Young MODERN FAMILY star NOLAN GOULD is all set for college - at 13.

The studious teenager graduated high school this past summer (12) and now he's seeking out online college courses so he can continue his education.

He explains, "Over the summer I did a lot of studying and I took an exam and tested at high school, so I'm hopefully going to go on and do some online community college courses."

But the child star, who is also an accomplished musician, is hoping his successes aren't coming too soon.

He tells U.S. chat show host Ellen DeGeneres, "In my limo (on the way to the Emmys) I was like, 'I'm 13, this is my third time at the Emmys... What am I supposed to do with the rest of my life? It's like it's all downhill from now."