Since Winter applications are in July, enough of junior year would be over and AP scores would be out that it would be similar to applying as a senior next year. Because I would be applying to California schools, I would take the CHSPE in place of my high school diploma. I’m currently aiming for high UC’s and CSU’s. (like probably not Riverside or Mercedes despite UCR’s GAP program)
I would have finished Chem Honors, Pre-Calc Honors, AP Calc, AP Phys, AP Bio, AP Psych, AP Chinese and APUSH by then. I think I will end up with a 2200-2400 SAT (I took January). I do some EC’s like tutoring, Science Olympiad, and FBLA.
The reason I would like to apply early is because I don’t like my high school. I think I will be going to Community College/Concurrent Enrollment as a senior anyways, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t apply early.
I don’t see my application drastically approving as a senior. I would simply add on AP Stats and AP Gov/Econ. I don’t think this would affect my application enough.
I guess my questions are:
Is this even possible?
Would admissions bother with accepting a junior against all the seniors who didn’t get in during the Fall and adults who wish to continue their education?
Would this at least give me insight into the college application process so that if I have to apply again senior year, I would do better?
Since my application is not stellar (I did not invent anything, discover the cure for cancer, win national awards), what could I do between now and November to improve my application as a senior? Or should I focus on applying to private schools?
UC’s only accept in-coming Freshman for Fall along with most of the CSU’s, so Winter applications are not possible. UC’s do take in account your EC’s so having 4 years devoted to some of your EC’s vs. 3 years may be deterimental. If you meet all the UC/CSU a-g requirments prior to Senior, there is is no reason not to apply. You do not have a defiinite SAT score yet and you may want to give yourself time over the summer to work any problem areas if you do not achieve your goal, so that may be another reason to continue with Senior year. Since you claim your application is not stellar, this gives you more time to polish up that application. Do what you think is best for you, but I would reconsider staying for your Senior year.
I’m not sure if thats possible. I am currently a senior that does a program called College Now (I take all my classes at a local community college). There is another program called middle college which is more widespread. I would recommend you do one of those if you do not like high school. You can always pass the GED, drop out of high school, go to community college, and transfer out. Some of the california CC’s have great transfer programs.
Can you PM me with what CC you would be attending? I might be able to help you a bit. Also PM me with your intended major and current high school stats.
From my experience, I can tell you I am grateful I chose to do the College Now Program. I did alright in hgih school (3.76 UW gpa, 2130 sat score), but I absolutely hated the experience. I found community college to be a much more pleasing environment for me.
I do not think it is a good idea at all. You really need to discuss this with your GC. Since your application is not stellar, (and no one’s is to your level of stellar since no one has cured cancer) you have spring of Jr year and summer to improve, showing strong grades and being involved or continuing involvement in ECs. You are very short sighted if you think you can’t do something meaningful in spring and summer
Not likely, ask your GC. UCs have one major application period and that is in November for the following fall. Very few campuses admit for Winter and very few majors. You would be highly restricted if it is even possible. You would have to check the UC page for availability and contact admissions, and it is only commenting for fall right now. Certain people may enter under special programs (TAG, EOP, Academic Re-Entry, Veterans, Disabled, etc.(
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/check-majors/index.html
Doubtful
No, it really makes no sense. Also a a waste of time and money. Just do it right the one time. You might actually damage your chances should you want to apply again the following year when they just rejected you last year.
I don't think it is a good idea to apply to only private schools. UC and CSU are good value and solid to stellar reputation and important part of any California student's college list. You can find your safeties there if you like.
There are some programs specifically for Jr’s who are ready to enter college. USC has such a program. Also Simon’s Rock at Bard admits early students. They also have a very good transfer rate to super selective colleges. I am sure there are more special programs as well as privates you could try if you are convinced that is right for you. Also some other states do have spring admissions.
Our school’s guidance counselors often give us unhelpful information. (Part of the reason I dislike my school).
I won’t be transferring from a community college unless absolutely necessary because it is very difficult to transfer and succeed from my community college. Many people have tried transferring but have had to drop out because the course load was much harder. I am not sure if this is the case with all community colleges.
Thanks for all the input! I think College Now is a viable option and will probably go with that option.
Have you thought about doing AFS or a similar exchange program for senior year instead? You have done a great job of high school so far, and you will be a competitive applicant as a senior. There are other options that would get you out of your current high school environment.