Applying to college with a GED?

Applying to College
1

<p>Ello all. I've looked all over for precedents but haven't found much useful info so I'm hoping you guys could help me out here.</p>

<p>I actually have anumber of questions but I'll describe the situation first:</p>

<p>This year was my senior year in high school, but due to a number of medical and personal issues, I've had to drop out of school.</p>

<p>Retaking 12th grade is not an option for me so I'm planning to get my GED and reapply to college the next chance I get, as well as trying for a job to fill the interim.</p>

<p>I have a decent high school record, with - actually I'll just make a list:</p>

<p>SAT: 2190
GPA: ~3.2 unweighted (most of my classes have been honors or AP)
AP English Language: 5
AP US Gov't: 3
AP Comparative Gov't: 3
AP Human Geography: 5
AP US History: 4
(I was taking Calculus AB, Physics and English Lit. as my AP classes this year)</p>

<p>Subjectively, I'd say my essay is an 8/9.</p>

<p>For ECs:
Varsity Swim 4yrs
Varsity Track 4yrs
Thespian 4yrs, won multiple superiors in various categories and one critic's choice (publicity)
~130hrs Community Service
I play the guitar and drums if those count, hah</p>

<p>I was (am?) also in several honors societies like NHS, spanish, french, etc. (I don't remember which atm, but there are one or two more)</p>

<p>And... I was designated a National Merit Finalist; I'm not sure if I retain that though.</p>

<p>I think that's everything. So my main questions are these, in no particular order:</p>

<p>Can I still take the AP exams for classes I took this year? (How do selftaught/homeschooled students take them?)</p>

<p>Do I keep my status as, and the potential for scholarships from being a Merit Finalist?</p>

<p>How would a GED affect the application process? I don't recall seeing it mentioned on the commonapp, but I wasn't looking for it then. ...actually, can I even apply to college with a GED?</p>

<p>And the mandatory chances question: I got into UF Honors and FSU honors this year, which were my two main interests. What would my chances at those two be with a GED? Logic says I'm still exactly the same student, but the whole dropout thing is generally taken as a bit of a red flag, regardless of justification. I'll likely apply to UNF because it'd be easier and I have some friends there, but I'm really hoping FSU is still in the running. My brother went there and I love the school.</p>

<p>That's about it I believe. Any general advice would be greatly appreciated. More than anything I really just want to move out, but I don't want to wreck my future in the process which is why I'm still trying for this.</p>

<p>Thanks so much.</p>

2

<p>You can still apply to most colleges with a GED. I’ve heard of some that won’t accept it, but they’re in the minority. If you can’t find the information on whether a college will accept the GED, you can just call them to make sure. I looked up FSU in particular and they will accept it.</p>

<p>Your stats are pretty good, so you can probably explain your GED (good essay topic!) and they likely won’t dock you hard for it.</p>

<p>If you’re not sure about your ability to get into a school, I think it’s almost always worth applying. I personally got into one of my reaches and (while I’m still not decided) I am seriously considering attending it. Besides that, a 2190 is an amazing score for FSU. I bet they’d jump at the chance to take you.</p>

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<p>AP exams: Anyone who wants to shell out the money to take the exams can. Even your grandmother if she feels like it. You need to contact the College Board to find out whether there still is time to register for the exams for this year, and what location you could take the exams at.</p>

<p>You already have been admitted to UF and FSU. Why aren’t you planning to attend one of them this fall? Pick up the phone and find out if your acceptances still hold, or if they will be rescinded because you have had to take a medical leave from your high school.</p>

<p>I do not know of a single college or university in this country that does not accept students with GEDs. Contact the places that interest you, and ask about applying in that status.</p>

<p>Most colleges and universities are very happy to admit anyone who they believe to be “college ready”. That means that a high school diploma or GED is not strictly necessary for college admission. Again, contact the places that interest you, and ask how you should proceed in your specific case.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>