<p>I’m not familiar with the policy of the Ivies, Stanford, etc on early graduation. LACs are sometimes more willing to take a chance on a person with an unusual background.</p>
<p>By proper presentation, I mean a well crafted application, which includes essays, recommendations, resumes – the subjective side of your personality. You need to communicate what you can contribute to the campus community.</p>
<p>If you decide to apply early then I would focus on the fact that you’re ready for college, not that you’ve run out of money. The colleges would accept you because you are a qualified, interesting student who will bring an unusual perspective to the learning community. This is what you need to get across in your application.</p>
<p>If they accept you, they may or may not offer a financial package that makes it workable for you. The international aspect makes it difficult to predict.</p>
<p>For sure, they will not accept you just because they feel sorry for you so don’t go down that road.</p>
<p>If you end up staying in Thailand going to a local school, or a less prestigious private school, it won’t hurt your chances when you apply next year. Diversity is a positive – economic as well as ethnic – as is overcoming adversity.</p>
<p>Whether they are educationally savvy or not, your parents are still financially responsible for you. Include them in your discussions with the school administration.</p>
<p>I believe most colleges will waive application fees if you appeal.</p>
<p>Are you familiar with Questbridge? [QuestBridge</a> Home Page](<a href=“http://www.questbridge.org/index.html]QuestBridge”>http://www.questbridge.org/index.html)
Read the FAQ about international students and early graduation. I don’t think you can apply as a junior, but if you end up staying in Thailand, it would be good for next year.</p>
<p>PS, I wouldn’t worry about your SAT scores. They’re fine.</p>