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At Fullerton College, a 12-Year-Old Student Became the Youngest Graduate of the Institution After Earning Five College Degrees, Having Enrolled at Age 9 Using a Special Program That Allowed for a Combination of Homeschooling with Full Academic Subjects and Honors Courses.
The story of college degrees earned by Clovis Hung before even reaching adolescence caught attention both inside and outside Fullerton College in California. At 12 years old, the student became the youngest graduate of the institution by completing five academic programs in different areas.
This achievement was reached after three years of an unusual trajectory. Clovis enrolled in college at age 9 through a special admission program, balancing college classes with homeschooling. The result was a series of academic achievements that culminated in an unprecedented milestone at the institution.
How a 9-Year-Old Boy Got to University
The journey began in 2020 when Clovis Hung enrolled in the course “World Civilizations until 1550,” his first college subject at Fullerton College. At the time, there was uncertainty about how he would react to the academic environment and if he would be able to keep up with the pace of classes.
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The answer came quickly. Shortly after the first classroom experience, the student showed the ability to handle college-level content and decided to increase his study load. What started with one subject evolved into two, then three, and subsequently even more demanding courses within the honors program.
This gradual advancement allowed Clovis to accumulate enough academic credits to complete five Associate of Arts degrees, something that typically requires several years of study.
The Five College Degrees Earned
At the end of the spring semester of 2023, Clovis Hung completed five college degrees in different areas of knowledge at Fullerton College. The programs cover broad and interdisciplinary fields.
The college degrees obtained include:
- History
- Social Sciences
- Social Behavior and Personal Development
- Arts and Human Expression
- Science and Mathematics
The diversity of the fields reveals an academic profile with broad interests, a characteristic highlighted by professors and coordinators at the institution.
The student will participate in the official graduation ceremony alongside more than 900 students, scheduled for May 20 at Sherbeck Field, an event that is part of the 108th graduation of Fullerton College.
The Role of Homeschooling in the Academic Journey
The decision to withdraw Clovis from traditional school occurred in 2019. According to his mother, Song Choi, the conventional school system could not keep up with the intensity of her son’s intellectual curiosity.
She opted for homeschooling, a model that allowed for structuring a more flexible and advanced curriculum. This combination of homeschooling with college-level subjects opened the door for the student to explore advanced content at a very young age.
Song Choi’s professional experience as a teacher and tutor also facilitated the selection of subjects and the organization of the study routine.
This educational model allowed Clovis to maintain a structured education while attending in-person college classes.
How Professors and Peers Reacted to the Student
One of the biggest initial concerns involved the interaction between Clovis and significantly older students. Professors wondered if the age difference could create social difficulties.
As the semesters progressed, this worry faded. Reports from faculty indicate that Clovis found a balance between academic maturity and the natural behavior of his age, which facilitated his integration.
Biology professor Kenneth Collins described the student as a rare combination of child and college student. According to him, peers began to treat him like a younger brother within the academic community.
In addition to academic performance, Clovis also participated in extracurricular activities and was even elected Senator of the Student Association, a representative role within the institution.
Challenges and Curiosity in a University Environment
Despite his academic success, the experience was not entirely free of tension. Clovis reported feeling nervous when entering new classrooms at the beginning of each semester.
The first question was almost always the same: how old was he. The initial surprise from professors and peers was inevitable, but it faded after they noticed his dedication to his studies.
Over time, high grades and disciplined behavior solidified his reputation on campus.
This recognition also helped the student gain opportunities within the honors program, which brings together students with high academic performance.
Plans for the Future and New Areas of Interest
Even after earning five college degrees, Clovis Hung does not intend to stop studying. He plans to continue taking courses related to STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—while evaluating future universities.
Among the careers that spark his interest are medicine, commercial aviation, and the aerospace sector. Aviation is already part of his short-term plans.
The student recently joined the Civil Air Patrol and plans to obtain his pilot’s license by age 16.
While exploring professional possibilities, Clovis maintains a routine typical for his age: he plays basketball, participates in scouting, builds Lego scenes inspired by Star Wars, and spends time with his pets.
A Record That Reveals New Paths in Education
The journey of Clovis Hung shows how special admission programs and flexible curricula can allow for unusual educational advancements. Five college degrees earned before age 13 represent a milestone at Fullerton College.
The case also reinforces discussions about personalized education and how academic environments can accommodate students with very different learning paces.
Now the inevitable question arises.
Cases like Clovis’s showcase the potential of accelerated educational programs or raise new challenges on how to prepare gifted youth for the future?
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