Competitive Schools and Non-Traditional Students

Applying to College
1

<p>I've had the most unique high school "journey"...in the last few years. It's a long story, so I'll keep this all short...</p>

<p>My Freshman Year, I attend a highly competitive Jewish Day School, with a complete dual curiculum, the schools day were 8 to 5. And not only that, I had to leave the house at 6am, to make a 6:30 train, and every night I'd get home at 7:30pm. Despite the excellent education, for a number of reasons I decided to attand a local school in my area.</p>

<p>Sophomore Year...a disaster, on a billion ends. My school had the block system, which if you know about it, is not a good thing for competitve students anyways, since it limits the number of AP classes they can take, to one really. However, that wasn't even remotely the real problem. My year was plaged with anti-semetism, racism, and homophobia, even worse the school turned a blind-eye to all that was occuring. It got to the point, that the DA and DOE both needed to be called, I also recieved recongiztion for my efforts from my 12-hour a week Jewish education program I coutined throughtout my sophomore and juinor year, as well as being featured, in a national Jewish magazine. However, with all these hate crimes going around me and directed towards me, my grades feel, I ended up with a tramendous collection of Ds. But there was one saving grace, my Gudience Consuler, she was able to help me through this year, and even better, she gave me the golden opputunity, to dual enrole at the local community college, this program was only for Seniors. But after, going through a few interviews, I was gladly welcomed into the program...and my whole life turned around</p>

<p>Junior and Senior Year- A thrived, I found a true passion, earned As and Bs, (in college sometimes there are classes, where it is impossible to earn an A, those of you in high school will learn this :-). My passion? Law and Politics. The law classes made feel at peace, I spendt a few days following a real live, federal court case. I know alot of people do dual enrolement, but I decided to go the extra mile, and take 6 additional courses, including during the summer and intersession so I could my Assiocates Degrees, in Criminal Justice! (and i picked up a certificate in Computer Forensics as well!). It's amazing how life turns around, going from being a D student, ready to drop out, to earning my first degree at 18 years old. I consider myself despite, the many downfalls in my life, I do not mention in here, ( I have an exstremly chronic illness, which recently has caused me a lot of health problems, espically this past year, despite learning of exstreme health problems this fall, i was able to have my best semester ever! What you learn from your struggles stay forever). Many people do not get this second chance, to get it together, and apply to top schools!</p>

<p>And this is where you come in, I havn't heard from a single of my 13 schools, I applied. (Of course there is one beautiful schools, in the land of white buildings, that stands out, among the rest, and despite being deferred, I wait the 2nd of April paitently)....I just want to know what you guys think...</p>

<p>Of course I am missing somethings...Yes, I never had a prom, and never had to the chance to be invovled in high school actives for more than a year each. And my SATs are also, another problem, I couldn't afford an SAT class, and with the SATs the same week as finals and midterms it seemed, I never had to a chance to study. Being a high school student, and a college student taking 5 to 6 classes a semester is tough work. On top of my other things. I am trying hard to not to indentify my self, but let's just say, I got higher then the national average, but lower then an 1100 (out of 1600)</p>

<p>You see, I know you all look down on Community Colleges, but they are great places. I learned more there about people and life, and the fact things aren't right and equal. the community college, not only gave me confidence. but they showed what is REALLY going on, how unfair things REALLY are, and they made me want to make that difference. It was the kids at my community college, who told me to go for my dreams, and so I did. When I listen to their stories, I know that I have to fix what is not fair in this country, and I know that by going to a good school, it will give me this chance, a leg up, and the ablity to be cataylst and change things for the better.</p>

<p>And so--I just want to know, what do you think? Do you think there is hope for my Ivy Leauge, and top teir dreams? My competitive colleges? Would you accept a student like me, or would you not be able to look past the horrible SATs and grades the the first two years of high school? Would you understand my circumstances, which were backed up in GC and Professor recommendations? Would you like the the fact someone turned their life around, or would you be stuck on the past? Would you rather a student whose been to an elite prep school? </p>

<p>You all are great people, and I wish you all the best with your schools...I know how much rejections, and failures break hearts. Just don't give up! You Gotta Keep on Keeping on</p>

<p>(p.s I am sorry, for the words I left out, incorrect grammar, spelling errors, puncation etc. It's the nature of my illness, and possible serious health problem. My essays are however error free, I hope you dont judge me on these things, but I know its hard not to)</p>

