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Gossamer · Sep 20, 2006, 07:41 PM

Wow...this is crazy.
Link
He came to college with 72/120 credits done. He then got a double major in two semesters+some physics over the summer.
Just insane.

C.A.T.S. CEO · Sep 20, 2006, 09:55 PM

saw it on tv

iREZ · Sep 20, 2006, 10:02 PM

sh*t...i feel retarded wrapping up school in my 5th year

.

rickey939 · Sep 20, 2006, 10:07 PM

Hmm, college was too much fun to get through so fast...screw that!

Oisín · Sep 21, 2006, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by rickey939

Hmm, college was too much fun to get through so fast...screw that!

I agree. I’m having great fun in university here, absolutely don’t want to rush it. Though I am taking a shitload of courses this semester... but half of them are non-credit: I don’t have room for more courses, so I just take a few without doing the exam.

A whole degree in one year, though—that’s mad.

Amorya · Sep 21, 2006, 04:40 AM

I don't think you can do that at my university.

You need 120 credits per year, but if you take more, they still average it per year... so you just end up doing more work in total, as the course still lasts three years.

milhous · Sep 21, 2006, 09:42 AM

that's very impressive, and as the article states, many universities will not allow you to have a fully lateral transfer of credits, u-va seems to be an exception.

Gossamer · Sep 21, 2006, 09:45 AM

He actually made a profit going to college...it cost him $200 out of pocket, but after he sells his books back, he gets more than that back

SSharon · Sep 21, 2006, 01:52 PM

Schools really shouldn't allow this. Many years ago my uncle needed to get lots of credits fast and her got 150 or so credits in about 9 months. He was in california and found every school that would let him place out with a test and get credit for it.

I certainly would never hire this kid even if the job demanded a socially deviant loner. I don't think 4 years is the magic number, but time brings experience and he's got nothing.

brassplayersrock² · Sep 21, 2006, 02:02 PM

saweeeeet..... proud of him....wish i could do something like that

itai195 · Sep 21, 2006, 02:04 PM

Sounds like he certainly has the brains to do it, though I agree that generally people like this who take shortcuts and are always rushing are probably not terribly well rounded. My roommate freshman year was like this, he wanted to graduate in 2 years and he was the strangest person I've ever met.

Public schools do generally give generous credits for AP courses but what's the point of using all that credit to graduate 3 years early instead of taking more classes? That just makes it sound like he cares more about the piece of paper than the learning. I think even most public schools have a residence requirement for the last 40 or 60 units, not sure what it is at UVA.

Gossamer · Sep 21, 2006, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by SSharon

Schools really shouldn't allow this. Many years ago my uncle needed to get lots of credits fast and her got 150 or so credits in about 9 months. He was in california and found every school that would let him place out with a test and get credit for it.

I certainly would never hire this kid even if the job demanded a socially deviant loner. I don't think 4 years is the magic number, but time brings experience and he's got nothing.

With a work ethic like that, the kid's going to be a success in whatever he does.

Dakar · Sep 21, 2006, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by itai195

what's the point of using all that credit to graduate 3 years early instead of taking more classes? That just makes it sound like he cares more about the piece of paper than the learning.

Well, it's cheaper and you get to start making money right away. Let alone doing what you want somewhere it matters.

itai195 · 02:21 PM

Except the article says he had tons of scholarships and he started working on graduate school. I don't know, it rubs me the wrong way personally. I think it's an abuse of the educational process.

Either way I can't say he didn't earn some of it. 48 units in one year is pretty impressive. Personally I also entered college with a good chunk of AP credit but I used it primarily to lighten my course load so I could work part time, have a girlfriend, etc.

Back to my freshman roommate...

That guy had some massive scholarship to buy a computer for college, and bought some $6k rig just because he could. And he played Quake all day and night on it. What an a**hole...

Gossamer · Sep 21, 2006, 02:14 PM

Yeah, I had enough trouble with 19 credits one semester last year. Although it probably would have gone a lot better if I hadn't wasted so much time with Halo, glad I gave that up.

Stradlater · Sep 21, 2006, 02:20 PM

How well is U.-Va. ranked?

Salty · Sep 21, 2006, 06:32 PM

That's insane. I can't imagine pulling off that sorta thing. I have enough trouble just keeping up with the standard course load. Though I guess if you were really driven you could just forgo lectures and work in that time. I have one class that I'm not thinking I'll go to many lectures for.

Kerrigan · Sep 21, 2006, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Stradlater

How well is U.-Va. ranked?

I don't know what number it is, but it is certainly one of the oldest, most selective, and most prestigious universities in the US (amongst both public and private universities).

Edit:

USNews.com: America's Best Colleges 2007: National Universities: Top Schools

It is ranked #24 overall in the nation, which is quite good. Just below Georgetown, and well above UCLA, Chapel Hill, NYU, and other fine schools.

jbianchini · Sep 21, 2006, 07:28 PM

I'm happy for him, but I doubt he's actually had any pussy... or friends.

