Fast Track is a program where students gain the opportunity to graduate quicker than others. Many students participate in this program every year and decided to share the benefits and challenges of the program.
Students have been found fast tracking for multiple reasons. Senior Zachary Skinner shares that his reason for joining fast track is to pursue his career quicker.
“I took fast track because I’m just trying to get through school so I can jump right into college and pursue my career,” Skinner said
Some students claim that Fast Track provides many benefits. Such benefits include participating in senior activities, skipping a grade, and more. Senior Tanya Peña shares the benefits that she experienced during Fast Track.
“You get to do a bunch of senior activities early instead of waiting until next year. You also get to graduate early instead of graduating when you’re eighteen,” Peña said.
Fast Track provides many other benefits rather than experiencing senior activities early. Another benefit stated is the lower number of tests given to the fast-tracking students. Senior Jayden Barnes elaborates on this concept and shares his views on graduating early.
“One benefit I know is cool for skipping a grade is that you are closer to ending school. I am a senior now, so now I can take less tests because I fast tracked,” Barnes said.
Although Fast Track may have many benefits, students have shared some challenges within the program. Peña compares the challenges of fast track to a weight being held on her shoulders.
“Some challenges for fast track would be having all of your work piling on you like a weight being on your shoulders for wanting to graduate early. You would also have to make sure that all of your stuff is turned in, so you have high grades in all of your classes,” Peña said.
Other than work piling up and turning in grades, other students struggle with the loss of education not made up for that year. Barnes shares his struggles with the lack of material learned due to skipping a year.
“One challenge you can get for skipping a grade is losing some education you could need for the grade you want to skip to. It’s hard to learn some things because I skipped a grade,” Barnes said.
Although there may be some difficulties during fast track, many find it worth the struggle in the end. Senior Erik George shares his tips and advice for those who wish to participate in fast tracking in the upcoming year.
“Some tips that I would give to someone thinking about fast tracking is to keep your grades up. It’s worth it in the long run. If you know you’re fast tracking, get your high school transcripts in 10th and then again in 12th so you have something to show the colleges,” George concluded.
