren't a big deal for some students, and it's quite possible that the financial benefits outweigh all other factors.

A Final Word

Many colleges use fast-tracking as a marketing ploy. The undergraduate experience, however, is about so much more than earning enough credits to get a degree. Accelerated degree programs make much more sense for non-traditional students than for typical 18- and 19-year-olds who will grow so much socially and intellectually during four years of college. That said, the financial factor can't be ignored. Just be sure to recognize that there are both pros and cons to rushing a four-year degree.

• Why AP Classes Matter
• Online Humanities Classes: Credit and Non-Credit Options
• Foreign Language Requirement for College Admissions
• How to Save Money When Applying to College
• The Hidden Cost of Transferring to a Different College
• Dual Enrollment in High School and College
• 5 Reasons to Consider Community College
• Is Your AP Test Score Good Enough?
• Withdrawing From College
• 6 Ways to Speed up Your Degree
• What's a Good Academic Record for College Admissions?
• Should I Drop a Class?
• What Is Early Action?
• Why Do College Books Cost So Much?
• Should You Apply to College Early?
• How to Transfer Colleges: A Guide for Success

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, pros and cons of graduating high school a semester early.

I'm thinking about graduating high school a semester early, but I'm not entirely sure if it's the best decision. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of finishing a semester ahead of time? How might it impact my college applications?

Graduating high school a semester early has both pros and cons, and it's essential to weigh them carefully before making a decision. Here's a helpful breakdown of the potential benefits and drawbacks:

1. Extra time for personal growth: An additional semester can provide time for internships, volunteering, work experience, or other valuable activities that contribute to personal growth and might strengthen your college application.

2. Potential cost savings: If you're paying for private high school, graduating early can save you money.

3. Avoiding "senioritis": With a shortened senior year, you'll have less opportunity to lose focus and discipline, ensuring a strong finish to your high school career.

4. Increased motivation: Knowing you have less time to complete your courses may motivate you to work harder and maintain high academic standards.

1. Potentially weakened college applications: Some colleges may perceive early graduation as having less rigorous coursework or fewer extracurriculars, which might impact your application negatively. However, if you can demonstrate strong academic performance and meaningful involvement in activities, this drawback can be mitigated.

2. Missing out on senior experiences: Graduating early means you'll likely miss out on some memorable senior events, like prom, graduation ceremonies, or senior trips, which could impact your overall high school experience.

3. Less time for college preparation: With a shortened senior year, you'll have less time to prepare for college entrance exams, complete applications, and research scholarships, which might cause added stress.

4. Social impact: Leaving high school early could impact your social life, as you'll be separating from your friends and classmates sooner than expected.

As for college applications, finishing a semester early will not necessarily harm your chances, but you'll need to show colleges that your early graduation decision had a purpose and that you effectively used the extra time. If you use the additional semester to pursue meaningful experiences, maintain strong academics, and stay involved in activities, an early graduation may even have a positive impact on your applications. To get a better idea of how graduating early might affect your particular situation, you may want to consult your high school counselor or reach out to specific colleges that you are interested in.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

My high school graduation was ruined. I'm now graduating from college and getting the ceremony I deserve.

• I graduated high school in 2020, so I didn't get the normal graduation ceremony.
• The pandemic also ruined my classes and social life at college the first year. 
• Now that I'm graduating from the New School, I'm happy I finally get to celebrate properly.

In March 2020, when the world stopped for the COVID pandemic, my small high school in New Jersey sent an email explaining our spring break would start early and last indefinitely.

My senior year was ripped from me. We pushed prom back until it became nonexistent. Graduation traditions like Senior Sunrise and Senior Ditch Day disappeared completely. Meanwhile, the details of our actual graduation ceremony became a mystery.

I watched on social media as schools around the country forced their seniors into graduating on Zoom calls. Some were even given their diplomas via drive-thrus as if they were ordering at McDonalds.

Luckily, my high school decided to push our graduation to late July for an in-person ceremony. But it didn't feel like a moment of celebration. Everyone had to be six feet apart , silent, and wearing a mask. Graduation parties were nonexistent except for a select few.

Those of us who persevered through the strange pandemic high school graduation are now graduating from college . This month, I finally got my chance to celebrate my education properly at the New School in New York City.