Doofy · Sep 21, 2006, 07:28 PM

That guy has eidetic memory, for sure.

Kerrigan · Sep 21, 2006, 08:33 PM

Do you see the maieutic irony?

CleoW · Sep 21, 2006, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by jbianchini

I'm happy for him, but I doubt he's actually had any pussy... or friends.

I have a pussy, and I don't think they are all that thrilling. There are much more important things to miss out on, in his case. As has already been stated, college is a multi-dimensional experience, and while the academic aspect is obviously the most important, missing out on the other facets is certainly a loss.

Cody Dawg · Sep 21, 2006, 10:42 PM

Yes, the kid is smart, but it seems like he just wants to get done with school.

He should have attended MIT in my opinion. It specifically says in the article that he chose to go to a college that would give him credit for some high school courses. Why? Why not try to learn more in a more sophisticated and challenging learning environment? He went to a so-so school and finished quickly - not too surprising. I'm willing to bet that there are a lot of students just like him who are at MIT and loving it. College isn't about getting done as fast as possible...it's about learning and exploring more about the world and people.

I think, "Eh." Impressive, but not that much.

CleoW · Sep 21, 2006, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

? He went to a so-so school and finished quickly - not too surprising. :

UVA is not a 'so-so' school. It has scored highly on US News and World Report's rankings.

CleoW · Sep 21, 2006, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

He should have attended MIT in my opinion. It specifically says in the article that he chose to go to a college that would give him credit for some high school courses. Why?

AP HS courses are not just 'some high school courses'. They are demanding and require a lot of work, particularly AP Calc and Chemistry.

KeriVit · Sep 21, 2006, 10:53 PM

Stay In School! The Real World Sucks!

Cody Dawg · Sep 21, 2006, 11:08 PM

My son has been in AP courses all the way through - he's even skipped grades. I know what they entail. At the age of 14 he is taking math classes at a branch of the university nearby. He's smart, yes. But more importantly he studies and that's what it takes. He is also studying knot theory (mathematics) right now just out of interest. Anyway, I'm just saying that school is about exploring new ideas - and doing it with people who have similar interests. Yes, he's a smart kid. But he shouldn't be all about getting it done and over with ASAP, that's all.

brassplayersrock² · Sep 21, 2006, 11:09 PM

Go Pats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

......and getting no student discounts.........

*quickly walks away*

Cody Dawg · Sep 21, 2006, 11:15 PM

I'm just saying that a lot more people/kids could be as successful if they just studied and applied themselves, that's all. That's all it takes in some cases...studying. I've found that the best students have:

a) The desire to want to study and learn
b) A competitive streak to want to get good grades and sometimes...
c) A photographic memory.

Some people just remember things - it's amazing what some people can remember. My son will remember things from the age of about 3 that just blows my mind, like today he brought up the mail lady from 11 years ago and how she was missing a finger - something I didn't even remember until he brought it up.

KeriVit · Sep 22, 2006, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by brassplayersrock

Go Pats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

......and getting no student discounts.........

*quickly walks away*

In grad school- Adobe CS $389 baby!!!!!

brassplayersrock² · Sep 22, 2006, 12:42 AM

if only there was a smilie for a joke over ones head

Salty · Sep 22, 2006, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by CleoW

I have a pussy, and I don't think they are all that thrilling.

I agree... though I don't have one. Actually... they're kinda scary lookin...

KeriVit · Sep 22, 2006, 12:48 AM

no fair! clue in the clueless!

itai195 · Sep 22, 2006, 01:11 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

Why not try to learn more in a more sophisticated and challenging learning environment? He went to a so-so school and finished quickly - not too surprising.

I think we agree that his approach to education was flawed, but UVa is an excellent school. And regardless, nobody gives a crap where anyone went to college.

As far as AP classes go, they're only as good as the school and teacher want to make them. Personally I think they may do more harm than good.

TheWOAT · Sep 22, 2006, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by itai195

Back to my freshman roommate...

That guy had some massive scholarship to buy a computer for college, and bought some $6k rig just because he could. And he played Quake all day and night on it. What an a**hole...

.. I had a freshman roommate like that too... Flunked out though... Spent all of his time playing Quake online... He was so proud of himself when he was allowed into a group.. Quake was cool and all, but I preferred drinking and chasin' tail.

Goldfinger · Sep 22, 2006, 03:24 AM

I wish i had the brains (and will) to do that. I'd love to get a degree in a year. School sucks and I want it to end ASAP. I'm only going to university for the damn paper that will allow me to get a job with decent pay.

OwlBoy · Sep 22, 2006, 05:09 AM

Originally Posted by KeriVit

In grad school- Adobe CS $389 baby!!!!!

Only to be used for School work Baby!

(unless things have changed since I bought it, its not sposto be used for real work for money)

-Owl

Cody Dawg · Sep 22, 2006, 06:44 AM

Goldfinger - Truly, it's not the degree or the piece of paper or what you know...it's who you know. Maybe the degree opens the door, but the rest is up to you to take advantage of any way to climb up that ladder and take advantage of situations and that means connections and networking and sometimes a college degree means nothing. Look at Bill Gates...look at Steve Jobs...

