How did you manage to graduate in just 12 months?
At the science-and-technology magnet high school I attended in Annandale, Va., I took many advanced-placement courses. The University of Virginia gave me 60 credits for those classes. I needed 63 more to graduate with a double major in math and physics. I took 18 classes in two semesters, plus one class in the summer.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | The Great Scholarship Quest |
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | Freshman Finance 101 |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 | 50 Best Values in Public Colleges |
| Row 3 - Cell 0 | Free Money for Grad School |
Was it hard to persuade the school to cooperate?
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
I spoke about my early-graduation plans with an academic dean at UVa as soon as I was accepted. I wouldn't have been able to do it without having the dean on my side.
How much did your degree cost?
I spent only about $1,000 during my year of college, if I count the PC I bought and some other expenses.
How did you manage that?
My family was short on money, so I applied for about 30 scholarships during my senior year in high school. UVa didn't award me any academic or financial aid, but I won roughly $14,000 in scholarship money, which covered a year's tuition and room and board.
What's your advice for finding scholarships?
I used databases in the guidance counselor's office at my high school. If your high school doesn't have a good database, try another school. And if you find scholarships that may not seem perfectly suited to your qualifications, apply anyway.
Did you cram in some fun during your compressed college tenure?
I made friends with some of my dormmates. I hung out with them and played a lot of video games, like WarCraft III and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
What are you doing now?
My 3.6 grade point average as an undergrad enabled me to enter UVa's master's program in mathematics. My tuition and room and board are fully paid for by a grant. Eventually, I aim to get either a PhD in mathematics or a J.D. and work as a patent attorney.
-- Interview by Sean O'Neill
-
Social Security Email on 'Big Beautiful Bill Tax' Changes Sparks ConfusionTax Changes Here’s what’s really happening with taxes on Social Security benefits under Trump’s new tax plan.
-
Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement prior authorization requirements for certain traditional fee-for-service Medicare services in six states starting next year.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
How Intrafamily Loans Can Bridge the Education Funding GapTo avoid triggering federal gift taxes, a family member can lend a student money for education at IRS-set interest rates. Here's what to keep in mind.
-
How an Irrevocable Trust Could Pay for EducationAn education trust can be set up for one person or multiple people, and the trust maker decides how the money should be used and at what age.
-
UTMA: A Flexible Alternative for Education Expenses and MoreThis custodial account can be used to pay for anything once the beneficiary is considered an adult in their state. There are some considerations, though.
-
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: A Deep DiveWhile there are some limitations on income and contributions, as well as other restrictions, a Coverdell can be a bit more flexible than a 529 plan.
-
529 Plans: A Powerful Way to Tackle Rising Education CostsContributions to 529 plans grow tax-free and are not taxed when they are used to pay for qualified educational expenses for the beneficiary.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