The pandemic rippled throughout my college career

After my high school graduation, the awkward Zoom school years didn't end. In fact, I took virtual classes in college on and off through the end of 2021. Right when we thought we were safe to continue maskless, someone would get sick. It'd be another round of pretending to pay attention while my video was off.

Related stories

I assume those who were able to enjoy college pre-2020 got to experience new adventures, like sneaking into frat parties as a freshman. For the class of 2024, that wasn't really a possibility. Even visiting campus facilities was a feat since actual campuses were shut down.

Plus, being locked inside for so long took away our social skills . Once we were let out into the world again, it was difficult for me to make friends, and college is the time you're supposed to be the most social. It was incredibly frustrating.

But as my college career continued, I was able to enjoy the true " college experience " everyone describes: parties, late nights studying in the library, and all the essential experiences that allow for the bridge into adulthood.

I almost missed out on an in-person graduation again

Just a couple of weeks before my college graduation was scheduled, protests for Gaza began on the New School campus. At the same time, our professors moved our classes to parks, studios, or the dreaded Zoom.

Once again, my graduation ceremony seemed uncertain. It wasn't clear if the school would cancel it amid the protests.

My fellow classmates and I felt a mass amount of exhaustion. We had already gone through so much over four years, and at the home stretch, it felt like it could all fall apart again. Our last ask as debt-ridden 20-year-olds was to walk across the stage for 10 seconds.

Thankfully, the ceremony was not canceled. On my graduation day — just last week — I woke up at 6 a.m., sat with my fellow graduates, and received my diploma on the stage.

It's funny to think that three years ago, in order to leave a dorm, I had to put on a mask to go through the hallway and then head outside. But now, my friends and I can sit right next to each other with our caps and gowns while joking throughout our ceremony.

The heaviness of the moment was not lost on me. After everything my class has been through, graduation felt more meaningful and lively. I'm beyond grateful to finally get the chance to celebrate everything I accomplished.

Watch: Clashes from Columbia University to UCLA as students call for ceasefire in Gaza

• Main content

'It takes a village': Why parents are joining their kids on the stage at graduation

As Yanelit Madriz Zarate crossed the stage at a University of California, Berkeley commencement ceremony this month, she reflected on the fits and starts in her educational journey: the mental and physical challenges that forced her to drop out after her first higher education stint in the California State system, the lessons she learned advocating for herself when she resumed at a community college and the empowerment she felt when she transferred to Cal.

The 25-year-old also thought about the role her parents, immigrants from Mexico with just a middle school education, played in helping her get to graduation. So, it felt extra special – and extra fitting – that her parents got to join her on stage.

Crossing the stage with her loved ones, a decades-old tradition embraced in the university's Chicanx Latinx graduation, was something she looked forward to since she heard about the option years earlier. Madriz Zarate also made the moment her own: As her name was called out, she and her parents danced a zapateado, a traditional Mexican step.

“It was for the three of us,” said Madriz Zarate, a sociology major who grew up in San Pablo, California, and works part time in disability rights advocacy. “It feels like we’re finally being seen.”

Like Madriz Zarate, hundreds of thousands of graduates are the first in their families to attend college. The number of first-generation applicants is growing at more than twice the rate of students whose parents have a degree, according to Common App data.

However, many institutions of higher education have been slow to catch up. Surveys suggest mental health struggles are widespread among first-gen students, who often report they wish their campuses offered better support and academic and financial aid advising tailored to their circumstances. 

While symbolic, the budding tradition of walking the stage with loved ones marks a shift in how colleges are engaging with students from nontraditional backgrounds and elevates the often-unspoken contributions of family members. It’s part of a larger trend of making graduation ceremonies more culturally relevant, in events such as Umoja graduations for Black students, Lavender events for LGBTQ+ graduates and blanketing ceremonies for Native students. 

These special honors also stand as a reminder of what’s at stake when programs supporting such opportunities are restricted. Students at the University of Texas at Austin – whose funding for cultural graduation ceremonies was cut after last year’s diversity, equity and inclusion ban – had to raise private money this spring to hold the yearly Latinx event many had anticipated.

