I turn 18 in September.
I came from a charter school that gave us high school credits early, so I'm advanced, but I've heard a lot of stories of total screw-up concerning credits. When I transferred to a public school they were about to not accept some of my credits on the basis that because I got them too early they wouldn't count (but I passed the official exam?!) and it freaked me out.
It got worked out though.
Well I said last summer, but I consider after I graduate not a 'summer break' as there are no art colleges in my state so I'm going to move out of state and get myself settled before I start.
So you'll only be one year after than me. :D Hang in there!