<p>I've been homeschooling since 8th grade, but since I came into home-school by skipping a grade, I'm technically going into my junior year, not my senior year. However, for the past 4-5 years, I've always considered myself a year ahead. </p>
<p>I'm considering going back to the original track plan, because I know I am not ready to apply to colleges just yet. My EC's are weak, and so are my test scores, among other things.</p>
<p>Would it be a good idea to spend my next two years (junior + senior) mostly taking dual-credit college classes? I'm taking two courses at my local university this summer, but would it be beneficial if most (or all) my courses for the next two years be at colleges/universities?</p>
<p>Thus, by time I finished high school, I would probably have enough credits to be a sophomore at a university. Then (which was also part of my plan), after spending another year at a certain lower university, I could transfer to a better school, saving a bunch of money.</p>
<p>I haven’t chose specific colleges, but the ones I’ve somewhat considered (U of Chicago, Northwestern, Berklee) have low transfer rates, but that seems to be the case with most colleges. Is it just a matter of keeping up with records and being diligent with matching up credits, or are transfer applicants more fiercely reviewed? I’m a homeschooler and out-of-state, so maybe that’ll help my chances?</p>
<p>When you say you have bad test scores, what does that entail, exactly? This could be a major point, as your considering colleges like Northwestern and UChicago.</p>
<p>My SAT is 1620 (CR: 640, M: 400, W: 580).
SAT Subject Tests - Literature: 740. U.S. History: 680
AP scores - APUSH, 3. AP Lang, 3. I haven’t got my scores for AP European History and AP Lit.</p>
<p>I’ve been considering English majors (Comparative Literature), or music (Voice/Opera).</p>
<p>*I plan on retaking the SAT, and taking the ACT in the future.</p>
<p>If you’re shooting for top colleges like U Chicago, I would definitely give yourself another year. Make sure you have safety schools on your list unless you are actively being recruited for your vocal skills.</p>
<p>If you can take dual-enrolled classes and get straight As, that would help your cause. These colleges take top students from around the country, so you definitely will need top scores, great ECs, and great LORs (and essays).</p>
<p>My d was in the same boat. Sophomore year she decided it would be wise to simply continue educating herself until she was 18, then apply. Grade level is so arbitrary. Anyway, she is doing cc full time and will graduate with an AA (which some schools will apply credit, some won’t). It was a good decision.</p>
<p>As far as Chicago, it has been on her radar forever, but she’s decided against it. It is extremely competitive. You basically have to be one-of-a-kind to get in there. She’s considering it for grad school, possibly. Your scores definitely need improvement if you wish to get accepted, but if that is either not possible or not practical (there are lots of other things to do these last 2 years!) then look at other schools. Just because a school is famous doesn’t mean it’s the best for you. :)</p>
<p>"I’ve always attended public school, and this is my senior year of high school. Is homeschooling an option for me?</p>
<p>Homeschooling is always an option. The question is whether it is the right option for your particular situation.</p>
<p>Homeschooling offers a young adult many advantages. You are not bound by the school year or timetable. You can tailor your curriculum to meet your needs, your interests, and your schedule. You can take as many or as few courses as you choose, in whatever subjects you wish. You have far more scheduling flexibility than the typical high school student. Many homeschooled teens have combined their senior year studies with community college courses, paid work, community service, internships, or travel.</p>
<p>Homeschooling in Virginia is easy for any grade level, including 12th grade. The requirements are the same for every grade level. Your parents have to submit a notice of intent to the school division at the beginning of the school year (or whenever you withdraw from school), along with a description of the curriculum you will be following. At the end of the school year, you have to demonstrate evidence of progress through a standardized test or evaluation, and submit the results to the local school division."</p>
<p>I was interested in this as we are homeschooling our daughter (senior). She had to leave her school for health reasons in April so has incompletes in some areas of her junior transcript. I am interested in the flexibility you mention - she will definitely take a gsp year after this year and I am wondering about spreading her academic load over 3 semesters leaving the 2nd semester of her gap year for travel or some other “adventure”. Do colleges look down on light courseloads? ie if she only did 4 classes this year not 5?</p>