Should I graduate early from HS? (UCF first choice)

allenk893 · 11-19-2009, 10:58 AM

Hi, I'm new to CG Confidentials. I'm currently a sophomore in high school and I'm seriously thinking about attending UCF. I know, crazy right? I haven't even taken the SAT or the ACT. Well the thing is, I'm in the process of starting my college career quite early. Over the last few days, I've tentatively discovered online resources that would give me the opportunity to graduate early from high school. I'm currently class of 2012 but is supposed to be class of 2011. I kinda failed 7th. And here's the situation. The school county I live in has a online "virtual" school (registered and legally approved by the state), and it has all my required courses for junior year and if I were to take some or all of them now, and pass them all by the end of the summer and pass this year, I would officially be bumped up to "senior" status next fall like I technically am suppose to be anyway. So all my test and applications for colleges would be done that year.

UCF is my first choice school. The other univerisities in FL have nothing good to offer me. I've been obsessing and doing countless research on the school and what to expect. The thing is, I haven't taken the SATs or the ACT yet and I have no idea what score is good or looks good to UCF and what do I have to do to get in with them. Like really "in". Something solid that would guranteed me of interest to them.

I read some stories here on CC about UCF students with high GPAs getting deferred because of average to below average SAT scores so that's what is worrying me. So please let me know what you think and what I should do before I apply. Thanks.

marlins97 · 11-19-2009, 11:06 AM

I know you may wanna get back on track and graduate the year you "technically" were supposed to graduate, but I wouldnt rush it. If you decide to take your junior year stuff this year, youll be really busy and that may not always guarantee the best grades. THen, when you jump straight into senior year next year without possibly having taken any SAT or ACT yet, youll have to rush to get the best score possible and fill out college applications (although since you only like UCF that may not be a problem). What Im trying to say is that it may not be in your best interest to rush things into senior year. You may want that extra junior year to take that SAT/ACT to see if UCF is a realistic choice for you and if you may be a little behind, you at least would have plenty of time to improve your test scores. Theres no need to rush to get to college lol, UCF will still be there even if you graduate 2012 instead of 2011.

Also, yes its getting harder to get into UCF. People who loaded up on classes to inflate their GPAs but are lousy test takers find themselves out of luck because UCF wants better rounded students as far as test scores and GPA.

zebes · 11-19-2009, 11:08 AM

Seriously, I'd go and talk to your guidance counselor and talk to an admissions counselor at UCF. I'm not sure you'll get the most expert advice for your particularly specific situation on this board. I probably wouldn't take our word for things ... but go directly to the horses mouths, so to speak. Good luck on your plannning!

zebes

allenk893 · 11-19-2009, 11:28 AM

Yes, I agree with you both. @t Marlins97, what you said about junior year makes sense. That year CAN give me time to take care of SATs and such. However, perhaps I should not take take ALL my junior year courses at once? Maybe take like 2 or 3 of the required and still stay classified as a "Junior". The rest of my classes would just be electives and I would have time to study and then take SATs and send out applications.

And zebes, I actually did talk with my counselor. She told me it was a good idea. And I talked to my english teacher and she also thinks it's great and she believes I can do it. I have an A in her class. But I didn't think about talking with a UCF counselor! I don't know how I am going to get in contact with them though.

Mizzxvii · 11-20-2009, 10:23 AM

Call them whenever you can! I think you can do it if you're motivated enough. It WILL be a lot of work, but at least you're planning NOW. The first thing I would do right now is call them, get all the information you need, and sign up to take the next ACT OR SAT. I'd say a 25 ACT would pretty much guarentee you a spot, if your GPA is around 3.5-ish. Just try to fall in the average UCF admittance range. Best of luck!

allenk893 · 11-21-2009, 12:03 AM

Thanks Mizzx. I took your advice and went striaght to the school website and endlessly searched for numbers to call. I am interested in the College of Business school so I went there to obtain some contacts. I have one more question though. Is it weird that somedays I feel like I am already there? As in I feel so much need to be there that I sometimes feel as if it's one day away from happening? I don't know, I think it's very unhealthy for me to be feeling this way. I shouldn't. Especially with the possibilities that I might not even be accepted and other things that could happen during that time frame. I don't know why! This isn't right. I mean okay, I was born and raised in Orlando for a couple of years but that's the only connection I have to the place. So why do I feel like I MUST be at UCF? Perhaps because my mom is making me want to leave my house so bad that I am subconsiously thinking UCF is some kind of educational escape-goat?...

Mizzxvii · 11-21-2009, 10:16 PM

It's ok to feel that way! I would know because I totally feel the same way. I live in Jacksonville but my heart is so dead set on going to UCF. At one point, I only thought of applying to UCF, but I know that with my borderline stats, it would not be a realistic plan, so I had to apply to another back-up school. Make sure you do the same thing, even if you're 100% set on going to UCF. You need to realize that you're like a Junior in High school now, so you need to start planning everything out. I made a mistake by not taking my ACT or SAT Junior year, so I'm trying to rush things this year, but trust me, it will not work with your schedule next year and I'm sure you don't want to put anymore stress on yourself next year. Ask yourself though, why do you want to attend UCF? The reason should be for your own benefit and happiness, not your mom, or because you just want to 'escape the house'. I know it sounds cliche, but it's true.

LMU10 · 11-29-2009, 01:48 PM

I'm graduating a year early from HS, I'm 16, and would be a Junior, but this year I am a senior. I am applying to UCF more as of a safety, and just came across this thread. If you want to do it, go for it. From what I have seen as far as UCF Admissions (I am more familiar with UF Admissions), they tend to like a balance of test scores and GPA. You are not going to get in with a 4.8 GPA + really low test scores. I have a 4.28 UF GPA (which I think is the same as UCF) and a 29 ACT. My first attempt my sophomore year at the ACT I got a 23, with a 17 in reading. I now have a 32 in reading. Seriously, if you are going to graduate early, start taking the ACT and SAT. I am not happier with my decision to graduate early and my #1 choice is probably UF. I have been discouraged by numerous friends, and family. It's what's best for me, and I'm going for it. Don't depend on anyone else, you will know if you are ready or not. I feel I'm academically and socially prepared, because I'm a pretty mature person.

Also, this year, I take all of my classes at a local state college. Being a 3 year graduate, I think this will look pretty good. Anyway, bottom line: Take your ACT/SAT's and study for them!! Aim for a 25 ACT which is not that hard.

TAKE BOTH TESTS too!!! I scored an 1540 (660M,500CR,480W) as to a 29 ACT (significantly higher).

Good luck!!!!!