Considering Taylor Swift’s chart-topping songs and numerous Grammy and record-breaking albums, it’s hard to imagine the pop star wanting anything else. The “All Too Well” singer enjoys incredible wealth and sold-out shows, but she still has some on her wish list.
Swift recently shared a goal she has never achieved before: college education. The 32-year-old has never been to a university, in part because of her music career. But Swift still hopes to get a college degree “somehow, somehow.” When and why did she drop out of education?
Taylor Swift’s educational background
Swift has a reputation for being a “good girl”. She has always had a strong moral compass, from her childhood in Reading, Pennsylvania. According to Rolling Stone, Swift’s parents raised her in the country.
Swift has been writing songs since she was 13 years old. Her rapid success did not give much time to traditional school education. But her personality as a “good girl” allowed her to handle education with the same dedication as it did when she came of age.
Swift has made great strides from preschool to middle school. In high school, she maintained a 4.0 GPA despite being a home schooler in her junior and senior years. Swift completed two years of coursework in 12 months. No small matter.
Taylor Swift receives Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from NYU
During an interview with Marie Claire, a particular question points to a specific goal that the iconic Swift has never achieved. When asked what was on her bucket list, Swift replied, “Get a college degree … anyway, anyway.” As it turns out, she may be able to bypass that bucket-list item later.
Swift will receive an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from New York University this May. The “Blank Space” singer will also deliver a speech at the event at Yankee Stadium. Other honorary NYU graduates include Susan Hawkfield, Loni Bench III, Felix Matos Rodriguez and Jill Lepor, according to Variety.
Disability rights activist Judith Human will also speak at the opening ceremony. She recently starred in a Grammy-nominated documentary Cripp Camp: A Disability Revolution. Human has written Being Human: A Remorseful Reminder of a Disability Rights ActivistPublished by her in 2020.
Other artists who have found the same educational path
Swift is not the only celebrity with a homeschool background. As young celebrities come up with intricate schedules, touring and studio work, many future music artists find that the Homeschool curriculum serves them well.
Insider reports that many A-list singers, like Jonas Brothers, who studied between recording and touring albums, did home schooling. Justin Timberlake, who was part of the Mickey Mouse Club in elementary school, turned to homeschooling to complete his high school education. Justin Bieber, Michelle Branch, and Hunter Hayes also completed coursework outside the classroom.
When it comes to earning college degrees while pursuing music, you may be surprised to see who has been able to do both. Raj Against the Machine’s guitarist Tom Morello and Weiser’s lead reverse Cuomo graduated from Harvard University. Rapper Megan Fire Stallion graduated from Southern University of Texas and formed a college fund.
Related: Inside Taylor Swift’s Homes From Nashville to New York