Applying to college as a sophomore

Applying to College
21

<p>So you're running out of challenging classes to take at your school. Just take classes at your local CC (but don't pile up too many credits if you want to apply for freshman admissions). </p>

<p>College isn't for 14-15 year olds- psychologically wise. Taking time off to mature is a really good idea- I have a friend who took a gap year and he felt much more mature to handle college (not that he couldn't have been had he gone earlier). I wish I had taken a year off. It's more of a social scene issue- not academically. That's one of the reasons why some high-achieving students take time off to "grow up" so they can be ready to handle the scene and other kids. Pressure, man. It's all pressure and the talk.</p>

<p>Not everyone's lucky as you to be able to afford time off between HS and college to explore to travel, to volunteer, etc to build your character and personal growth.</p>

22

<p>There's probably no harm in applying besides potentially wasting your time. I think 2 years early might be a little too much. I've known people that have gone to college a year early and they've done fine. It all depends on how mature you are.</p>

<p>I'd have reservations about taking time off, because that is harder to explain to colleges.</p>

23

<p>Look man, a lot of people on this board are the Humanities/Arts & Crafts/Feel good types. Do you think you can go to college and make a difference for humanity or for yourself or do you want to go and do as they suggest and "grow" and "develop" yourself in HS (IE get drunk and make out) or do you want to get an early start on college. This is something you got to answer for yourself. That was A. B is that you should apply, if you don't get in to your top 3 choices then stick around and reapply next year.
good luck.</p>

24

<p>I like the suggestion of finishing sophomore year and taking a year to study abroad or join a community service group. Most ppl I know that finish high school early only skip their senior year...I don't think you've got enough of a track record established with only 2 years to really be considered.</p>

25

<p>Another solution might be to apply for college and if admitted, asking for a deferral of matriculation for a year. That way you are not too young when you go to college but you can be sure of being able to go after a gap year. You can take that time to volunteer, self-study, do CC, w/e.</p>

26

<p>wow your really amazing.... haha how did you school offer AP classes for a freshman? All i can say is WOW!!!!!!</p>

27

<p>I think you'll get accepted into all the colleges you apply to, I wish I had your brain. >.<</p>

28

<p>Taking a gap year is something I would be interested in, but what is the procedure? How can you take a year off high school if you don't have a high school diploma?</p>

<p>Thanks for all the comments, by the way.</p>

29

<p>Many schools will not accept students who are so young. I was a 15 year old junior looking to graduate early and competative schools told me it would not benefit me b.c they dont want to take students who have not had 4 years of hs.</p>

30

<p>Well that's the thing...you should speak with a counselor and see what the fastest track to a diploma is. If you're truly smart enough then you may be able to graduate that early. I've never heard of it being done before. Maybe what you should really try and do is to transfer to a difficult boarding school.</p>

31

<p>First, just to let you know where I am coming from, my oldest son is also homeschooled and will be 17 this fall. Although his forte is in the humanities, he is also working well above his peers and contemplated entering college early. He decided against it for several reasons, after we had many long discussions.</p>

<p>I would suggest that you post your question on the homeschool forum -- many kids in public and private schools simply do not understand the unique challenges and opportunities available to homeschooled students. Therefore, the advice you get will be more along the lines of advice that would be given to students in a regular school setting.</p>

<p>Personally, I do not think you are ready for college. What I think you are ready for is to expand your fields of interest, deepen your study in the areas that interest you and increase the intellectual level in your peer group.</p>

<p>By expanding your fields of interest I am referring to what you have studied. Have you studied logic, philosophy, all the sciences, music, art history, etc. I am not saying you need to study everything -- but this is a chance to do some exploring. Take a class in something that interests you , something new, something really different. get out of your box and learn something that you never knew before.</p>

<p>By deepen your work in your area I think you need to increase your level in math competitions. Also -- consider getting a mentor and working on some type of research. take some upper level math classes at the university. Challenge yourself -- how about teaching a class at the local home school coop on advance math? writing a book on math studies for homeschoolers? </p>

<p>By increasing the intellectual level of your peers, try and participate in community events that are aimed at intelligent adults (my son does great books and a world affairs discussion group -- he is about the only one under 55 and the only one without a PhD. He loves the level of discussion). look for mentors in your area of interest. people who spark your interest and can engage in intelligent conversation that you enjoy.</p>

