It is common for college students to feel unprepared for their journey ahead since they are too young. It can be intimidating to deal with the academic rigor. Parents wonder how their child will handle having so much autonomy over their schedule and choices can affect their entire future. An eighteen-year-old has no idea what to do.
Who is the Youngest College Graduate?
The youngest college graduate on record is Michael Kearney, who obtained his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of South Alabama at the age of 10 in 1994. Kearney went on to get a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina at the age of 22, and holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest individual to ever receive a college degree.
Kearney is noted for his excellent recall and has made multiple appearances on television shows as a kid prodigy.
Six of the Youngest College Graduates
Alia Sabur:
Alia Sabur graduated from college at the age of 19, becoming the youngest college professor in history. She got her bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics summa cum laude from Stony Brook University, and then went on to get her master’s and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Drexel University. Sabur is also a gifted pianist, and has played the piano since the age of 3.
Michael Kearney:
Michael Kearney graduated from college at the age of 10, and went on to get a Ph.D. in chemistry at the age of 22. He presently holds the Guinness World Record for being the youngest individual to acquire a college degree. Kearney is also a prolific writer and public speaker, and has featured on various television shows.
Ruth Lawrence:
Ruth Lawrence graduated from college at the age of 13, getting a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oxford University. She went on to get a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University at the age of 17. Lawrence is presently a professor of mathematics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Gregory Smith:
Gregory Smith graduated from college at the age of 10, getting a degree in mathematics from the University of Virginia. He went on to get a master’s degree in mathematics from the same university at the age of 13. Smith is also a great musician and novelist, and has published multiple books on his experiences as a child prodigy.
Tanishq Abraham:
Tanishq Abraham graduated from college at the age of 11, obtaining a degree in biomedical engineering from American River College. He went on to get a second bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the age of 12, and is presently pursuing a master’s degree in astrophysics. Abraham is also a public speaker and champion for gifted education.
Adragon De Mello:
Adragon De Mello graduated from college at the age of 8, obtaining a degree in computer science from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He went on to get a master’s degree in environmental science at the age of 14, and is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in the same subject. De Mello is also a superb musician and athlete, and has competed in multiple triathlons.
These individuals are just a few instances of exceptionally outstanding graduates who have done incredible things at an early age. These experiences offer as motivation to those who may be following their own aspirations and objectives.