<p>I'm not homeschooled, but I thought some of you on this part of the forum may be able to give me some advices.</p>
<p>I dropped out of high school at the age of 16 , took a high school proficiency examination, and attended a CC for awhile, but I ended up not continuing school since 17 or so.</p>
<p>Instead, I opened up my own business which earns me around 30-50K a year, and I'm planning to expand to the level where I can earn 100K (I'm giving you these numbers, because I was wondering if this will mean anything to the schools I apply if I mention them in the application process)</p>
<p>My initial plan was to enroll back in CC this or next year and transfer to one of my dream schools, but I'm finding out more everyday that it is extremely hard to do so, possibly harder than applying as a freshman. But is it possible for a 22 year old who dropped out of high school at 16 to apply as a freshman?
If they do, I assume I must take GED (or is it ACT?), SAT, SAT II, and others that most high schoolers take. Am I correct?</p>
<p>I also lived in many parts of the world and speak 4 different languages fluently. I obviously don't have any EC to make me stand out, so I'm planning to do something with my life before I apply (so above age may have to changed to 23 or 24)
What would you recommend me doing? I'm thinking of something very extraordinary like going to a third world country and helping people over there, servicing in leprosarium, or something like that.</p>
<p>Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.</p>
<p>I think you should post this question on the parent's forum.</p>
<p>My first reaction, however, is that you should ask these questions of the schools you are interested in applying to. You are a non-traditional student and the admissions department can probably give you the best advice.</p>
<p>I recommend that you research colleges that interest you and see what their entrance requirements are. I believe it is the common data set for each place (may need to do some googling) that will say if a diploma is required or if a GED is accepted.</p>
<p>Edit -- your posting title mentions the Ivy League. I think that is unrealistic. I don't know that any of them accepts students without a high school diploma, even with a GED. You would need to do work elsewhere and then try to transfer, realizing that this is very competitive. </p>
<p>You could just call or email admissions' departments and ask. My hunch is that community college (and later transfer) will be the easiest route and that it will probably want a GED and perhaps some other testing for placement purposes. But wasn't your "high school proficiency exam" the GED? I know someone who dropped out of public school to go to community college and had to take the GED first; he also took the SAT but I don't know if that was required.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about reenrolling. What does the community college itself say?</p>
<p>I'm sure you will be able to work something out. Good luck!</p>
<p>Ivies that DO NOT REQUIRE high school diploma or equivalent (info from Princeton Review Best Colleges 2005): Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Cornell.</p>
<p>Ivies that REQUIRE a high school diploma: Brown, Penn, Columbia.
Brown DOES NOT accept GED. Penn and Columbia DO accept GED.</p>
<p>Am I missing any?</p>
<p>You might have a chance at these schools if you have super high SAT/ACT scores and very compelling essays. It's a long shot, but if this is your dream, all you can do is try. Good luck.</p>
<p>Everyone applying to these schools needs high test scores and great essays. But I would think an Ivy may note that you have been driven and successful, and that will make you stand out. All Ivies are a long shot, but as it seems that your question is whether or not your nontraditional background will hurt you in the admissions process, my best guess would be no. And you really have something to write about in your essays!</p>
<p>Definitely talk to the admissions counselors at your preferred schools. Open yourself to other very good, non-Ivy schools, as well - look for fit, not name. And start tracking down your letters of recommendation, since your path does not make that easy. Good luck!</p>
<p>Hi knowledgechaser, I'm only a freshmen in college but I have some good news for you! There is a huge stigma related to high school dropouts but to every generalization there is an exception (and you may be one). Columbia University (in the City of New York) has a program called General Studies. Its for exceptional non-traditional students that have chosen to return to college to start and finish (or finish) an undergraduate degree. There, you will be awarded the same prestigious degree has traditional Columbia College students. Many of the students enrolled in this program have delayed their education because of work in the performing arts, in the business world, or other circumstances. I believe you can find out more at <a href="http://www.gs.columbia.edu%5B/url%5D">www.gs.columbia.edu</a>. You will need to complete a GED and probably be able to submit some type of academic transcript from a community college. (I don't think SAT/SATII will be necessary at this stage). Graduates have gone on to great careers including admissions to several top ivy league law/medical/business schools. Admissions rates are much more reasonable than other ivy league programs for traditional students. Good luck!</p>
<p>P.S.-I myself am trying to transfer to a ivy league school from my current 4-year institution for the opportunities such places can offer, so I can understand the desire for a well-regarded education. Hopefully we will both succeed!</p>