A summary of research regarding early entrance to college

This article reviews research about how students who enter college early perform academically and socially. Research results suggest that early entrants continue to achieve at high levels in college. Also, most students make the adjustment to the social scene on campus easily and have friendships with typically aged college students. Research suggests that early entrance students tend to continue on to graduate school and use the time gained from early entrance for further academic opportunities. Future research should focus on studying underachievers and the early career productivity of early entrants. The decision to enter college early is one of matching a student's needs and abilities to the appropriate environment.

Notes

An earlier version of this article appears in Talent Development, Spring, 1993, 19‐22, Northwestern University.