TESC acceptance before earning a HS diploma?

[cframe]

Who's a whiz at figuring these things out? Two questions:
1. My son will not have his high school diploma for 2 years, but will finish up all requirements for BA in History from TESC in ONE year. I don't want to graduate him early since our state offers free dual enrollment for 11th and 12th graders.
Will TESC still do a degree evaluation without a high school diploma?

2. He is planning on a double major History / Political Science. How does TESC apply? Are these degrees "significantly different"? And, am I reading the first regulation right: He has to finish all his History work before taking even one PS course? If so, is it just the dates for when he takes the courses that matter?

[COLOR="DarkRed"]1. Students must complete a minimum of 15 additional
credits for a second associate degree and
30 additional credits for a second baccalaureate degree beyond the date all prior degrees were completed.
2. Students must select an option which is significantly
different from their previous degree(s).[/COLOR]

Anyone have these details?

[cookderosa]

[QUOTE=cframe]Who's a whiz at figuring these things out? Two questions:
1. My son will not have his high school diploma for 2 years, but will finish up all requirements for BA in History from TESC in ONE year. I don't want to graduate him early since our state offers free dual enrollment for 11th and 12th graders.
Will TESC still do a degree evaluation without a high school diploma?

2. He is planning on a double major History / Political Science. How does TESC apply? Are these degrees "significantly different"? And, am I reading the first regulation right: He has to finish all his History work before taking even one PS course? If so, is it just the dates for when he takes the courses that matter?

[COLOR="DarkRed"]1. Students must complete a minimum of 15 additional
credits for a second associate degree and
30 additional credits for a second baccalaureate degree beyond the date all prior degrees were completed.
2. Students must select an option which is significantly
different from their previous degree(s).[/COLOR]


Rockin'
He won't be able to double major in history and poli sci I don't think- you can always shoot them an email though. Those are both in social sciences, so they are actually not significantly different, but I could be wrong and it never hurts to ask.

His options are plenty, and it's all a family decision. Is he thinking about a specific grad school, any grad school, or no grad school?

[cframe]

Jennifer,
My head just spins when I try to navigate the waters. He wants a Masters and PhD, but I'm trying to figure out the BA thing first. I have found two private schools and one public, all 4 year, that will allow him to take upper-level courses (State pays for these two years) and are within 40 miles.

If he does not double major, he will only need 4 courses after this year to complete TESC BA requirements. I guess I should see if TESC will answer directly on that one.

I'm open to suggestions. No specific grad schools in mind or even a path. I don't see a benefit to graduating HS early, so I'm truly at a loss of which way to go. What are your thoughts??

[heathclayton]

My suggestion would be to apply for TESC like normal, but include a letter appealing their "no one under 21 policy" along with the application. Just call them and ask them where to email it. This will help speed up the process. If you don't, then they send you a letter saying you are rejected, and then you have to appeal. I don't know of anyone that has had their appeal be rejected, and lot of my friends have applied before graduating highschool.

The application fee is only $75, and will entitle you to a full academic evaluation where they will look at all the credits your son has earned and match them up to a degree plan. (or possibly two degrees like you hoping). The application is good for 6 months before it has to be resubmitted... but even if you don't enroll till later it's only $75 and will keep you from paying for credit you might not need.

History and poly sci is a great duo... hopefully they will let you do it. Be sure and let us know what they say! I STRONGLY recommend taking traditional classes for the poli sci credits if he is wanting to move into graduate school.
There are only 2 placement tests that qualify as poli sci anyway.

Poli Sci graduate program addmission departments are going to be looking for 4 things:

Professor reccomendations (hence the traditional classes)
GPA (hence traditional classes)
GRE scores
Work/internships (very important!)

If you have any other questions please send me a private message or post back here on the board. I would love to help!

Heath

[NJMedic]

Jennifer,
My head just spins when I try to navigate the waters. He wants a Masters and PhD, but I'm trying to figure out the BA thing first. .

Not to be a kill-joy, but to assist in future planning - going to a school like TESC will make it harder on a student looking to continue education at the PhD level in most subjects. The reason is that a PhD is a research based degree and all of the top programs are highly-competitive and expect to see some ability to have done research as an undergraduate. Now that is not saying it is impossible, just saying that when compared to a traditional B&M school your son will be at a significant disadvantage come post-grad admissions time.

For what it’s worth I received undergrad via TESC, and though I am completing a masters at an ivy school - conversations with various persons have confirmed that although it does not interfere as much with professional masters programs, my lack of research as an undergrad poses a large obstacle in PhD admission criteria.

[cookderosa]

Not to be a kill-joy, but to assist in future planning - going to a school like TESC will make it harder on a student looking to continue education at the PhD level in most subjects. The reason is that a PhD is a research based degree and all of the top programs are highly-competitive and expect to see some ability to have done research as an undergraduate. Now that is not saying it is impossible, just saying that when compared to a traditional B&M school your son will be at a significant disadvantage come post-grad admissions time.

For what it’s worth I received undergrad via TESC, and though I am completing a masters at an ivy school - conversations with various persons have confirmed that although it does not interfere as much with professional masters programs, my lack of research as an undergrad poses a large obstacle in PhD admission criteria.

