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11-year-old heads to college to study quantum physics

Posted at 11:29 PM, Aug 29, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-30 20:11:56-04

DALLAS-FT. WORTH, Texas (WFAA) -- The first weeks of college as a freshman are nerve-wracking enough, but imagine heading off to college at 11 years old.

Boy genius Carson Huey-You will soon be the youngest person to attend Texas Christian University.

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"I really, really, like school," said an exuberant Carson, who was accepted at TCU when he was 10.

Carson, possibly the youngest in university history to major in quantum physics, said education grounds him.

"I really like numbers," the child said. "It also kind of calms me down a little bit, like when I'm upset."

With his mother always near his side, Carson could graduate before he ever learns to drive. But age has never been a challenge.

"When I was about five years old, more or less, I was put into eighth grade with a bunch of people that were a lot taller and a lot older," he said.

Claretta Huey-You said for those concerned college might be too much for the 11-year-old she points out that he is not living in the dorms or joining any fraternities.

"When people have worries about him going to college at this age, my response is, what else would he do?" Huey-You said.

Carson is the first to admit there are a few downsides to being an 11-year-old college student. In fact, he said making friends can be a bit of a challenge. Lifting things is also problematic and his mom is stuck toting around his book bag.

Professors think students will benefit by having Carson in the lecture halls.

"I think students will learn from him," said Professor Magnus Rigby. "Also if they see an 11-year-old can stand up in the classroom and voice his opinion about things that will maybe encourage them to do the same thing."

Carson's little brother is also expected to graduate early.