<p>There does seem to be quite a range of high school experiences, and college experiences, reported in the article. It seems to me, from reading college-specific forums here on CC, that some colleges can still serve up courses open to freshmen that would be challenging to high school students with the utmost preparation. But students with that level of preparation are rare enough that offering such courses is not routine at all colleges. </p>
<p>As for balanced life in high school, I like, and I think college admission officers also like, students to participate in self-directed activities rather than just piling on as many school courses as possible. My son has enjoyed math contests for years, and is newly in debate, and is just starting to do writing and web-mastering for his school’s newspaper. He has his own computer-game-writing project for which he recruits help from friends. Of course many young people, as the article noted, have for years devoted themselves to high levels of personal development in competitive sports. Music is a favored activity among many other students. I definitely agree with the idea of letting young people spend substantial hours figuring out for themselves what is important and interesting–it would be regrettable indeed if rigorous school classes (which I like, when I can find them) crowded that out of young people’s schedules.</p>