When I came to America, In 2013; it was totally a different language and different culture and I had to overcome. However, I was 2 years behind because I had to go to a middle school for a better knowledge of English. By the time I graduate, i understood English little bit, not 100%. I am now 18 and junior, but many students with same age (18) already graduated. I will graduate at the age of 20. When I talk to my friends about the class and school, they always give me high pressure by telling that college don’t give scholarship those who are 20 years old, yet I have a good SAT score than some (smart) kids. When I talk about AP (advance placement) class they always tell me that I can’t handle AP class. I have been working hard to reach my goal and ambition. When I talk to them it discourages me. I dont know if i am capable for those class, but I am willing to work hard for my education. Please tell me what I show do.
Don’t listen to them. The same thing happend to my cousin who was so smart in her country. When she came to America her teacher literally told her she is not smart enough to take honors OR AP classes. she had to fight them and go to the dean / principal in order to get into AP classes. She scored well on her SAT’s and now she is going to a top school UVA. Don’t listen to them because they don’t know your ability! You know your ability. I had the same problem when I came to America but I spoke little english so I fought my way through. Most international students who are ambitious go through this. Take AP classes and YOU can get scholarships. Go online, there are MANY MANY for international students in America. All you have to do is keep your grade up and challenge yourself. Good luck and hope the best for your future! Remember, they don’t know your capability… you do. Trust yourself.
and btw Ap classes are not hard… you just have to work MORE… compare to my country… Ap is a joke. Just do your hw and do well on the test. You will be fine.
Don’t worry. You have company. Older HS are not unheard of, especially among higher socioeconomic class families that deliberately academically red-shirt their kids to give them an edge in the classroom.
You’ll be fine.
Graduating at age 20 or even 21 will NOT be held against you and should actually provide interesting fodder for your essays. Some colleges would he very interested in your experience. And certainly no one is discriminated against because they’re 20,not 18. How would that even make sense?
Are you a rising junior or rising senior? I would assume rising junior, meaning you have plenty of time to prepare a good application. If you’re a rising senior, then time is running short.
Do fight for AP classes. What subjects did you take as honors last year?