He finished high school in 4-1=<<4-1=3>>3 years

It takes him 3*3=<<3*3=9>>9 years to finish tertiary education

So he spends 3+9=<<3+9=12>>12 years on this education

# Answer

12
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Tate finishes high school in 1 year less than normal.  It takes him 3 times that long to get his bachelor's degree and Ph.D.  How many years did he spend in high school and college?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
12
Tate finishes high school in 1 year less than normal.  It takes him 3 times that long to get his bachelor's degree and Ph.D.  How many years did he spend in high school and college?
train