Self-reported perceptions of the impact of acceleration through an early college entrance program at the University of Iowa National Academy of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (NAASE), revealed the program's contribution to students' overall development. Responses from a sample of 76-gifted participants to a 64-item survey offered insights about…

Gifted students who experienced grade-based acceleration in primary or secondary education have to meet the challenges of adjusting to university at a younger age than students who did not accelerate. This systematic review critically evaluates the research on social-emotional characteristics and adjustment of these gifted accelerated university…

Early college entrance is a form of acceleration, or the process of advancing students in academic programs faster than their same-aged peers. Many early entrants have demonstrated academic ability to achieve at high levels but they exhibit tremendous variety in their age, specific abilities, social and emotional maturity, family support, and…

An exploratory study of applicants who rejected admission to the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) is described in this article. TAMS is a residential early college entry program at the University of North Texas in Denton. Up to 600 mathematically talented sophomores apply to TAMS each year and among the 200 selectees, a predictable…

The purpose of the current study was to examine the predictive nature of parenting style and overall family environment on the academic performance and program completion of early college entrants. Furthermore, gender and family form were examined as possible moderators to these relationships. A total of 88 early college entrants participated in…

Although the academic gains associated with acceleration and peer ability grouping are well documented, resistance to their use for gifted students continues because of concerns that such practices will cause social or emotional harm to students. Results from the broad research indicate that grade skipping, early school entrance, and early…

A short, logical, developmental technique for reporting a prediction of school success for children being investigated for possible early entrance into school is presented. Emphasis is on communication with the parent. A form which aids in the presentation and leads to a recommendation is included. (Author)

In 1951, 240 high school students with great academic promise interrupted their high school careers after completion of the 10th grade in order to enter college through an early admissions program. This document presents a follow-up study of these students, 213 of whom were males, and 252 other students who entered college in the conventional…

This is the second follow-up study of the Early Entrance Program at the University of Washington. Ninety-five individuals (45%) participated. Respondents overwhelmingly chose early university entrance because they were excited to learn; many also praised the peer group, intellectual stimulation, and faculty and staff support. Some reported feeling…

Early entrance from secondary school to university, based on the principle of optimal match, is a rare but highly effective educational strategy for many gifted students. The University of Washington offers two early entrance options for gifted adolescents: the Early Entrance Program for students prior to age 15, and the UW Academy for Young…

This study interviewed students (n=24) participating in the University of Washington's Early Entrance Program. Students were unanimous in their satisfaction with their choice to forego major high school social events and found attitudes toward them sometimes annoying. (DB)

Describes eight innovative four-year and two-year residential college programs that allow exceptionally able high school students early entrance to college. Programs are compared in terms of admission requirements, tuition, curricula, residential components and requirements, enrichment and leadership activities, gender restriction, and grade of…

This article synthesizes three research projects conducted in New South Wales, Australia, exploring forms of acceleration for gifted students. The first involved early entry for gifted children, the second examined experiences of students who had skipped at least one grade, and the third examined a vertical programming system that allowed…

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDY THE PROBLEM INVOLVED IN EARLY ADMISSION AND ADOPT A LOCAL POLICY PERMITTING THE ADMISSION OF QUALIFIED PUPILS REGARDLESS OF PRESENT AGE REQUIREMENTS. THE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, AFTER AN INITIAL SCREENING OF APPLICANTS, ASSUMED THE COST OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING IN ALL CASES WHERE THE COST OF SUCH…

This article analyzes why schools fail to provide for early admission of intellectually advanced children. Reasons cited include misinterpretation of research findings, bias of school personnel, expense of screening, convenience of administering a uniform entrance age procedure, etc. Benefits accruing from early admission are discussed. (JDD)