<p>I would suggest that you change your grade level and say that last year was 10th grade -- so this coming year will be 11th grade. As a homeschooler, you can do that. It shouldn't be difficult. That means that this year's PSAT will count for NMF status. </p>

<p>Consider studying abroad (that is what my son will be doing). There are many, many programs. it is too late for this coming year for most (unless your parents can pay full- fare) but that leaves you with this year to get your classes and tests wrapped up and ready for college applications. don't forget the SAT II's (very important for homeschool applicants)</p>

<p>You said you thought your EC's were weak. i don't know much about MIT and CalTech -- but check the forums and see what EC's the accepted students had. Many colleges like to see social/leadership positions in homeschoolers so they know you didn't sit at home in a closet studying math for 16 years. If you aren't doing something like that -- try scouts or civil air patrol.</p>

<p>Most of all, I would suggest that you use your time as a high school student wisely -- there is no rush! explore, deepen and broaden your horizons and ensure that you are ready to really succeed in college and take advantage of all that college offers you.</p>

<p>If you want specific suggestions on advanced math classes, study abroad programs, etc -- post at the home school forum. Your will get lots of suggestions!</p>

32

<p>If you are really bored with high school you should look into programs like Simon's Rock College of Bard which is a college program designed for kids your age. I believe most students go for two years, then transfer, I don't know much about the program but it is designed for kids in your situation.</p>

33

<p>I only wish you were lying so my pride/ego wouldn't be hurt so badly... or I wished you lived closer to TN. I absolutly love smart people and as a kid I was obsessed with finding out everything I could about the kids you saw on Oprah. I guess I thought if I had a super genious for a friend it would rub off on me too. I was always so jealous when I saw the child genius' on TV and I always wanted to have like a 189 IQ. I'm 17 and am sitting at a sad 140 - I bet yours is much closer to that 189 than mine ;). Anyway, enough of my little kid coming out. I sincerely wish you the best of luck. In my opinion, I would listen to everything 'hsmomsteph' has to say. It sounds like solid advice from someone who has more experience with this than the rest of us. On the other hand, if you strongly feel like applying early (Which, in all honesty, is what I would do in your situation, but only because I've always wanted to go to college to be more academically challenged) then go ahead, even if it's just to see if you could get in. Also, if you opt not to, I would suggest signing up for newletters on your top 3 choices and visit the campus'... show some interest. That couldn't hurt. Parting with your intellegence, there is a big difference in that and development. I cannot tell you how much I've grown as a person from Freshman to Senior year. This is the most crucial roller-coaster development that you will ever experience. Enjoy! Ha. I wish you all the best of luck and success! Feel free to pm if you ever need anything.</p>

34

<p>Vandy -- it isn't what your IQ is, it is what you do with it. Believe me -- good work ethic trumps brains everyday! That is why an Ivy League will take someone with a great GPA and a somewhat slacking SAT test score over someone with a great test score and lacking GPA.</p>

35

<p>I was always thought a 140 was a strong IQ, but w/e. Yeah totally agreeing with hsmomstef that colleges will usually take excellent GPA/average SAT over an average GPA/excellent SAT student unless it's a state school in which it's up in the air.</p>

36

<p>Do not formally apply to college, but do take college courses in lieu of a traditional HS ciriculum. Explore then apply. Is there a state university close to you?</p>

37

<p>By publish I meant in a scientific journal. Of course what you did isn't nothing, but it certainly isn't on the level of a proper research paper.</p>

<p>But if you want to get into MIT/Caltech, I think you will need more than you have right now. I'll repeat what I said: a senior applying with your stats should consider those schools a reach, and there is no way applying early is an advantage. Whether it is desirable to do so is another story, but w.r.t the admissions process, I just can't see how it helps you at all.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you. It's unfortunate that your HS can't offer you what you want.</p>

38

<p>If you are interested in applying to those schools, why don't you talk with a couple of admission reps from those schools and ask them. I would think that their advice would be better than anything you get here. And, what do your parents have to say? At 14 -15 that probably counts a great deal.</p>

39

<p>...and as another homeschool parent, ditto on what HSMOMSTEF said.</p>

40

<p>You are an extremely bright person, there isn't any doubt about that, but it's EXTREMELY unlikely that you will get into any of the top three choices if you apply as a sophomore. Take the next two years to do something extraordinary. Become an Intel finalist, win even more math competitions (see if you can get to the international level!), play lots of chess. By applying this early, you're just setting yourself up to be rejected. If you wait for a while, your app will look even better and your chances will be phenomenal.</p>