Going to college at 16..

Well I've been home-schooled my whole life because I'm two grades ahead in school. I skipped grades 4 and 5. I'm 15, and I'm starting grade 12 this September, I turn 16 in January. I'll have graduated high-school while I'm still 16, so what do you think about me starting college when I'm 16?

Oh, and I'd like to major in psychology and possibly minor in philosophy. Just saying...

Major philosophy! Psychology is mostly pseudo science as we don't yet properly understand neuro biology.

I went to college shortly after turning 17...I think if I'd gone two years early, it might have been really emotionally overwhelming. Then again, so was staying at home. One of my long time best friends went at 16, loved it and is fantastically successful.

As far as area of study goes, get your core classes out of the way first. That way, if you change 12 times, it won't be quite as painful on you or your wallet. XP Don't study what people say you're good at or what's bound to make you lots of money or even what's bound to secure you a job for life. (there's some merit in using common sense, obviously, but still...secure job that you HATE is just as miserable as anything you'd avoid by doing that...)

Pick what you could do all day long without making you come home crabby and stressed. :O) If it fascinates you and the homework doesn't feel like work at all, that's probably a good sign.

Heck...take a semester off and go to a community college for cheap and take ridiculously wonderful and pointless electives that make you happy. Travel if you can. Go live with a fascinating relative...work a part time job and make some travel money. :O) You won't get these years back, and adult responsibilities come soon enough! It's OK to be a little bohemian while you can.

I agree with FiddleheadFern (wise words!). I think it is important to seek out your passion and also to take things slow (at least for now) to figure things out so you can act more decisively later on. Once you begin college, those are years (and money) that you won't get back. I know for sure that when I was 16, I didn't really have a grasp on what I wanted out of life yet. I've seen people go through two or three years of college, or even be on the brink of graduating, before they realize that they made a huge mistake in terms of what they were studying/getting into for the rest of their lives.

Also, while I do think it is important that you find happiness, all some people want to do is to major in something that will land them a stable or well-paying job. And there's nothing wrong with that. It all depends on what you really want and what is best for you and your family. That's something only you can answer and that will take time. Just keep in mind that from this point on, the decisions you make will hold more and more weight.

Another thing is that I've known some people that were home-schooled and they were extremely sheltered. When they went off to college, they didn't know how to handle themselves and they sort of lost control. It wasn't that they were immature, it was just that it was a completely different world and they were thrust out to the wolves. I'm not trying to say that you're sheltered or that you will meet the same fate as my friends, but it might be something to think about.

But either way, congratulations! There are many people in this world that never make it this far. Enjoy your triumphs and good luck to you in the future!

i have no experience close to yours and am going to college at the normal age of 18, but i think a full-fledged college experience could wait until you are a bit older. i think you should use this time to try everything else you want, travel, volunteer, take a few (or more!!) college courses around you, whatever.. so much possibilities and opportunities! as a bonus, it'll look just all that more awesome on your college apps when you apply. you could get in anywhere!! haha. just don't let the time go to waste. which i'm sure you won't from the little i know.

I agree with the above poster. Try and do some travelling or volunteer work or something. University isn't just about sitting down and getting the grades done. It's about the process of becoming an adult (18-21+.) I don't think it would appropriate to graduate at 19. Especially after being home-schooled.

Originally Posted by Lexibear

Well I've been home-schooled my whole life because I'm two grades ahead in school. I skipped grades 4 and 5. I'm 15, and I'm starting grade 12 this September, I turn 16 in January. I'll have graduated high-school while I'm still 16, so what do you think about me starting college when I'm 16?

Oh, and I'd like to major in psychology and possibly minor in philosophy. Just saying...

Go ahead. I don't see anything wrong with it. Just remember that books don't teach you everything in life. Books don't make you mature.

By the way, what are you going to do with your psychology degree?

Originally Posted by Type B

Go ahead. I don't see anything wrong with it. Just remember that books don't teach you everything in. Books don't make you mature.

By the way, what are you going to do with your psychology degree?

I'd really like to be a clinical psychologist. Three family friends of mine are clinical psychologists, so I feel I have a good insight to what it's like, and it seems like an atmosphere I would fit into.

I think it is really awesome! :)

I'm not in university yet, so I'm afraid I don't have any wisdom I could share with you or any advice to give, but I just wanted to say that I am impressed and happy for you. Go use that bright brain wherever you like!

And have a good life, regardless of age or university.

The only thing I can contribute (and a common warning I give many people) is to not go in already declared and feel that you must graduate in a program that you chose before your first day at college. Otherwise all bets are off. Sometimes it's better to just have a degree in anything as some care only that you have a degree while others care about what the degree was in. Disregard if you plan on being self-employed. There have been 14 and 15 year olds in college before, just don't let education eat up your childhood (also don't live your childhood past 20, it will end up disastrously) - continue having fun though.