Home School Options Right Now—Time Sensitive

Pre-College Issues Home Schooling and College
1

So, I need quite a lot of advice right now.

I am withdrawing from the private boarding school that I attend due to attendance issues, namely waking up for my morning classes. Home schooling or some sort of online schooling seems to offer a reasonable alternative where I will not have issues conforming to an early-morning start time. I am in the process of investigating options and wrapping up at my current school, but I need advice on how to proceed.

I am currently a junior. Last year, I excelled academically and was ranked first in my class; however, this year, my attendance struggles have had a significant impact on my academic performance. Some of my teachers would not allow me to make up tests and quizzes that I missed, and I also missed many important lessons. As it stands now, prior to final exams, I have C’s in two AP classes, an F in one AP class (which I am withdrawing from), and A’s in two Honors classes. I would like to add that the poor grades are not due to a lack of ability. I am withdrawing from my school voluntarily, and I am still on good terms with the administration and my teachers.

Firstly, before I withdraw, I have the option of also withdrawing from my three AP classes. This would presumably preserve my GPA, but I would forfeit credit that I may need for graduating on-time, and W’s in three courses may raise red flags for colleges. I am not sure how to proceed here.

Secondly, I am trying to put together a plan for my schooling after I withdraw. My local public high school has an online program, but there are no spots available in it, and I am not even sure what sort of classes the program offers. Ideally, I would want to take comparable classes to those in which I am currently enrolled. The local community college may offer some appropriate courses, and I am aware of flexible private online options like Laurel Springs. (Unfortunately, Stanford OHS and GW OHS require applications in the fall.) So when it comes time to apply to college, what options would “look good?” Are there any that I should avoid because they would raise red flags? I am also concerned about who would write my teacher recommendations. Also, if I enroll in AP classes online, where would I take the AP exams?

Thirdly, regarding standardized tests, I have read prior to this that SAT Subject Tests are of particular importance for homeschooled students in the college admissions process. If I enroll in some sort of online program, would SAT Subject Tests still be of such importance? I have taken the Math Level 2 test so far and scored a 770, which I was pleased with. I was planning to take just one more, probably Latin or US History, but would I need to take more than just two total? I would assume that other standardized tests matter more as well. I am getting my PSAT/NMSQT scores on December 13th. My best practice ACT score is a 35, but I am taking the real thing on December 9th, and my actual score may be lower because of test anxiety. Do I need to worry that because of my high test scores but potentially low grades from this term, colleges may peg me as unmotivated? Would admissions people worry that I would underachieve at their college? What should I do?

Ah, this is a confusing process!

2

Each college/university has different ways of evaluating homeschoolers. First check your state homeschool laws then look at the homeschool graduate application procedures for each college you plan to apply to. If you are applying via the common ap your parents may be required to fill out a homeschool supplement. You may be asked to justify why you switched to homeschooling, so you need to come up with a compelling story to answer that.

Also depending on the state you live in there may be testing required for homeschool graduation.

Homeschool laws: https://www.responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/current-policy/

Sample of different college policies
https://www.suny.edu/sunypp/documents.cfm?doc_id=344

3

I am sending you a PM. Just for information.

4

OP, where are your parents in this decision-making process? What are their thoughts? How involved will they be in your transition to homeschooling? It will be a big transition, for sure, but if you have some support in your corner (your parents, to begin with, and your current counselor), you probably can make a successful transition.

As a college consultant who’s worked with a lot of homeschoolers and students from unusual educational backgrounds like the one you describe, it’s essential to really get support from people who understand the college application process and how to best present the change in your education. Exactly right that you don’t want to be seen as unmotivated, but you also don’t want to be seen as someone who can’t get up for classes unless you have a legitimate medical excuse (as one of my students did when the change to homeschooling became necessary).

Do research on what your options are, or work with someone who can help you. This seems a lot for you to try and do on your own.

5

Hello,

Thank you for everyone’s input. I really appreciate it. To update you…

I worked with the academic dean and a college counselor from my school to put together a plan. I ended up getting a spot in the online program at my local public high school. The only loose ends are signing up for similar courses over there (they do offer AP’s, including science courses with in-person labs) and finding a school to take Latin. I have it all mostly under control now. I do certainly worry about having a balanced social life and how my educational history might impact college admissions, but it will sort itself out I believe.

Thanks again.

6

@2285636 Just curious were you just exhausted and continually oversleeping?

7

@Center In a way, yes. It’s a bit more complicated. You can PM for details.