Exactly.
Graduated Brooklyn Tech in the late 80's, was accepted at Stuy, BHS, and Beach Channel as well.
Took advanced classes in Junior High and skipped 9th grade, the entrance exam had nothing to do with memorization.
In today's world I would counsel bright kids to get a GED and start college at 14, you can take classes online and be done with your bachelors by 17 and have a masters at 19 if you don't take off for the summers.
With a Masters at 19 you have a great shot at entrance into all kinds of prestigious institutions for post graduate degrees.
i didn’t say i worked hard once i got in there.
good advice