That's why I asked. I think this advice is on target. Let's get back to the grad school thing in a second.

If it were my son, I'd keep taking free community college courses-butt in seat- in his areas of interest. As far as I can see, you have nothing to gain by cutting off the free supply of education and calling it done right now. I'd say, if he earns 200 undergrad credits (for free) before he finishes HS, then that's just extra cool. Call his college courses "dual enrolled" and drop the homeschool curriculum. 2 or 3 classes per semester (for free) isn't a bad thing-but it's enough- again, this is what I would do for my child- I'm not saying it's right, and I think there are a whole lot of pros and cons.
I wouldn't graduate too early, and I wouldn't get a BA before the diploma- it will require him for the rest of his entire working life to explain "why" and "how" on a job application- which might be perceived as unusual or eccentric. In fact, if he is ready for a break, he could spend time in extra activities or volunteering/working and slowing down a bit. All of these activities will strengthen his grad school application.

There will be weaknesses in his grad school applications- but so what? We all have weaknesses! He will also have strengths. I wouldn't assume that online work is automatically a weakness unless he is going for a actual research based PhD. I think of the THOUSANDS of grad programs (on ground and on line) at the master's and doctoral level- he won't have any trouble getting started. Will he get a full ride and a stipend? Maybe, maybe not. You'll have to help him get creative- find out who he might be able to network with in order to become a competitive candidate. Perhaps he can work in a research lab (if that is a goal) or at a political party base in your town.

My overall suggestion is to take a bit of time experiencing the working world just a bit- it can be unpaid job shadows, internships, volunteer, or even paid summer jobs- but get a feel for what career interests he has. This, ultimately, will guide the decisions about what/where/when/if grad school is on the horizon. In my opinion- what classes you enjoy in school (and are good at) isn't necessarily the perfect choice as a career.

This was long, but I find your son's situation very exciting- and the best part, is that you are NOT in a rush, he really does have a lot of time to think this all through very carefully and enjoy a few "underwater basket weaving" classes if he wants.

[a mom]

cframe, I hate to disillusion you but about the time you think you have things figured out, you'll have to start all over again. It's a never ending process.

For the life of me, I can't remember if a HS transcript was an issue or not at TESC. I do know it was a big issue at Excelsior, and I remember sending them one after they received my son's college transcripts. They specifically asked for it.

We also took advantage of dual enrolled classes and subsequently Fl. Bright Futures. It helps out a lot even if you have to pay for books. It's really not necessary to file an appeal letter for the "under 21" rule if they have a college transcript.

My son was accepted at 15 to TESC with over 90 credits. He officially enrolled this month and will finish his degree requirements in December. They just did an evaluation and he only needs 14 more credits. He's going to take 7 over the summer and 7 in the fall. He's ready for a break after taking 19 credits after applying for admission to TESC and 21 credits this semester (plus 4 open ended credits that can be completed at any time). The key is mixing and matching the courses so you have 'light' ones mixed with heavier ones.

I also vote for dropping the homeschool curriculum. It's not really necessary. His high school credits can be met through his college classes as dual enrollment. Can't help with grad school and plans. It ain't happening here--at least not for a long time.

[cframe]

What a wealth of information you three have provided. Thanks for helping me chew through options and possibilities.

Jennifer, you are right that we are not in a rush. He has just always excelled academically and offering this level of study in our homeschool is finally somewhat of a match for him. Our goal was never to get to this level, but it just happened.

He is searching for possible areas to internship next year when he does take butt-in-seat classes. I have similar thoughts to yours that 12 credits per semester is enough .. and gym is a requirement of mine

NJMedic I hear your concern and know this route of education is nontraditional and may close some future doors. I have flipped the coin many times. On one side is a guarantee BA with no debt and it challenges him now, on the other is possible scholarships (otherwise debt) at a school with a reputation. We all play a bit of God with our children's future and this is one I hope I don't regret. The advantages are travel, volunteer and apprenticeship and husband and I are hoping that route is a better fit.

[cframe]

Heath ... Thank YOU for specifics. I e-mailed TESC, but maybe I will just submit his paperwork with a check and see if it flies. I knew I would need a letter of appeal for the age requirement, I didn't know that would explain the lack of HS diploma.

Can you give me the 2 tests that qualify for Poli Sci? He has not done any work in this area so most/all will be classroom courses starting in the fall. Also, for TESC rules, does he have to finish all History BA courses before beginning PS coursework? I'm confused with TESC rules for double majoring or if they will allow this pairing.

Jennifer makes an excellent point of watching the dates of graduation ... again, another thing I hadn't thought of. We really don't do specific curriculum for homeschool and others for credits, its a blend of knowledge I think he should have. What's cleppable, he tests for.

Internship ideas are always welcome!

[a mom]

I've known a lot of kids that start college early---some as young as 8 years old. Many are graduating with bachelors at 14-16. The one common thread of parents is second guessing their decision to allow their kids to attend college early. Some kids have lived at home, others have moved out. Some go part time, some go full-time. The only thing any parent can do is make decisions as to what is best for the child at that time. You can drive yourself crazy trying to prepare for the what-ifs.