The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Incoming student has big jump on many at university High school grad starts college with two associate degrees.
Smith Meach is heading to the University of Alabama in August but there are no freshman jitters here. That’s because Meach is entering the university as a junior, already having earned more than 60 college credits while in high school. Through Georgia’s Move On When Ready program, Meach attended classes at Middle Georgia State University’s campus in Cochran while simultaneously earning his diploma at Rockdale County’s Heritage High School. He excelled at both schools. In fact, the Rockdale and Conyers Rotary clubs recognized Meach for having achieved the highest SAT score at Heritage. Meanwhile, at Middle Georgia State, he earned two associate degrees and was recognized for outstanding academic excellence in modern language and for making the honors program in natural sciences. But Meach isn’t almost done with college — not by a long shot. He is weighing becoming a doctor or a math professor so he still has plenty of higher education ahead of him.
Q: Did you like high school?
A: I did. I got to socialize and make connections with other people. I also joined many clubs and participated in many volunteer activities.
Q: Why did you decide to dedicate some of your high school time to taking college classes?
A: I wanted to save time and money. I was able to take the college classes at Middle Georgia State for free.
Q: How was it trying to balance high school and college courses?
A: I liked it. In college, I took mostly humanities and science courses. I got to talk to people who are older than me and to prepare myself for what’s ahead.
Q: You were named a STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student for performing so well on the SAT. How did you crack the SAT?
A: They say taking harder classes will prepare you for the SAT. The college classes I took really helped me with that.
Q: Why did you decide to attend the University of Alabama?
A: They offered me a full scholarship. It will be cheaper to go there than to stay in state. I also think the Alabama campus is manageable — it is not too big — and the school has smaller class sizes. And the professors I met at Alabama were very committed to what they do.
Q: What are you planning on majoring in?
A: I plan to study math and physics. I may want to be a cardiologist or maybe teach math some day at the college level.
Q: What draws you to math and science?
A: Both give you a diverse number of career options, from med- icine to engineering to teaching, even the law.
Q: Do you think you are rushing yourself through your schooling, growing up too fast?
A: I don’t. I still connect with my high school friends. Taking college classes didn’t feel different. In terms of academics, it just gives you a head start.
Q: Are you nervous at all about college?
A: I’m not. I have already been on a college campus and I already know what it is going to be like. I know how the classes work.
Q: What does your mom think of your life path?
A: She is very proud of me.
Q: What do you like to do whenyou are aren’t studying?
A: I like to run — I ran cross country in high school. I also like to read fantasy novels and write poetry. I like to volunteer with the American Red Cross. I donate blood and help with blood donation drives. I like to hike in the mountains and explore and look for wild animals.
Q: What are you doing this summer?
A: I am planning what I’m going to take for the next two years at Alabama. I’m heading to orientation as we speak. I am also studying advanced math — I want to get ahead. The Sunday Conversation is edited for length and clarity. Writer Ann Hardie can be reached by email at ann.hardie@ymail.com.