Edition: U.S. / Global

America Isn't Giving Its Scientists Their Dur; Early to College

Published: December 8, 1988

To the Editor:

I have noted with interest your article about the shrinking pool of American mathematicians (The Week in Review, Oct. 30) and the letter from Robert Meyer (Nov. 9). I believe there is a way to provide the necessary advanced education to precocious high school students.

Though high schools should be accountable for certain high-level course work, it seems to me the best approach is to enroll gifted high school students in college courses when they fulfill the necessary prerequisites. Why end up without advanced math courses when you can take them at a nearby college? It is usually possible to work out a program whereby a student can take a college course or two while taking other courses at the high school level.

Or, if a student has completed most of high school, why not let him go to college? There are many scholarships, and I am sure universities would welcome precocious students with open arms. With such students taking courses at colleges, the burden on high schools would also lessen.

Like Mr. Meyer's son, I took the Scholastic Aptitude Test in 1986, when I was 12. I was not one of the nine with 780 or above on the mathematics section. However, I ended up with most of my high school education behind me at age 13, so I started college courses.

I am now 15, and hope to graduate in 1990 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, to which I have recently transferred. I am having a great time in classes I wouldn't have had the chance to be in had I still been in high school. The challenging atmosphere of a college campus is very motivating. ADRIAN C.H. SCOTT Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Nov. 24, 1988