Seniors have the opportunity to decide if they want to complete an entire year or only one semester of their last year of high school, as long as they have all of the credits needed to graduate. But, is graduating early really a good idea for seniors?

If a senior decides to only take one semester senior year, they will still walk at graduation, but cannot attend prom unless taken by someone who is still in school. Prom is the last big bash of your high school career; would you really want to miss it if someone that is still in school doesn’t take you? Seniors who graduate early will also miss in-school events like Summer In Winter Week and school assemblies. Seniors are losing an entire semester of lasting memories when they graduate early. It could cause them to lose touch with their friends. It might make a student regret graduating early if they miss these last few months of high school.

On the academic side, students who would normally take more rigorous classes may be discouraged to take them because they only have one semester. Since they will not be there for an entire year, they will not be prepared to take AP tests at the end of second semester that they can use for college credits. They also can’t take as many classes that would let them explore other options, such as foods, art and other lifestyle classes.

Unless early graduates are going to College of Lake County for a semester, they could get out of the routine of going to school and have a hard time starting school again in the fall. It can also be looked upon unfavorably by larger or more selective colleges if a senior graduates early and takes a semester off before college.

Seniors who graduate early cannot participate in winter or spring sports. Imagine graduating early, missing out on a sport you’re passionate about, then they make it past sectionals and regionals? You’d probably really regret graduating early.

It is understandable if a senior needs to graduate early because they want to get a head start at community college and a head start on college credits that might cost more at other college or universities. It’s also understandable if a senior needs to get a full time job to support themselves. Another good reason is if they have family to take care of. But, if it’s just because you want to get out of school because you can’t stand it anymore, why bother? You could be making a huge mistake.

Seniors who are thinking about graduating early should weigh all of the options heavily to decide if graduating early, is really the right decision for them.