Affirmative action ban: After Supreme Court ruling, renewed focus on first-generation students

Graduation traditions evolve through DEI efforts

Cultural graduation ceremonies have grown in popularity, with events cropping up from Massachusetts to Hawaii . It’s all about “creating that sense of belonging and place on campus,” said Carolyn Barber-Pierre, the assistant vice president for student affairs and multicultural affairs at Tulane University in New Orleans. “So many students come with visible or invisible identities, and the fact that several of those identities can be celebrated means the world to them.”

Tulane hosts various affinity-group graduation ceremonies, and in some – like the Umoja event, attended by nearly half of the university’s Black graduates – family members can help place the stole on students. The stole is a cloth worn over the shoulders to represent campus achievements and cultural pride. Loved ones also have the opportunity to share reflections on the stage.

“This is the culmination of all the blood, sweat and tears for all the faculty, staff, parents and family members who’ve been there and helped each and every student succeed,” Barber-Pierre said. 

“It takes a village, and the village was there.”

Gerald Thrush, the vice dean of academic affairs at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, said family members’ involvement is often the highlight of graduates’ commencement. Since the medical school’s early days more than four decades ago, it’s allowed students to bring two family members on stage to bestow their academic hood. The hood is similar to the stole but instead drapes down the graduate's back.

When students shake the president’s and dean’s hands during the first part of the stage procession, they’re often visibly nervous, Thrush said. But as soon as they see their loved ones nearby, their eyes light up.

“Just seeing the pure joy and the excitement of the family … it’s such a heartwarming, touching moment,” said Thrush, who serves as the commencement marshall and has witnessed the exchange countless times over the years. “You can see it – you can see that support there.”

Lezlye Ramos, who recently graduated with a doctorate in occupational therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, in California, brought her dad on stage to walk with her and place the hood on her shoulders. Wearing a tejana hat and boots, her dad, who works in construction, was worried about how he'd come off. But he ended up stealing the show, said Ramos, 26. After she posted the video on social media, she was flooded with comments from fellow Latinx students who shared how inspiring it was to see the interaction. 

“Being able to see someone who looks like you, to see the diversity within higher ed … it struck me that this is something bigger because of what it represented,” she said. “Although my name is the one on the diploma, we all graduated that day.”

'An inversion of the graduation'

UC Berkeley started the stage-walking tradition with its Chicanx Latinx graduation several decades ago, according to Pablo Gonzalez, a Chicano scholar at the school who has emceed the event. “Even though graduations are often viewed as individual achievements, in this particular case, the collective achievement is celebrated,” he said. “It’s about acknowledging more than yourself.”

Gonzalez isn’t aware of many other colleges offering this opportunity. 

Gonzalez recalled being in the crowd as his uncle, the first in their family to attend college, walked across the Berkeley commencement stage with Gonzalez's grandparents. He remembers witnessing his brother also participating in the family rite. Both experiences helped him envision his own higher education future. Gonzalez himself participated in the tradition as a Berkeley graduate in the late 1990s.

He described the stage-walking tradition – and other aspects of the Chicanx Latinx event – as “an inversion of the graduation.” Traditional commencements focus on the graduate while this one “focuses on the people who are crucial and central to their success."

"That kind of inversion is such a powerful marker of community that’s so necessary right now,” he said.

It's happened before: College graduation canceled due to anti-war protests?

For Kayanna Harris, another Berkeley Class of 2024 grad, the inverted approach to celebrating her accomplishments was “humbling.”

Harris, now 32, moved to the U.S. from Jamaica after finishing high school. She opted not to attend nursing school where she grew up, leaving her parents behind. She spent a few years in New York, where some of her siblings live, but consistently felt a pull toward California – and specifically Berkeley. At 25, she finally settled in the area, enrolling in a community college. A few years later, she transferred to UC Berkeley – the college of her dreams, as an aspiring chemical engineer.

Harris is undocumented and has faced a host of challenges beyond those of being a first-generation student. Financial aid options were limited. She struggled to get internships because of her immigration status and couldn’t study abroad. Nor could she return to her homeland to visit her dad, a former farmer whose leg was amputated a few years ago, and mom, who worked at home, caring for Harris and her eight siblings. 