Apple Pro Underwear · Sep 22, 2006, 07:49 AM

college is also a social learning experience where a person has fun, manages time and activities to develop as a person.

and it's also to have sex with drunk sluts.

CleoW · Sep 22, 2006, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by itai195

Personally I think they may do more harm than good.

How so? For high school students who are bored in their classes because they already know the material, it's the best alt. Being stuck in a pre-cal class when you already have knowledge to begin calculus does 'more harm than good.' AP classes in public high schools (particularly in NYC) are often the best chance advanced students have to flex their intellectual muscles. In many PS, those are the only classes that go at a decent pace.

Dakar · Sep 22, 2006, 08:09 AM

I often wonder how early a highs chool honor student could pass a GED at.

Goldfinger · 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

Goldfinger - Truly, it's not the degree or the piece of paper or what you know...it's who you know. Maybe the degree opens the door, but the rest is up to you to take advantage of any way to climb up that ladder and take advantage of situations and that means connections and networking and sometimes a college degree means nothing. Look at Bill Gates...look at Steve Jobs...

I don't know. It USED to be like that. But now you need a uni degree or they won't even look at your c.v.
My mom works for IBM Human Resources and she's told me more than once that they don't even look at people without a serious degree. Their applications go straight into the bin.

I know that, in theory, that piece of paper doesn't really count. It's what you can do that counts, your skills. Not what you learned once, years ago. But sadly that's not how they select candidates for jobs these days. (there are exceptions to the rule, as always)

I absolutely agree that connections and networking are far more important. But you need to be able to open that door. Now I have a lot of connections already so it won't really be a huge problem for me to find a good job but then again. A lot of people don't have this kind of connections. And I'm probably going to start my own business anyway or become a partner in my dad's company.

I'm just a bit mad that these days everything is so immensely focused on that piece of paper and zero focus on the people themselves (and their skills). There are countless examples of people who absolutely suck at their job but they got that job thanks to their degree. And that's what makes me bang my head on the wall

CleoW · Sep 22, 2006, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

I'm just a bit mad that these days everything is so immensely focused on that piece of paper :

Umm, it's not just a piece of paper; if you went to a decent uni, it entails a fair amount of work. I get your point that it's not the only thing that should count, but don't unnecessarily devalue it.

Kerrigan · Sep 22, 2006, 10:19 AM

And don't use too many highfalutin Latinate words, Mrs Cleo

CleoW · Sep 22, 2006, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

And don't use too many highfalutin Latinate words, Mrs Cleo

Ughh, my name is Camille, dear. My words are pretty plain....goo goo ga ga.

itschestercopperpot · Sep 22, 2006, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

My son has been in AP courses all the way through - he's even skipped grades. I know what they entail. At the age of 14 he is taking math classes at a branch of the university nearby. He's smart, yes. But more importantly he studies and that's what it takes. He is also studying knot theory (mathematics) right now just out of interest. Anyway, I'm just saying that school is about exploring new ideas - and doing it with people who have similar interests. Yes, he's a smart kid. But he shouldn't be all about getting it done and over with ASAP, that's all.

Poor kid. He's going to have his work cut out for him once his hormones start telling him to pay attention to other things.

itai195 · Sep 22, 2006, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by CleoW

How so? For high school students who are bored in their classes because they already know the material, it's the best alt. Being stuck in a pre-cal class when you already have knowledge to begin calculus does 'more harm than good.' AP classes in public high schools (particularly in NYC) are often the best chance advanced students have to flex their intellectual muscles. In many PS, those are the only classes that go at a decent pace.

I think in concept it's a wonderful idea to offer advanced courses for more advanced students. My issue with AP classes is the standardized testing, which forces teachers to teach to the test. Also I think many colleges are way too generous with the AP credit they're willing to give. I did well on the AP Biology test, but does that mean I deserved to skip out of - and get all 9 units for - an entire year of introductory biology in college? I'm not sure.

Gossamer · Sep 22, 2006, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by itai195

I think in concept it's a wonderful idea to offer advanced courses for more advanced students. My issue with AP classes is the standardized testing, which forces teachers to teach to the test. Also I think many colleges are way too generous with the AP credit they're willing to give. I did well on the AP Biology test, but does that mean I deserved to skip out of - and get all 9 units for - an entire year of introductory biology in college? I'm not sure.

Or it could be like my AP Chem class where we screwed around all day and blew stuff up, then all got 1s (I think there might have been two 2s) on the test.

itai195 · Sep 22, 2006, 12:25 PM

Yeah that brings up the other point, that the classes are only as good as the school and teacher want them to be.

CleoW · 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by itai195

My issue with AP classes is the standardized testing, which forces teachers to teach to the test.

Well, that's the entire concept of AP classes, that is, teaching to the test. As for it is only 'as good as the teacher is', that holds for almost every single HS and Uni class. I don't see how that can hold as an objection.