<p>i dont mean to be narrowminded but.... why in the world would u do that ?</p>
<p>Wow, a lot of you need to visit <a href="http://nationdeceived.org%5B/url%5D">http://nationdeceived.org</a> ...</p>
<p>Some people gave really good advice though, thanks.</p>
<p>I'll apply anyway, even though I probably won't get in.</p>
<p>I'll let you guys know what happens...</p>
<p>Oh, I forgot mention my website, <a href="http://mathideas.org/%5B/url%5D">http://mathideas.org/</a></p>
<p>I haven't updated it much this summer, but would that make any difference at all? =P</p>
<p>Hey, cool, I'm a Maryland kid, too! :D</p>
<p>I remember briefly skimming that book before in a store. I do agree that skipping grades does make kids happier (...I skipped a grade.) but I think there is a big difference between what they are mentioning and what you are considering. When you have spent enough non-class time around college kids (work, hanging out, etc) you will realize that while three or four years does not sound like much, it really is a lot at this stage.</p>
<p>While your courseload is impressive, it is going to take a lot more than that to override any adcom's first assumption about you, which is that you lack the emotional and mental maturity to attend a college, much less one of MIT or CalTech's caliber. That's not to say that you can't do it, for I don't know you at all, it's just that you have Mt. Everest to climb before any adcom will even take you seriously as an applicant. If you feel like you can prove that, then kudos for you. Otherwise, why not make better use of the time to pursue some academic interests? There are plenty of programs established for students who are ahead of the curve.</p>
<p>I took a practice SAT today and I got a 2250. I feel like I could raise it to at least a 2300 with a little practice. Would a really good SAT score make a difference at all?</p>
<p>Also, do you guys think I could get into a moderately selective school, like University of California: Berkeley?</p>
<p>To the first question: I don't think so.</p>
<p>To the second: I don't think so. You're also out-of-state for Berkeley, which would work against you.</p>
<p>chess64 -- seems like you are pretty well set on applying to colleges and attending the following year. If you are really determined to do that -- go for it. If it doesn't work out the way you want or you change your mind, you can just continue on in high school.</p>
<p>I think your next step is to evaluate whether you meet the requirements of the schools you want to apply to. You originally mentioned caltech and MIT. if that is where you want to go -- set your sights on those schools. don't settle for something less than what you want just because you want to go to some college.</p>
<p>Check on the required classes (4 years English, 4 years math, etc). You may run into problems here because of the fewer years in high school. Since you are homeschooling this year, you have a chance to add classes and meet the requirements.</p>
<p>Check on the required tests -- many schools require SAT II tests (especially from home schooled students). I would recommend taking 3 SAT II tests (in areas you will do well in) to prove that you are at the same level as other applicants.</p>
<p>Study hard for the SAT and do very well -- everything from your SAT I and II test scores to your class choices and GPA will be heavily scrutinized. </p>
<p>Work on deepening your EC's -- it is time to focus and show leadership in a few key areas. Remember that your college apps will be sent in this fall -- so you have limited time to work on your EC's. Try to get the "best bang for the buck" (in otherwise, use your time wisely!).</p>
<p>Finally -- your essays are really going to matter. The school is going to want to know why you want to go to college so soon. Have good answers that are positive and reflect well on you.</p>
<p>best of luck!</p>