Unlocking Potential: Finding the Keys to Student Success in a University Early Entrance Academy

Balanced research and practice

Academic talent cannot be developed in the absence of academic challenge or psychosocial support; academic acceleration has proven its robustness in both areas. There are more than 20 forms of academic acceleration, including whole-grade acceleration, which can involve entering a college or university at much younger ages. The cohort model is deemed essential to both the academic and psychosocial success of accelerated students. Although we have documentation of accelerated students’ academic success (i.e., graduating earlier than peers and continuing to pursue higher degrees), little research has been conducted to assess students’ perceptions of their overall well-being and happiness. In this presentation, we consider key components of the cohort model designed to support students’ overall well-being. Results of a study that addressed students’ overall experience with the program revealed that the program positively influenced their academic success as well as their overall happiness with respect to their family and friendships.