Harris felt the smaller graduation ceremonies – including one for undocumented students and one for Black students – were the most important, largely because the family participation was baked into them. In the UndocuGrad event, she walked with her mom and sister as other relatives and friends cheered them on. (Her dad couldn’t make the trip because of his mobility issues.)

“It was really a sense of gratitude to know that, even though they were all the way in Jamaica, they’re always there. They’re always behind you. These people are the ones motivating you to move forward,” she said. “That big smile on (my mom’s) face is really what I wanted to see. I wish that moment was a moment that lasted forever.”

Madriz Zarate will always cherish her moment, too. Part of her self-advocacy journey involved reconnecting with her culture through dance. That’s why it was so important for her and her parents to zapatear – a dance style where the feet rhythmically strike the floor – as they crossed the stage.

“It felt like we were creating a safe space not just for ourselves but for other folks to dance – it’s a very liberating and healing part of our culture, “ she said. As they stomped across the stage, surrounded by families with similar lived experiences, Madriz Zarate felt validated. 

“It was like creating magic.”

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Tense Campuses and Police Barricades Mark New York’s Commencement Season

The first graduation celebrations will begin on Friday as the city’s colleges and universities are reeling from conflict over pro-Palestinian demonstrations and hundreds of student arrests.

By Sharon Otterman

• May 10, 2024

University commencement season in New York City started on Friday, in a climate that was anything but normal.

Turmoil over protests related to the Israel-Hamas war is seemingly everywhere. At N.Y.U., dozens of graduate student workers are threatening to withhold grades if the university does not remove police officers from campus. At the Fashion Institute of Technology, the police made more than 50 arrests on Tuesday after breaking up a pro-Palestinian student encampment there.

At City College, Fordham University, The New School and Columbia, the police have made arrests after being called in by administrators to clear out pro-Palestinian student encampments and end other demonstrations.

The police barricades that still remain outside many college buildings are a visceral reminder of the intense divisions on campus, a marked contrast with the usual festive mood around the city each May, when thousands of students walk the city streets in their robes and regalia.

At Columbia, where a police crackdown on a large Gaza solidarity encampment on April 18 sparked an international student movement to pitch tents in protest, parents of graduating students peered through locked gates on Thursday at the green lawns and empty steps where their children’s commencement should have been.

Nemat Shafik, Columbia’s president, announced on Monday that the school was canceling its main commencement ceremony, largely for security reasons. Instead, each of its 19 colleges will hold a separate ceremony, many at the school’s large athletics complex some 100 blocks north.

The first of those celebrations began at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, with the School of Professional Studies ceremony at the athletics complex.

Hundreds of family members and friends filled the seats at Columbia’s soccer stadium. Many held flowers and balloons for their graduates.

Around the outdoor event tent were giant screens that displayed photos of Columbia students in their caps and gowns. However, slides also shown on the screen were not edited to reflect the ceremony’s new location and instructed guests to use Hamilton and Pulitzer Halls for access to indoor restrooms.

Police officers were present outside of the stadium but not on the field. Instead, a handful of private security officers roamed around the tent.

After almost two hours, the graduation ceremony for the Columbia School of Professional Studies concluded. Graduates, family and friends danced as Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” played. There were no protests, although a couple of students wore kaffiyehs alongside their graduation stoles. One student waved a Ukrainian flag as she walked across the stage.

Amoura Whitney, 24, was among those who graduated on Friday. She said she was frustrated by the last-minute cancellation of the main graduation ceremony. “It definitely sucks because my immediate family was going to go to that one,” said Ms. Whitney, who graduated with a masters in technology management.

The ceremony for the School of Social Work will be held there at 4:30 in the afternoon.

N.Y.U. will hold its large commencement ceremony at Yankee Stadium next Wednesday. The New School will hold its commencement at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens next Friday. Graduations at other colleges continue through May 23.

At the end of a typical school year, Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus becomes a sweeping venue with bleacher seating and some 15,000 graduates and their guests arrayed around the steps of Low Library. The university president takes center stage, officially conferring degrees on the graduates from the school’s different colleges.

This year, it was not clear which of the 19 celebrations Dr. Shafik would attend. Students say they have rarely spotted her on campus since the police arrived on April 30 to clear out pro-Palestinian protesters from Hamilton Hall, a building they had occupied.

