This is more of a hypothetical question because I’m not really sure what I’m going to do yet. I’ve been going through a difficult period concerning my health (they think it’s some strain of lyme, but results have been inconclusive. but if i have it it will take me a few months to fully recover), and while my grades are as high as they’ve always been and I’m still a good student, going to school has really taken a toll on me both mentally and physically in a way that it hasn’t before and I don’t know if that’s due to senioritis or illness or what. First semester is about to end and I’m thinking of switching to homeschooling and possibly graduating early. The thing is I’m wondering if that would impact me getting into the schools I want to go to, BU in particular, if I were to do so. Since it’s a physical illness I feel like colleges would be more understanding, but idk. I’d only be doing this if I could continue taking the courses I am now without taking a break from my education and could still earn a full diploma rather than a GED or something. I plan on talking to my guidance and crisis councilors on Monday to see what my options are, but they’ll probably sugar coat everything. I just need an upfront answer: how would switching to homeschooling affect my getting into college?
It depends on your state homeschool regulations. NYS, for intance, doesn’t give high school diplomas to homeschoolers. Try Googling homeschool regulations.
As mentioned, it’s going to be very state-specific. What state are you in?
Does your school district have a home-bound or virtual school option? That’s something to consider too.
I should have clarified. By homeschooling I meant taking my classes online using VHS or some other equivalent and then maybe getting a tutor for calculus since that’s my only course that isn’t AP or online. My sister is currently homeschooled and I just assumed that homeschooling for the most part meant an online program nowadays. I’m in MA and VHS (virtual high school) is widely available and people take core-curriculum classes all the time on there, and I took two VHS electives last year and am taking two again this year so it won’t be much of an issue for me. Does that change anything?
I don’t think it’ll be a big issue, since it’s for health reasons. Since you’ve already taken some classes, you know if you’ll enjoy it.
“how would switching to homeschooling affect my getting into college?”
Do what you have to do for your health, but the answer is either neutral or it hurts your chances. It will not help them.
BTW, you say “since it’s a physical illness” but you also say “they think it’s some strain of lyme, but results have been inconclusive”, so they’re not sure yet. In absence of a good diagnosis, adcoms might worry that a nonspecific fatigue/pain syndrome is psychosomatic in character and not be very understanding. I would be careful how/how much you talk about your illness to colleges until you have a Dx in hand.
Your own school system should be able to provide you with a “home and hospital” teacher to help you get through the school year. This is not “home-schooling”. It is a way to finish up your regular classes when you aren’t in good enough shape physically to attend conventional classes.
You are not the first student in this situation. Meet with your guidance officer, and find out what is recommended in your state for students with health issues like yours.