<p>Where does a kid apply with any hope of admissions when he's been homeschooled with no outside courses and has a 770cr 590m 670 w(11essay)? He's very right brain but loves the sciences as well. He's written 2 screenplays, is working on a novel, has written, directed and produced a small movie(very small on freedom of speech and war), does amazing ink sketches, has played piano for 8 years (two under the tutalage of a former Julliard prof), has fenced for 6 years and as a black belt in karate and tansudo has taught little kids and ran self defense classes for women and girls for the last 2. He's also working with a woman's shelter to start a class to help increase self confidence.</p>
<p>He has a passion for music(opera) and egyptology(has taught himself ancient greek and hieroglyphics).........so, where does this kid apply? He desperately wanted Brown and went for ED but I'm guessing he hasn't got a chance. He also loves Haverford but is that too much of a reach? Does his poor math stat(which was dismally lower than the practice sats he took where he was at least getting a 670) define his college search? Will his lopsided scores hurt him terribly? His essays IMO are fantastic, but how does he find his perfect fit?</p>
<p>Try the University of Chicago. It seems to admit the quirky and the self-motivated, AND it has one of the best Egyptology departments in the world.</p>
<p>Thanks Maributt, you've made me feel very welcome on my first posting.</p>
<p>As for homeschooling and activities, if you'll take note, there are no competitions, leagues or camps. My kids did what they did because they wanted to. And yes, that includes coming up with the idea that if self defense was often about self confidence and a few easily learned moves that it could possibly help a battered woman. Gosh, I'll go tell him to stop thinking of ways to help people because someone here implied it was creepy.</p>
<p>Momindant, I'll get the book immediately. Thank you.</p>
<p>Tarhunt, University of Chicago was always high on our list, I was afraid his lopsided scores would make applying there a rather long handed reach.</p>
<p>It's really hard to tell about the University of Chicago. It's certainly worth a try. If I were an admissions officer, I'd be very intrigued by a kid who taught himself Greek and Egyptian. Would it be better if the math SATs were higher? Sure. I guess so. But it is what it is.</p>
<p>Thanks again Tarhunt, part of our homeschooling regiment was to use the University's essays to bolster writing and reasoning skills so maybe it's a reach, but a good reach?(I'll keep various thingies crossed) What do you think about St. John's in Annapolis? We fashioned much of our schedule after their great books program.</p>
<p>I think St. John's is a wonderful school and one of the few schools left that are intensely intellectual. My only question would be if your son might not want to try an educational style that's more traditional. But that's up to the two of you.</p>
<p>My scores are nearly identical to your Son's: 770 CR, 580 math, 800 writing (11 essay). I also have an interest in Anthropology with a particular interest in Egyptology. I've applied EA to Chicago, it seems like the perfect school for me and most likely for your son. </p>
<p>One of the Chicago Admissions Officers has said that the school will not deny solely on the basis of SATs.</p>
<p>Tarhunt I think I agree about seeking out a traditional educational style. I'm just perplexed over what schools might fit him best. At the moment I'm stumped...safeties, reaches, matches? Each college we attend makes it sound as if they want self motivated quirky engaging kids, then you hit all the markings of the 2400, prepped to the ears like a Eukanuba dog show contestant and realize that there's words and then there's words. Yes, sometimes I regret pulling him out of the system but then again, when would he have ever had time to learn about Fritz Lang, Joseph Campbell, and Sun Tzu? Knowledge doesn't always bring you points...and I need to remember that.</p>
<p>VertigoFrog are you of the male persuasion? If so do you think your scores could be a hidden hook? May I ask you what other schools you've looked into?</p>
<p>Well...according to collegeboard 75% of the incoming freshmen had over a 670 on the math. I'd estimate that a 590 would put you in the bottom 5-7%. However, your high verbal score will help, and you've shown great passion in your ECs...some of which are very unusual (Hieroglyphics!). I'd say you have a pretty decent shot.</p>
<p>RAMSES - Why not take a look at Brown - they have an ancient studies program there. Your son sounds fascinating and has his own quirkiness :) Just a thought..........</p>
<p>I strongly suggest you PM DianeR. Her daughter was homeschooled and is a sophomore Egyptology major at Brown. </p>
<p>Other colleges to look into, with varying degrees of selectivity:
Bard College*
Beloit College
Boston University
Bowdoin College*
Brandeis University
College of Holy Cross*
College of Wooster
Dickinson College
George Washington University
Hamilton College
Johns Hopkins University
New York University
Pennsylvania State University
Reed College
Tufts University
University of Arizona
University of Chicago
University of Minnesota
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas-Austin
University of Washington
Wesleyan University</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm a guy. How would my scores be a hook? Do you mean in the sense that the trend for guys is better in the math and weaker in the verbal/writing?</p>
<p>Right now I'm looking at Wesleyan, Swarthmore, Amherst, Oberlin, Bard and, as the token 1% reach, Columbia. I would definitely consider Reed as well, if not for its location. If your son is really interested in Egyptology/Anthro/Archeology, Bard and Wesleyan have fairly weak Anthro departments.</p>
<p>I honestly think Chicago would be a perfect fit for your son. It's Anthro and Egyptology program and world renowned, often considered the best in the world. The dean of admissions (Ted O'Neil) came to my school last month and emphasized the importance of the essay over SAT scores. I think [and hope for my own sake] that a 590 would not put him out of the running. They really value the ability to write and it looks like, through your son's scores and accomplishments, that he fits the bill.</p>
<p>VertigoFrog,(you did seem male to me but I didn't want to insult you if you were maybe a girl) I actually did mean 'hook' as in being better in verbal than most males. For some of these schools the male to female ratio makes males seem pretty scarce, I was just wondering(okay, I admit it...hoping) that it was a small tip in the favor of being admitting. Delusional, I know, but I've got to cling to something:))</p>
<p>I'm pretty thrilled that most of the schools mentioned in this thread are the very ones we've been contemplating. Thank you so much Archaeologist for your very helpful list. Chicago was an early favorite so we'll definitely check it out again.</p>
<p>NJres, we've been in touch with the fencing coach at Haverford. I'll check other schools.</p>
<p>JeepMOM, we're ED at Brown. He loved that Brown was digging at Petra. I just think that Brown is looking for 700 and up across the boards on SATs. I know that he gave them a great look at himself through the essays....so whatever decision they make, I have to believe is the right one for everyone concerned.</p>
<p>Archaeologist has given you a good list. My D was also somewhat lopsided--
770 CR 620 M.</p>
<p>She was accepted ED at Brandeis. I think your son has a chance at Brown given his other accomplishments--especially ED. Brandeis now has ED II--good for Near Eastern Studies but not for Ancient Languages other than Hebrew.</p>
<p>St.John's is a good choice too for Ancient Greek etc.</p>
<p>The point about fencing is a good one. Once again, it depends on how good he is. If he were nationally ranked, you would probably already be pursuing this pretty strongly, yes?</p>
<p>There are some DivIII programs out there that, basically, train regular students for their fencing teams. Even a place like Duke doesn't generally attract experienced fencers. You may want to visit the NCAA website and find out what colleges have teams. Vassar, for instance, has a pretty weak team.</p>