I have a feeling I could stir some controversy by saying this, but September is definitely the best month to have a birthday.
When it comes to formal education, it doesn't seem as though it should really matter when your birthday is does it? I mean, as a kid, a December birthday is occasionally worrisome regarding the thought that you won't receive as many presents as you would if your birthday and the holidays were spread out, but otherwise... NBD.
As it turns, though, there really is statistically a best month with which to be born for the best long-term education outcomes and we're in it.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research people born in September are:
- 2 percent more likely to attend college,
- 3 percent more likely to graduate with a degree
- 7 percent more likely to graduate with an advanced degree.
So, what's the magic ingredient?
It has to do with the typical school year.
Due to age cutoffs used by most schools & states, September kids are generally the oldest in their classes. That generally translates into slightly better performance in the classroom through grade school creating improved opportunities by college.
"Being an older age at school entry increases children's college attainment and reduces the likelihood of being incarcerated for juvenile crime," according to the research, which looked at the school records of children born in Florida between 1994 and 2000.
It's extremely logical and it's something few likely consider.
Often, parents are in a hurry to jump-start the formal education process... but that actually might not work out best over time.
Think about it.