What are the possible repercussions of graduating early? That's really what I'm interested in most.

(1) Are you planning on going to university? a) most top (u.s.) universities look down upon graduating early. They'd prefer to see you really use up all your resources in your area and say, win siemens, start a non-profit, become a lobbyist, start a start-up than graduate early. b) can you get into a (good) university right now?

(2) Finances. Do you currently rely on your parents' finances? Upon graduating high school, will this change? Would you have to pay for university yourself?

(3) Are you mature enough to be doin' what 18 year olds do when you're 17? I assume you're a dude (most folks here are), and dudes mature slower than girls do. There's a big difference between 17 and 18 (although not really a big difference between 22 and 23, or 40 and 41...)

(4) (small one) Having to explain to all your peers for the next 5 years that yes, you are younger than them and why. Not being able to drink in public legally for a year longer than all your friends.

Honestly, I don't know where you live, but I'd look into Other Enrichment opportunities before graduating early. I went to a state-run public boarding school for science and math in my junior year that was more like college than some colleges are. Can you just take less classes senior year and work on a start-up? (I presume you're interested in those 'cause you're here...) Are there good universities (or bad ones) in the area that you could take classes at?

All of those seem like much better options than graduating early and "starting life" earlier. "Starting life" always seems just around the corner when you finish yet another milestone, but I'm slowly becoming more aware of the fact that life starts now (not to get too philosophical).

> "Starting life" always seems just around the corner when you finish yet another milestone, but I'm slowly becoming more aware of the fact that life starts now (not to get too philosophical).

That's my main inspiration for trying this. Why waste time in high school?

Anyway, thanks for the response and the pointers as for what to consider. 1) is really the major one, as well as 2).

(I think I'm mature enough? Well, then again, who would say they weren't? And I do not drink, and do not plan to start.)

Thanks :)

Hmm...I might not have made my point clear:

I think it's a mistake to view 'starting life' as when you're finished with a milestone (i.e. high school). One should instead think of 'starting life' or, life, as now, regardless of the contextual situation (in high school, in college, not yet married, not yet a successful start-up founder, etc.)