Being in college is very different from when you were in high school. Most times a college consists of young individuals between the ages of 17 and above learning together. This implies that a 14-year-old would ideally be in the 9th or 10th grade. A college is a place that needs a fully matured mind to navigate through all ramifications. This begs the question; is the mind of a 14-year-old mature enough? So Can You Go To College At Age 14?
Most colleges accept students 17 years and above, however, there are some exceptions where home-schooled students or child geniuses below the age of 17 are allowed. The most important thing is to be mature intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally to face the challenges of being in college. If a child lacks in any of these areas, it can be a stumbling block to a successful sail through the sea of college. If a 14-year-old should go to college, they should be day students instead of staying on campus. At 14 years old, a child still needs parental guidance, direction, and discipline as it is still a formative stage. A 14-year-old at college might not have the coordination to know when to eat or what to eat. Besides, imagine a 14-year-old having a roommate who is 17 at the barest least. A 17-year-old would already be accustomed to some practices that would not be ideal for a 14-year-old, and we know that one can learn and imbibe habits, attitudes, and even lifestyle from the close and frequent association. That is not to say that one cannot learn good things from college, however, the reality is that college is like an experimental place for teenagers since they are away from parental supervision for the first time and freedom can be intoxicating.
What are the Requirements?
Intellectual Maturity
College requires time management skills as sometimes students could take up to 15 credits a semester or up to 21 credit load. This can be overwhelming for a child who ought to be in 9th or 10th grade as it can result in stress leading to the child becoming depressed. Also, a 14-year-old may be used to the atmosphere where things are done for them such that adjusting to college life where you are pretty much by yourself will be a bit difficult.
Physical Maturity
At 14 years, a child may now have a grasp over communications and information processing, but physically that child is still growing. This age is the beginning of the formative years that shape the adulthood of a particular child. Puberty begins; for girls, menstruation could start, and for boys muscular development. There is hair growth in the pubic regions as well as acne. All these developmental changes can cause psychological strain for the young child, hence a 14-year-old should be at home, where a parent(s) is available to reassure and enlighten them about the transformation they will be undergoing as they grow into their teenage years.
Social Maturity
There is the challenge of self-identity that comes up accompanied by the importance attached to friendships both to the similar gender and even to the opposite sex. A 14-year-old might want to dress like a friend, change hairstyle, eating habits, or even adopt the talking style just so they can have a connection with peers. The age range of 12 -16 is the period in which a child whatever the sex, ought to learn, relearn and unlearn in preparation for the time that they will be spending in college which oftentimes than not is usually away from home.
Emotional Maturity
Emotions fluctuate, self-esteem begins to build and experiences that start from this age through the teenage years act as the bedrock for a child’s personality and self-esteem. Furthermore, the school can become increasingly tasking for a 14-year-old because the level of technicality becomes higher and the scope of learning wider. They would have to adjust to this environment which can take a longer period for some kids. How then will such a young individual cope with college? Yes, it is possible to have genius kids who are book smart but being in college requires more than just intellectual prowess. In college, a child is prone to peer pressure, drug abuse, exam malpractice, sexual abuse, and bullying that can easily lead to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and even suicide. It is an individual who has developed the skills to cope with these vices that can survive.
CONCLUSION
There is nothing wrong with improving a child’s intellectual strength and scope especially if the child is a genius but it is also reckless to rush into an environment you can hardly cope with in the long run. Every child has a unique learning pace and ability and it is always rewarding to follow that path with guidance, care, and love to get the best response from a child. Sometimes being fast isn’t always the best!
