Early Entry to College: Navigating the Path for Gifted Teenagers

Should you allow your gifted child to enter college two years early, especially if they are accepted for such an opportunity?.

Understanding Giftedness and Boredom

For many gifted children, boredom is often their greatest challenge. The idea of pushing them to enter college at a younger age can seem like a solution to providing them with intellectual stimulation and meaningful experiences. If you trust your child and have assurances that they are not likely to engage in reckless behavior, early entry to college may be a viable option.

Supervision and Safety Concerns

Commute if you live close enough, or explore alternative programs that offer more supervision than the typical college student. Some schools provide a parent-like oversight, ensuring students are well-attended to. For instance, the Advanced Academy in Carrollton, Georgia, demonstrates a successful model where the school acts as a in loco parentis, but not all students remain unscathed.

Local options such as concurrent enrollment programs in your state might also be considered. Many high school students benefit from taking one or two college classes per semester, while still living at home and attending high school.

However, it is essential to consider if your child is old enough to handle the responsibilities and social aspects of college life. At 15 or 16, young adults are often too inexperienced to fully cope with the environment alone.

Maturity and Individual Circumstances

Each child’s maturity level and academic readiness need to be carefully evaluated. A one-year head start is different from a two-year jump. My son, who started kindergarten a year early, managed to complete his first year of college but struggled, being younger and less mature than his peers. For a two-year jump, consideration of these factors is paramount.

Questions to ask include whether the college offers sufficient supervision, if your child can live at home, and their overall maturity. Safety and additional support are crucial considerations.

Alternative Paths for Gifted Children

While early college entry can provide valuable experience, alternative pathways might also be beneficial. Allowing your gifted teenager to travel, explore different interests, join the military, or start a company can also be valuable. Teenage years are all about experimentation and finding one’s authentic self.

Opening up options can help your child discover their passions and develop resilience. Curbing their efforts to explore and try new things might stifle their growth and independence.

Ultimately, the decision should be made with the child's welfare and best interests in mind. Consider the individual circumstances, support systems, and readiness of your gifted child. Early entry to college can be a positive step, but it is just one of many paths that gifted children can take to reach their full potential.