This post may make no sense to anyone other than me, but that is ok. I sometimes find that I need to write out stuff and go back and reread it to have it make sense to me. I'm hoping someone that reads this may have some insight, or at least an opinion to help me out.
My DD is considering the post secondary options program our state offers. Students are given the opportunity to attend college during their Senior year of high school (actually all through high school if they choose) and use those grades as both college credit and high school credit. The classes are free to students, other than transportation and books, which make this very enticing. Students can get their entire freshman year of college out of the way before they graduate college. Some students can actually start earlier if they care to and have an associates degree at the same time they earn their high school diploma.
Good things I can think of about the program....1. the chance to have a year of college under your belt when you get out of high school. That gives you only 3 more years to HAVE to go before you are finished..which is great if other things come along in your life and you want to hurry. 2. One year of college free, which takes a great financial burden off of you and your parents. 3. ..can't think of a third one yet.
Bad things...1. DD is all set up to be the Valedictorian for her class. She is tied with at least one other girl but unless something drastic comes up they will be Valedictorians. Sometimes transitioning to college can take a bit and if she gets a less than perfect grade in a college class it will count toward her high school and will knock her down in rank. 2. Getting knocked down in class rank will equal less scholarship money. 3. Saving the money from her freshman year will not equal what she could lose if her grades aren't perfect in college. 4. Will she miss out on all that fun stuff from her senior year? 5. Is it worth the worry to graduate from college one year earlier and then start your life as a working person one year earlier?....
I think you can probably tell from this post which way I am leaning. If she is dead set on going I think I would let her go because she is smart enough to do this....but is it worth it in the long run?
OMG I just clicked spell check and it worked...well it said I had no words spelled wrong so it may not completely be working, but it tried.
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From the mommy formerly known as mom22teens....what happened to the last 20 years?
5 comments:
Both of mine took AP classes in high school & both got some college credits but I think what you're talking about is different. I have not seen any significant benefit to either of them having earned 6 or 9 credits ahead of time. Considering that, even with getting a year out of the way for free, if she gets less scholarship money for the remaining 3 years - sound like it may end up costing more in the long run... I guess I'm leaning in the same direction you are.
If I think of anything else, I'll be back. Yeah, after going to the dentist. Again.
Hey Katy-
I took some AP classes that got me out of a few credits and I had the option to graduate early from college. I would've saved myself a bunch of money (though I was on a lot of scholarship money) and time, but ultimately, I just wanted to enjoy my senior year and looking back, I'm glad I did it, though it's certainly different for everyone.
Also, having worked in the admissions office of my college, if it's any comfort, we actually never knew who was valedictorian because so many schools have done away with the tradition. So if that's the major thing holding her back, then maybe speak with the college she's looking into and see what they say?
Good luck either way. You're obviously blessed with a very bright daughter.
Well now, you just know Auntie Kim has to chime in. On the one hand--I don't think you have to worry about her grades. At all. Ever. And I also don't think you have to worry about her missing out on any senior year fun. This girl is very well-rounded and apparently has a good grasp on knowing what balance is, and carrying that out. If that's what she wants to do, she will do it and she will do it well. On the other hand--going out into the working world earlier? Yuck (from my viewpoint--HA!). However, she's probably gonna be one of those that gets a SUPER job that she will love. Bottom line? There are two options. One is great. The other one is great. It appears to me there is no wrong answer here...GOOD FOR DD :)!
Wow! What a dilemma that is. I would lean toward your way of thinking. I am also the kind of mom who wants the kids to enjoy EACH phase of their lives as it comes. That means having the time to do the dances and parties, the studying and getting the rewards of working hard for the year that they are living right then and there. How can she have enough time to do two schools and have all the senior fun. I wouldn't want her to regret not doing all the senior stuff. Life is too short as it is.
Just saying!
And thanks for the comment on my blog. I have spent way too much time being pulled down by alcoholics and their manipulations. This time it only took me a few months to figure it out. I am a little slow.
I just read your post from February 18th. I have tears. Your grandmother was so wonderful, I can just tell by how you talk about her. Her story about what happened after her fifth child was born gave me chills. Thank you so much for sharing that. I could never take anything like that happening lightly. It is so awesome!
After my mom passed I wondered how things were going to be. She was my best friend. I got a little depressed after her passing, but one day as I was driving to work, I heard her voice as clear as if she were in the car with me. She was saying to me, "Just keep going the way you are, everything will be okay." I have never forgotten that moment.
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