In general I am pro-acceleration. One concern I would have about sending a very young student to college that I have not seen mentioned yet is that he or she might be able to handle the academic work during the school year but not be able to get summer internships. Do companies shy away from hiring students below age 18? Even if companies are willing, does the student have some of the practical skills -- for example the ability to drive -- that may be needed for a summer job? I have read that good summer internships are important for landing good jobs after college. Often students will get jobs at companies they were summer interns at.

If the youngster will very likely attend graduate school after the B.A., summer internships may be less of a concern, but if he or she intends to work immediately after college, the summer internship question is more important.

"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle." - George Orwell