13 year olds should not be in college, regardless how smart they are, amirite?

I've yet to see a 13 year-old in college in this day and age, but if there are any then why hold them back from their full potential? It's like wearing pants that are too small for you just because you're a little tall for your age.

by Anonymous 15 years ago

there was an artical in the papers here about a 13 year old in UCONN. he would have no friends in college, miss out on child hood IMO

by Anonymous 15 years ago

College isn't life. He could still have friends and childhood (whatever that constitutes) outside of college. And besides, if he wants to go, then let him go.

by Anonymous 15 years ago

I'm 19 and in college and I don't have friends either.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Who are you to judge whether or not someone has a childhood? If the kid is forced to go to college when they don't want to, that's another thing. But I'm assuming in this case that the kid is more than willing to go to college. And that's a good fucking deal. Better job opportunities and you look exceptionally smart. Plus school is over really early, but that's just a personal quirk I see in it all.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

@Ummmm....: Try extracurricular activities.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

My extracurricular activities include working so that I can afford gas, food, and school books.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

"Now, now, tell your daddy to stop teaching you to read, it's interfering with your learning to read."

by Anonymous 15 years ago

To Kill A Mockingbird, for those who don't get the reference. Edit: just realized how old this comment is...

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Now that's a comment I don't mind returning to. C:

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I don't know..if they've already done their A-levels or the American equivalent it seems ridiculous to make them wait almost a decade to go onto the next stage of education

by Anonymous 15 years ago

The problem isn't with them being smart enough, it has to do with social skills. thirteen year olds cannot learn how to interact with people that are more than half a decade older than them. College doesn't leave a lot of time for out of school activities, and they would also never get to see their parents. if they are that smart, enroll them in high school programs that let them travel, or do something that benefits society.

by Anonymous 15 years ago

i get your point but it seems like a waste of potential if they're clearly gifted academically, and just staying static rather than progressing

by Anonymous 15 years ago

Who cares? If he's smart enough to graduate at 13, I'm willing to bet he's smart enough to make his own decisions. Even if he wasn't, it's not up to you to say what //you// think is best for //him//. If he wants to go to college, wow! Good for him! It'd be idiotic to stifle a genius's talent.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

"College doesn't leave a lot of time for out of school activities, and they would also never get to see their parents." Say what? 90% of college is out-of-school activities. And if your parents live near the college, you can still live with them or visit them frequently.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

"if they are that smart, enroll them in high school programs that let them travel, or do something that benefits society." I like how this contradicts the first part of your comment. I doubt a 13 year old is going to college for the social opportunities. They're doing it for the education, therefore there's no real need to interact with other students in the typical college manner. Hell I'm in college and I only ever talk to the people sitting next to me. You're also assuming that this kid has a full college workload, and that they don't live at home. Cmon now...

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Thats amazing for someone to do at such a young age.. i don't understand why anyone would want to hold them back.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I think they can take the classes, but they shouldn't live on campus.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I don't see why not. I was 14 when I started college and have just graduated architecture school at the age of 19, I turned out just fine!

by Anonymous 12 years ago

If I had the choice, I'd go to college at thirteen. I think it'd be quite an experience and such an adventure to have such a freedom.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I would just do 2 or 3 classes per semester. Still graduate early, but be able to relax.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

If I had a kid, I wouldn't want them to start college at 13, but I wouldn't really care if some random kid wanted to.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Sheldon Cooper, anyone?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Great example. I love him, but I wouldn't really want any more of him in the world.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Maybe online classes or 1-2 classes a semester. I remember how little I knew about the world when I was 13. Hell, I'm still learning XD Let em keep their innocence for a bit.

by Anonymous 12 years ago