From a crappy high school to a good college: Can it be done?

Chance Me / Match Me!
17

<p>I agree with essentially everyone’s chancing, but think that with great essays/interviews you’ll be in for sure at BC, Tufts, USC, Fordham (though I’m less familiar with Fordham), and probably Northwestern and Georgetown as well. </p>

<p>I mostly wanted to note that since you’re a junior now, you have plenty of time to self-study for APs that your school doesn’t offer. In fact, I’m surprised that no one has mentioned that yet—self-studying for AP exams (if you want to) shows initiative and commitment to breaking the barriers that your school may inflict. Even though my school offers ~10 APs, it doesn’t offer Psychology (one of my main interests), so I’m self-studying for that exam next May. Clearly, you test VERY well and could probably manage 5s on multiple AP exams this spring, depending on your areas of interest. I’m not too sure on which colleges don’t consider AP exam results in admissions, but I’m pretty sure most do and will admire your initiative if you choose to self-study.</p>

<p>For more information, especially on which exams are easiest to self-study for: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/369861-self-studying-aps-improving-your-app.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/369861-self-studying-aps-improving-your-app.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>That being said, I don’t think most students have heard of self-studying, so if you choose not to (for financial or time commitment reasons), it wouldn’t be noted at all. Just an idea that I thought I’d pass along since it seems like your school’s lack of APs is one of your major concerns. Otherwise, you have fantastic stats and as long as your maintain your GPA, rank, and dedicated ECs I’m positive you will get into a great school. Good luck!</p>

<p>Edit: Sorry, I completely missed this before posting:</p>

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But I do maintain what I said that you shouldn’t be concerned about your school’s limitations—I agree with guitarman that rising to and defeating the boundaries of your school will show much more initiative/be more impressive than students that kind of float on their excellent educations, test prep, abundant APs, etc. It’s clear you took advantage of everything your school offers, and colleges will recognize that.</p>