How to Finish High School in Three Years
For some, high school is an enjoyable time full of learning, socializing, and growth. For others, high school is simply a requisite part of the educational process that they wish to complete as quickly as possible. Traditionally, students spend four years in high school. This, however, does not have to be the case. Through careful preparation and diligent work it is possible to complete high school in as little as three years. Those who wish to move through high school on the fast track need to begin working toward that goal starting in freshman year.
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Instructions
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Speak to your guidance counselor. Graduation requirements vary from school to school, so to receive the best advice regarding the specific steps you need to take to complete high school in three years, students should consult an adviser who is familiar with the school's unique policies and procedures. Seeking advice from your adviser does not commit you to completing high school in four years. This educational expert will simply apprise you of your options. When you approach your adviser, explain your desire to graduate early. Also, be prepared to provide reasons why you wish to complete the program in just three years, as your adviser will likely ask you about your motivation to engage in the unusual high school completion schedule.
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Don't take unnecessary electives. High school electives can be lots of fun, but if you want to complete high school in three years, there is no time for extras. To graduate in three years, you must take only the courses that you are required to complete. Many schools require students to take some electives such as an art credit or a computer course, but many other electives are offered that are not mandatory. Take only the electives that are directly part of your graduation requirements.
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Take two English courses freshman year. Traditionally, the only core subject students are actually required to take four years of is English. This means that to graduate in three years you will have to take two English courses in one year. It is advantageous for you to take care of this requirement early on, as junior and senior English courses are traditionally more challenging. You will be more likely to successfully complete two easier English courses simultaneously than two more intensive ones.
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Map it out. Carefully review your school's graduation requirements and make a listing of all of the courses you will need to take each year to complete all of the requisite elements in three years. When creating your list, consult your college course catalog to be sure that you follow prerequisite requirements and to see if there are any courses that are only offered during select semesters. If these stipulations exist, you want to incorporate them into your plan.
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Consider summer school. If you find that you can't fit all of your required courses into your plan, summer school may help you reach your goal. If you intend to take summer school, take care of the summer courses before you reach your third year. This will ensure that by spring of the third year you will be ready to graduate and you can walk across the stage with that year's seniors and participate in graduation rites.
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