Can you go to college without graduating from high school?

[Hiroshi2]

I got my first letter of acceptance into college today (I know I was late, but whatever), but I also found out I have a 59 for the first term of Pre-Cal (you need a 60 to pass in the Birmingham city schools). So if I don't pull up my grades, I might not graduate from HS. My question is, what happens then, can colleges just un-accept you, and reneg on the deal and say you can't come to our school or whatever.

[kimpossible]

It's been a while since I've seen an acceptance letter but most assume you have have either met, or will meet the admissions requirements by the time you attend. In other words, it's probably a conditional acceptance if you haven't yet graduated.

But anyhow... congrats! That's terrific news.

[Meki]

Um... I'm pretty sure that if you don't officially graduate from HS that you will not be able to attend that college. But can't you see if you can get extra credit work or something to help pull up you grade? Or you can speak to you counselor and see if she/he has any alternatives. You can also contact the admissions dept. for that college and see if they have any options for you.

[Craig]

Yes, you can go to college without graduating high school. However, your acceptance may (or may not) be conditional. In theory, colleges can take back their admission offers, but I've never had to deal with that personally, so don't know any details.

[Hiroshi2]

It's been a while since I've seen an acceptance letter but most assume you have have either met, or will meet the admissions requirements by the time you attend. In other words, it's probably a conditional acceptance if you haven't yet graduated.

But anyhow... congrats! That's terrific news.







Yeah, I know. You know, California just didn't work out, but at least I won't be out on the streets (like some of my friends who didn't go to college immediately after high school).

[lethal]

Even if you don't pass, I think some colleges will still let you attend if you can graduate HS through summer school before college starts. You might want to call and ask.

[SunWuKong]

this sounds great! now get your ass studying and pull up that pre-calc grade somehow!

[kimpossible]

Yeah, I know. You know, California just didn't work out, but at least I won't be out on the streets (like some of my friends who didn't go to college immediately after high school).

There's always a way. I went part-time in my early 20s until I was old enough to apply for financial aid on my own. I was always hungry and barely kept a roof over my head but I eventually got that diploma handed to me on the stage.

[sinisterpanda]

I say start getting "Extra credit" from your precalc teacher...

[Meki]

Yeah, I know. You know, California just didn't work out, but at least I won't be out on the streets (like some of my friends who didn't go to college immediately after high school).

I'm so glad to hear you decided to stick it out and go to school... I really hope everything works out for you! I think it would be easy for you to work something out with your HS counselor since you've already been accepted. Schools generally like to keep their graduate numbers high b/c it affects funding and such.

Anyway, congrats and keep us updated on how things go.

[thaite]

and as last resort, there's always the GED.

But yes, typically, college acceptance is a conditional term that assumes you've met the admission requirements.

[moser]

Congratulations on the acceptance! And yes, colleges can and do take back acceptance offers.

[Filiprish]

No problem, Hiroshi. If it's only 1 point they will boost you up to passing. Talk to your counselor about it.

Do this on Mon., or as soon as your counselor is available. Don't put it off!