The end of school is arriving quickly, and with so many different pathways for future careers, it can be tough to decide what you want to do. Escaping high school early can sound very appetizing for some, although it is not all butterflies and rainbows. An early graduate and a counselor gave their pros and cons about the experience leaping forward a grade.

Reasons for choosing to graduate early vary. Some may want to begin pursuing a career at a young age, go to college early or just want to be done with high school. Whatever the reason, graduating early can be a difficult yet rewarding feat if that is something you truly want to do.

Kaylee Daniels, who plans on graduating early, said she did so to pursue a medical career. Since she had sufficient credits, she discussed graduating early with a counselor. After some major time management and online and in-person classes, she can complete her high school career a year early.

“I’m going to do pre-med, so it’s gonna be another 12 years of school,” Kaylee said. “I decided if I can get one extra year done, I might as well do it.”

Counselor Sarah Raj said she always has plenty of students who come to her each year eager to fast-forward to the end of high school. When students ask her about this, the first thing she wants to know is their motivation. Then, they talk about the steps the student would need to take, depending on what grade and how early the student wants to graduate.

“The first thing I want to know is what their motivation is,” Raj said. “If it’s getting out and going to college sooner, if it’s something at home, whatever it is, I want to know.We try to accommodate so that it’s as easy for them as possible, but it is not a walk in the park.”

If you choose to complete your high school diploma early, you will face a long road ahead. To stay motivated, you must be sure of your cause. Be prepared to take on extra work to reach the finish line, the end of your high school career.