Traditionally, students enter college when they are around 18 years old. However, there is no rule that says people older or younger than 18 cannot become a college freshman. In fact, it is not uncommon for gifted youths around the world to get a head start on earning a degree.
According to the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, many, if not most, academically gifted students can handle the intellectual demands of college at least a year or two before others their age. Some gifted pupils will require special provisions, while others will not.
Despite the fact that he is only 14 years old, Joseph Ng Kwok-chung will not receive special treatment when he begins his studies at the University of Hong Kong, The Standard reported. Even though Ng is the youngest student ever to be admitted to the institution, the University would like to treat him like an ordinary degree seeker.
"Basically we will treat all students as adults and we will give students enough freedom to make their own choices," Chan Wai-kin, associate dean of student affairs, told the news source.
If children show a mastery of academic subjects early in life, parents may want to have them take an IQ test for kids. Using the results, families will be able to start planning for these talented children’s futures, which could include an early start to college.
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