Is GS right for me?

<p>First off, before I get asked, I am currently taking my gap year after having graduated high school in three years. Already getting skeptical? Please, do read on.</p>

<p>This current year, I have been working on finishing a series of novels, traveling (with no particular program, but simply exploring the world a bit,) and developing an online business. Which brings me to my first point. Should this business take off, I am unsure of whether or not I will be able to commit as a full-time student while also managing a business. However, as of now, while my grant is currently pending, should I attend GS (assuming all the stars align) it would likely be full-time.</p>

<p>I am a nontraditional student and not only due to this gap year. The past two years of my high school career were completed at an online school (albeit technically a public school.) I did perform well, graduating as Valedictorian and winning two department awards. </p>

<p>Here are just a couple stats to throw around. My SAT score is around 2200 and my ACT is an even spread of 34s. I took three AP Exams and received 5 on them all. </p>

<p>There is of course the other side to my story. I am younger than most GS students. (In fact, in elementary school, I also skipped a grade, making me younger than most CC freshman as well.) I, personally, am confident in my skills to survive without the privileges (referring to housing and location, mainly) that a CC freshman may have. I also live in the Midwest, so university housing would likely be necessary. </p>

<p>I have no formal work experience. Although during my middle school years, I was a working actress in Los Angeles. This is fairly irrelevant considering that was several years ago. My only other experience would be as a freelance commission artist. I would hardly consider that anything though.</p>

<p>I am just very intrigued by the GS community. I tend to bond well with my teachers (both academic and in extracurricular activities.) I know it sounds rather silly, but I do appreciate the wisdom that comes with years and I always love a good story and advice. Besides, I may be young, but I have quite an odd past to talk about myself ('though likely nothing compared to many of yours.)</p>

<p>As you can see, I am obviously quite intent on applying for the GS program (is this post merely to convince myself? perhaps), but I do want honest feedback from current GS students or accepted applicants (congratulations, by the way.) </p>

<p>I also have one question. I understand that you need at least a one year break from formal education. Now does this break refer to a one year break at the time of application submission or a one year break at the time of prospective start as a student? This was terribly worded, but basically I'm asking whether one year must have already passed when you're writing the application.</p>

<p>Anyhow, thank you for reading my terribly long post. Apologies if this was offensive to anyone in any way.</p>

<p>EDIT:</p>

<p>Just to add one more thing that crossed my mind, it seems that it's a bit easier to double major with GS due to the slightly more flexible Core? (Which I would like to do.) I'd love to take on Creative Writing as well as Comparative Literature or Philosophy (although this is subject to change with every passing day.)</p>

<p>Greetings!</p>

<p>You’re right, you’re not the typical GS student. But then, there is no typical GS student! I think you have some potential here. What I would do is schedule an appointment to talk to an admissions representative. Ideally in person if they’re coming to your area soon, but if not on the phone. Tell them what you said here, and see how they react. The technicalities are less important than whether they think you’re a good fit. </p>

<p>Remember also, the financial aid at GS tends to be… not great. If finances may be an issue, you should definitely consider more traditional programs that may provide more grants.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank you for your advice! I will definitely go about doing that (can’t believe I didn’t think of going there first.) </p>

<p>Yes, I have heard that, and I’ll definitely be wary of that.</p>

<p>Again, thanks for your help!</p>