A Columbia spokeswoman, Samantha Slater, said she has been “on campus regularly” and noted that she had released a video to “make sure they heard from her, whether on campus or not, as students take final exams.”

The sidewalks in front of her official residence have been blocked off by barricades for about a week, after students gathered in front of her building at midnight and yelled at length for a noisy finals-week tradition known as the “primal scream.”

Many students on campus are deeply upset at how the semester has gone, and many say the administration has made repeated missteps in its handling of the student protests.

“The community’s completely destroyed,” said Zohar Ford, 19, a freshman who was helping a friend move out of a freshman dorm on Tuesday on the largely locked-down campus.

“It’s 65 degrees out,” he said. “Warm, sunny, brilliant. This is supposed to be our finals week. Do you see anyone on the lawns playing around having fun? There’s nothing.” Over the past week, he said, campus “has been a ghost town that has felt like a police state.”

Dr. Shafik has not made an official announcement to the Columbia community since last week, when she explained that she had called in the police to remove protesters from Hamilton Hall because the escalation had brought “safety risks to an intolerable level.” She also called for civility to return to campus.

She has not publicly acknowledged the allegations, made by protesters and some faculty members , that there was police brutality during the crackdown. Nor has she commented on how one officer, during the operation, accidentally fired his gun , hitting a wall . Instead, in her announcement, Dr. Shafik thanked “the N.Y.P.D. for their incredible professionalism and support.”

On Thursday, she wrote an opinion essay for The Financial Times that look a long view on how universities can weather outside influences that seek to harden differences on campus. She also called on schools to “better define the boundaries between free speech and discrimination.”

“Rather than tearing ourselves apart, universities must rebuild the bonds within ourselves and between society and the academy based on our shared values and on what we do best: education, research, service and public engagement,” she said.

Dr. Shafik also wrote a letter to faculty members on Thursday, where she said “I know that many of you are angry, and that you feel let down by me and by other University leaders for many different reasons.”

The university spokeswoman, Ms. Slater, said in a statement that Dr. Shafik has spent the week consulting with members of the Columbia community, including the faculty, in private meetings “to allow for candid conversations.”

She faces more difficulties ahead.

More than 200 faculty members at Columbia and Barnard have “actively pledged to strike,” said Rebecca Jordan-Young, a Barnard professor, during a news conference on Friday.

A strike at this time of year would mean faculty members would still engage in student-facing work, but would stop doing work for the university, such as creating and finalizing department budgets for the fall or doing work on committees.

“There is an assumption that the work of the university, even for faculty, closes at graduation and that is just not the case,” said Shana Redmond, a Columbia professor, adding, “We are stopping this constant request for labor until such time as these demands are met.”

The demands included removing the police from campus and granting amnesty for students facing disciplinary action for pro-Palestinian speech and advocacy, Ms. Redmond said.

And about 1,000 professors and lecturers at Columbia, in the faculty of arts and sciences , are currently considering a vote of no confidence in Dr. Shafik, with the final votes to be cast on May 16.

Lola Fadulu and Liset Cruz contributed reporting.

Sharon Otterman is a Times reporter covering higher education, public health and other issues facing New York City. More about Sharon Otterman

The Campus Protests Over the Gaza War

News and Analysis

​​A union for academic workers in the University of California system announced that an ongoing strike challenging the system’s handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations would extend to two more campuses , U.C.L.A. and U.C. Davis.

​​With speeches canceled , students at the City University of New York School of Law ceremony chanted, carried signs and walked out .

​​Hundreds of students walked out of Harvard’s commencement ceremony , while hundreds of others chanted “Let them walk!”, a reference to 13 student protesters who were not allowed to graduate.

A Complex Summer:  Many university leaders and officials may be confronting federal investigations, disputes over student discipline  — and the prospect that the protests start all over again in the fall.

Graduation’s Pomp Goes On:  Commencement is the rare American ritual that still has rules. That’s why it’s ripe for disruption .

A New Litmus Test:  Some Jewish students say their views on Zionism — which are sometimes assumed — have affected their social life on campus .

College President Openings:  Presidential posts are available at U.C.L.A., Yale, Harvard, Cornell, Penn and many others. But the job is not what it used to be .