Help! My son is graduating HS with his AA sooner than I expected

[clep3705]

What about having fun? What does he want to do? Why not have him post? College is an adult responsibility. Maybe it's time for him to start researching his career and his life. I took a gymnastics course and learned things I still incorporate into my fitness program 40 years later. I went to murder trials. I went to city and county government meetings. I attended every level of political conventions. (Hint: Forgot your party affiliation. Pick the minority party in your area. The minority party is more likely to let a young, enthusiastic young person do more.) I became an election judge. I did everything I could to learn about life and society. Getting an education is not just about credits and degrees. Oh, I could just kick myself for not taking the rappelling course. It wouldn't have gotten me my degree any sooner, but it would have been fun. It was one of several open, no obligation courses taught by the ROTC instructors. I could see using a year of free tuition to take a welding course, a carpentry course, and a plumbing course, particularly at that age.

[Gymfan15]

^^ I have to say, that's decent advice, especially considering how young he is...seems like he's on track to get his degree within a year or two no matter what path he takes, so why not take some time to pursue some other life-enriching learning or experiences that is hard to get/do after you start your "big boy" job. Take a gap year, or treat the extra year of CC as a gap year to take courses that add to life skills but not necessary to the transcript. I didn't start college until I was 25, but I also spent a lot of time traveling and lived abroad in Taiwan for three years. Not a single regret.

[davewill]

I was going to mention that if he intends to work in accounting, especially public accounting, on campus recruiting is really helpful. If he gets access to that through the online program, great. If not, he may want to take part of his degree on campus.

[eriehiker]

When I graduated from high school in 1993, I had the choice of whether to go to Bowling Green State University for free or the University of Michigan with work study, loans and post-college debt. I went to Michigan and it was one of the great choices of my life. I joined a choir, read most of the Great Books, created and facilitated interfaith dialogue groups, met a ton of incredible people and graduated with an education degree and teaching certificate. I left with about $15,000 in debt and it was one of the great decisions of my life.

I have been a teacher now for about 20 years and I've paid that money back and saved that total many times over. Sometimes the least costly and quickest way is not the best way. I know very little about student aid programs right now, but I do wonder if an early bachelors degree will preclude possible financial aid later. Maybe the kid is smart enough to go to a really great public university?

[magflo]

Thank you all for your time, kind words and suggestions. @cookderosa, I planned on sharing this with you for your HS4CC success stories page when he reaches completion of the AA (much is still in progress/planned)