<p>I've looked everywhere for a college that will fit my needs and it doesn't seem to exist, so hopefully someone here can help.</p>
<p>I'm looking for an extremely academically challenging LAC with lots of student/professor interaction that will help me get into a good position for graduate school applications. I know there are a lot of LAC's that fit so far, but here's where the catches comes.</p>
<p>I was homeschooled in highschool. That was 10 years ago, before it was so vogue. I went through an "umbrella" school so that I would have a diploma. These days though that doesn't count for much and most of them want a portfolio of some sort. Unfortunately, most of this is gone since I am a "non-traditional" student (30 years old). I did complete some courses for my diploma at the Community College and the 4.0's are on my transcript, but I don't know if that will count.</p>
<p>Also, since I am so much older I would prefer if they do not require parent's tax info (since she in no way supports me or my 3 children and I don't want my aid based on her $45,000 a year income).</p>
<p>Just a few stats, so you have some idea of where might be best. My highschool GPA was 3.98 (I got a B in band one semester). My current community college GPA with 32 credits is 4.0 (not a lot of science and no math yet, but I'll be taking more in the next year). I'm currently taking 17 credits and as of mid-term I have 4.0. Unfortunately it looks like I'll be stuck here another year, so I'll be taking another 40 or so credits before I can transfer :-\ I've had instructors offer to write me fabulous recommendations. I haven't taken the SAT, but the first pre-test I took last week (with no prep) I got CR-680 W-630 M-580 (ouch math isn't my strong suit).</p>
<p>Anyway, any help would really really be appreciated.</p>
<p>If you're in college now, I don't see how your homeschool record matters so much. You've had a chance to prove yourself at the college level, and that is what schools will mostly go on when evaluating your fitness for transfer admission.</p>
<p>I think that after a certain age, they don't expect parents to contribute for undergraduate costs. Professional school is another story, of course, but I don't think it's an issue for undergrad.</p>
<p>I don't mean to pry, but are you female? I ask because I know that some schools (like Smith) have special programs particularly designed for older and/or returning women.</p>
<p>Yeah, I would have thought so on the first two, but so many of the ones I've looked at still ask about Parent's income and High School transcripts (such as Bowdoin, Oberlin, etc). Granted my aspirations are high, but you don't get a Ph.D. from a top Uni by going the easiest route for Undergrad LOL.</p>
<p>And yes, I am a female. I'll have to look into Smith. I checked Bryn Mawr, but they commit most of their financial aid to freshmen and return students, not transfers. I also checked Agnes Scott, but I just wasn't sure about the program (or the location). </p>
<p>And since it's you asking I don't mind admitting that quite frankly UofM is my dream school (has a FABULOUS german department) and they have none of the issues I'm running into.....I just can't seem to get anyone in the admissions department to get things in order on my app :-(</p>
<p>One disadvantage I can see is the general lack of age diversity at most of the LACs. I think you are going to feel like you're in school with a bunch of little kids. Consider a university - it doesn't have to be a huge one, but I think you'll be much more comfortable with the mix of people.</p>
<p>I agree that you might find a lack of age diversity at many LACs. That said, look at Hillsdale College. I think you will find them content with SATs, your college transcripts, and a reading list from the last few years. They accept no federal aid of any kind, so deal with all their own fin aid.</p>
<p>I agree with weenie. I'm a big supporter of LACs in general, but an older student with children ... Look, you're an adult. The kids at college are going to be mostly, well, kids. There won't even be grad students around to make you feel a bit more like you might find a friend or two. Serioulsy, how are you going to feel when there's a water balloon fight in the hallway or when there's a drunken sing-along outside your door at 3 a.m.?</p>
<p>I have an unusual suggestion. I don't know where you live, but there's a school in Seattle called "Antioch University." It's affiliated with Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, I think. Anyway, everything I've heard about this school and its teaching methods has been stellar. It's designed for adult learners. I'm not sure what majors they have, but I think it's worth a look.</p>
<p>Smith's program is the Ada Comstock Scholars program, and it solves the problem weenie & Tarhunt alluded to because there are over 200 nontraditional-age women in the program. Do look into it; I know a very happy Comstock alum.</p>
<p>I went to a liberal arts college (not Smith) with a smaller-but-still-vital program for nontraditional students. Yes, they did stick out a little, but they were a great support for each other and frankly as a traditional-age student I really valued their contributions.</p>
<p>If things do work out for you with UMich, they've got resources too (even though they are primarily traditional-age). The grad school populaton means there is a greater diversity of ages on campus (if not necessarily in your classes). Plus there are good programs through CEW. Also, there separate funds set aside for child care subsidies. You may know about all those things.</p>
<p>Schools may ask for parent income as a matter of course but may not ultimately use it in deciding your aid. You can always appeal if they do. Formulas are great for handling the typical case but they don't apply for everyone--and every school knows this and expects to have to repackage some people.</p>
<p>Zuzusplace: If you want to know more about Smith, do check out Smith's thread. There are a couple of really helpful and enthusiastic parents who will be more than happy to answer your questions active on that thread.</p>
<p>Wellesley also has the Davis program, for non-traditional students. Worth looking into. <a href="http://www.wellesley.edu/NSP/davisProgram.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.wellesley.edu/NSP/davisProgram.html</a>
Are you sure, zuzusplace, that financial aid information must come from your parent (or that it will be considered in your award if submitted)? I'm not a finaid expert, but I thought that this ceased at age 24 and/or demonstration that you have been your own household for a specified time.</p>
<p>Re UMichigan. Hang in there. My S applied as a transfer and there was confusion with his documentation. But eventually a real person phoned to sort it out. Have you tried phoning (sounds like you have)?</p>
<p>jmmom, thank you. Yeah I've looked at Davis. Right now I think Wellesley, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and a few universities are in the running (nothing like setting myself up for rejection right LOL).</p>
<p>Yeah, some I've talked to actually require parents info no matter what age you are. Seemed silly to me, but I guess if I don't like the rules, I don't have to apply :-p</p>
<p>And yes, I've talked to them on the phone. Although, after talking to someone on cc that knows the inner workings of U of M, I think there might still be hope. It really is my dream school. I used to drive up there just to spend all my free time around campus. I love the people, the town, and the department is AMAZING (so many courses and resources). But I'm just trying to be realistic in my hopes.</p>