We want to partner with parents/guardians, so students are successful in college. Although it might seem strange for a student to leave high school early, research has consistently found that there are many long-term benefits to early college entrance.

Once your children enter the program, they can always return home to visit, but there’s no doubt that going to college is a big change, whether they go early or after their senior year. Parents/guardians are included in the Information Sessions, Visitation Day, interview, and the welcome to campus lunch. We also send a monthly newsletter to all parents/guardians. You are encouraged to contact the Belin-Blank Center at any time with questions or concerns. It is your hope that by knowing some specific staff, the university will not seem as large. To learn about what your child should do to prepare to apply for the Bucksbaum Academy, please see the student sections above. Many times, high school counselors have excellent information and resources to help students and families prepare for college.

Here are some thoughts from parents/guardians of students in the Bucksbaum Academy:

• “We are quite relaxed having our son in the program. If he were a regular UI freshman, he would be without the excellent supervision and guidance that the Belin-Blank staff is providing him.”
• “Do it! What they ‘lose’ as a senior is far outweighed by what they gain in getting real challenges and opportunities.”
• “Listen to your son or daughter…They know best.”
• “The staff are supportive and act as advocates for the students. They (students) are better off than if they entered as regular freshmen.”
• “This has given (our son) the opportunity to save an entire year that would have otherwise been largely wasted.”
• “Our son needed to be in a university setting-he was ready academically and emotionally to be out of high school. This is a great program…do it!”
• “The program works! She has adapted to the different teaching styles of her teachers and the different learning that goes on compared to high school. She is very happy.”
• “Our daughter was home last weekend. As I drove her back to campus she said, ‘I’m so glad that I’m not in high school anymore.’ Enough said!”

"The early-entrance program was the partner needed for these students to have a fulfilling senior year... This expert staff advocates, cares, and provides the needed support system."

If a student expresses an interest in attending college early, what would you do? We recommend that you consider these questions and use them in discussions with said student as they finalize a decision about early entrance into the University of Iowa.

• Will the student have enough credits to graduate by the time the student leaves? Most of our students graduate high school early or use coursework from the University of Iowa to finish requirements for their diploma.
• If the student will not graduate prior to entering the early entrance program, how will you communicate which courses are needed and which ones will be taken on the Iowa campus?
• Typically, one year of high school credit is equal to one semester of credit at the university level.
• The student may want to come back for events throughout the year, such as prom or the graduation ceremony. How will this be handled? Are they eligible to serve as a valedictorian for the class?
• The student may want to come back for events throughout the year, such as prom or the graduation ceremony. How will this be handled? Are they eligible to serve as a valedictorian for the class?
• How will the local scholarships handle this student’s applications? Will you recommend them for scholarships when they enter Iowa or after they have completed all of their high school requirements?
  

Our Bucksbaum Early Entrance Academy empowers advanced students to begin full-time on-campus study at the University of Iowa without attending high school for four years. Because this year could be your last year of high school, here are some points to consider and help you be ready.

• Work with your school counselor to make sure you are meeting the specific requirements of the collegiate major you are considering at Iowa. Refer to The University of Iowa's first year admissions requirements for more information.

• Communicate your intention to leave high school early with appropriate staff discuss as to whether you will graduate by the time you leave at the end or use coursework from The University of Iowa to fulfill requirements for your high school diploma. Graduation must be worked out with your high school.

• Take the PSAT, even if you do not plan to take the SAT. The PSAT can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship, National Achievement Scholarship and National Recognition Program Scholars.

• Register to take the ACT or SAT by November, if you haven’t taken one yet or if you want to try to improve the score you received. Your school counselor can help you find web sites, books, or classes to help you prepare for the tests. UI scholarships require either an ACT or SAT score.

• Attend a campus Visitation Day to learn more about the program, visit the campus, and meet with the staff members at the Belin-Blank Center.

• Talk with your school counselor about how your school and community will handle scholarships for you – are you eligible without being a senior?

• Refer to the pdf in the “Suggestions to Prepare for Applying” section below for more ideas/suggestions to consider

• Familiarize yourself with the application process.

• Familiarize yourself with information related to the scholarship and financial aid.

The Belin-Blank Center has drafted a PDF, Suggestions to Prepare for Applying. This document provides a host of ideas and suggestions for interested students who are planning to apply for the Bucksbaum early Entrance Academyp students focus their time and efforts. WE DO NOT EXPECT students to complete this entire list to be accepted into the Bucksbaum Academy.