<p>I just wanted to point out that the reason I am posting this in the Homeschooling Forum is because there isn't an alternative school forum and I know that home school students use the same techniques that alternative school students use. I want to begin by also saying that the reason I went to an alternative school which is accredited is because I had some personal issues at home that affected me in public school. So I have pretty nice grades and I am taking my SAT's this June which I have been studying for and my SAT 2's in May. I plan on taking three SAT subject Tests and five community college courses to supplement my course work. I am taking the supporting AP Exams to show colleges that I am really serious and motivated about my education. I have also completed over 100 hours of community service and I am really passionate about theater and dance which I do after school. I am also part of a foundation that helps prevent suicides and I have a part time job. What can I do to increase my chances of getting into colleges like Northwestern?</p>
<p>Since you decided to ask in the homeschooling forum, I’ll tell you that in recent years, homeschoolers on this forum have been accepted into Stanford, Princeton, Caltech, Harvey Mudd, Rice, and MIT that I know of. And I’m sure there have been plenty more. It sounds like you are on the right track. My advice would be to 1) focus on what you have gained in your school, not why you didn’t do traditional school, 2) apply to a couple safety schools - not because you went to an alternative school, but because EVERYONE needs to, and 3) read the articles stickied to the top of the financial aid forum and act on them. Good luck!</p>