2

<p>that's just the way it is~~
good luck</p>

3

<p>I would be concerned about the low SAT scores -- yes, you have done a great job triumphing over adversity and you have achieved goals.</p>

<p>but -- the SAT can be taken at numerous times (not just during finals) and the majority of kids who take it do not take SAT classes. you can self-study, take it again, etc. </p>

<p>excellent SAT scores would have bolstered your application and given weight to the supposition that poor grades in high school were due to other factors.</p>

<p>Some Community colleges are great, some are not so great -- colleges prefer AP test scores so that they can compare kids on an even footing.</p>

<p>I cannot tell you what schools will think -- if I was an admin, the SAT scores would concern me. the Letters of recommendation would really hold some weight, and I would pay attention to what they said and who wrote them. A professor from a community college stating that you are one of the best students they have ever had in an introduction to criminal justice class would not hold as much weight as a letter from an AP English teacher saying the same thing. your essays would also make a difference -- whether you approach it as an "here is why I did not do as well" excuse type of essay or a "here is how I deal with adversity and it made me stronger" type essay. </p>

<p>what it all boils down to is that the admin is looking for a student that is a good fit for the school and is prepared for the rigor of the school. it is not a judgement on you as an individual -- there is no doubt that you have triumph in your circumstances. But, if colleges were to award incoming class spots to those who have overcome adversity -- the class would be made up of former meth addicts, girls with babies at 12, rape victims, reformed gang leaders, kids who had to run the farm in North Dakota instead of going to school, etc.</p>

<p>I wish you the best of luck -- you will obviously succeed in whatever you choose to do. definitely update the thread and tell us where you were accepted!</p>

4

<p>Thank you, Acutally my CC is one of the best in the nation, so much in fact that MANY of the programs having waitlists going to 2011, including their criminal justice program, which is considered one of the best and most cutting edge in the state. And my letters of recommendation? One was written by a professor, who use to teach at an Ivy Leauge, and another top teir school, (she has her Ph.d). ANd the other was written by Head of the Criminal Justice department who has his Ph.d as well. So I would think these have more weight, then a letter from an AP english teacher. I believe too much weight is put in these standardized Tests, if I have succeded in College, at 16? What the point, SATs are supposed to predict success on an equal level.</p>

5

<p>What kinds of school did you apply to? All just top schools, or a range of schools?</p>

<p>Because even for the most perfect student, they are tough....</p>

<p>SO hoepfully, you were smart in your choices....and options....</p>

6

<p>Do not worry, I applied to 14 schools, ranging from Manhattan College, 3 or 4 less competitive state schoosl, a few good schools in Boston (not ivies but up there schools), Ivies, and one almost Ivy. So i'll be okay. I was VERY smart in my choices. I think that I acutally have a better chance at top school, since they acutally look at the person, alot of state schools, look at the SAT scores and GPA, nothing else</p>

7

<p>That good,....you will get into a wonder place!!</p>

8

<p>I think the issue is that getting a score higher than 1100 or 1200 can be done easily by most of the Ivy applicants without classes or studying. There is a certain threshold when the score stops mattering and the applicant is "capable" of the academic work, although I worry that 10xx is well below that score. You do seem capable of college level work from what you've described but the disconnect may raise some red flags. Maybe one of the adofficers here can give some input.</p>

9

<p>Well, My English score, was up there, the math was just really bad. My English score, was within in the mid 50% range, shown on collegeboard, for all but 2 of the schools. But my math score, well, excuse my lack of stupid languge, but it sucked! There are other factors/things I had, I didn't included. ( I did get B+s in my college level math classes, which do not belittle, because a kid transfered to Harvard!, we all know how hard that is to transfer into, and they took those two math classes I took). I also have learning disabilities from my disease, nothing serious, serious. But enough to make things like math difficult.</p>

<p>Where can I find these AdOfficers, it would be interesting to see their thought process, in my case.</p>

10

<p>From what you describe -- the letters of rec should really help. I do think it makes a difference who the letters are from and their relationship to you -- so it sounds like you chose well.</p>

<p>you gave your college applications your best shot -- you will have to see how it all pans out. I think that SAT scores are going to send up a red flag, but you non-traditional schooling will get you a second look. Whether that second look with get you an acceptance or denial, I can't tell you.</p>

11

<p>Well, I got my first rejection today. It's okay though, they only took 960 out of 9,900..and it was hardly a top choice.</p>

12

<p>I got waitlisted yesterday..sigh.</p>