I am currently in my sophomore year in high school, and I was brainstorming about various options for college. I have not been challenged so far this year except for in my AP EURO class. I am a straight A student, and I feel that I am diligent and disciplined. But seeing my brother stress about his AP courses, grades, and SAT/ACT’s, makes me rethink the whole high school process. I am a good student, but I really don’t like standardized tests, and I’m not particularly good at them. Additionally, my brother hasn’t learned anything at all in his AP Lang class, and he is forced to complete tedious homework and projects that don’t teach him anything in the majority of his classes.
My parents have been researching about the CHSPE and the whole community college route for me and my sister, and have heard many positive things. Hypothetically, if I were to do this route this is what I would do:
-I would take the CHSPE in March and finish my sophomore year in high school
-Enroll in honors courses at my community college
-Finish in two years
-Hopefully transfer to UCLA as a junior in college.
Like I said before, everything above is hypothetical. I do however, have a clear idea of what I want to pursue, which is dentistry. If I were to attend a CC after my sophomore year, I would take the classes that are pre-requisites for my major, which would be marine biology and hopefully complete them in 2-3 years. I would also volunteer at my dentist office, join clubs and still be active in my community, in order to make myself a competitive applicant for UCLA.
Furthermore, I just want to hear some feedback from you guys, and I would really appreciate to hear your opinion on this.
Thank you!
If you are tired of high school, why don’t you enter into a dual enrollment program at a community college, starting in your Junior year? Two years later, you should have your high school diploma and an Associate’s degree. http://www.sbcc.edu/dualenrollment/frequentlyaskedquestions.php
My situation is nearly identical to what you have taken the time to describe. I am also a high school sophomore and am planning to attend the testing session scheduled on March 19, 2016. I have already arranged a meeting with my counselor this coming Monday and hope to receive her approval. I heard about this exam through my 9th grade English teacher (who graduated from University of Pennsylvania) and told us that her son took it and passed. (she went on and explained how the test is very easy) He was able to graduate from UCLA at the age of 19. I am a straight A student and top of my class (actually ranked 1/368 in my school’s tenth grade magnet program). My brother is a junior at the same school and takes 4 AP classes, and seeing him come home with ridiculous amounts of homework every night relieved me of all doubt. He said that he would’ve taken the test as well but he is too emotionally attached to the school and wants to enjoy his high school life. My plan is~
~Take the CHSPE this March and also finish my sophomore year in high school
~Enroll (hopefully) at Santa Monica Community College and apply for honors courses
~Finish in two years
~Tranfer as a Junior to UCLA
~Eventually enroll at an ivy league
However the main concern while discussing this with my parents was the fact of having to pay for Community College courses, and I’m not entirely certain if there is a way to receive financial aid in our case. Applying for scholarships at a 4 year university as a Junior eliminates most of the best options, but I’m sure we’ll find something. As for my opinion, I think it is an excellent alternative for students who take their education seriously and want something that is more at their level.
You can only receive federal financial aid if you have a high school diploma or GED. There may be other sources available to you that do not require the diploma/GED.
Is the Ivy League dream for grad school? Because it wouldn’t make sense to go to UCLA as a junior and then transfer again. Most schools have a “residency requirement” which is a minimum number of credits that must be taken to receive a degree from that school.
I have been made clear of all these things during the conference with my counselor, and have decided to enroll in high school concurrent classes. This way I can earn college credits without haVing to pay tuition.