<p>I’m currently a junior at a small public high school in Tennessee that is becoming IB. My stats are typical/above average for Barnard admission, and, should I stay at my high school, I think I have a decent shot of admission.</p>
<p>My mom has had Breast Cancer for the past 4 years and has been getting progressively worse. I help out as much as I can, essentially eliminating most of my social life and extra curriculars. My dad just lost his job, and I feel like I should be doing more to help. I only need one credit to graduate early, but my high school would require me to have a full schedule next year if I were to stay, even though I’ve exceeded the graduation requirements in every other subject. (i.e. I’m currently in AP Calculus, 2 levels above what I’m required to take, but I’d still have to take another math.) It’s their way of combatting senioritis. I hate that I would essentially be wasting my time at high school while my parents are having such a hard time. A 2-year college in the area has a “middle-college” where students take college classes and receive both high school and college credit. It’s like dual-enrollment, but you are enrolled at the college. For the most part, students really only go to state school or community college following middle college, but, this year, a girl got into Stanford from there. If I were to take my last class there, I would be able to get a job to save for college and help out more with my mom. I’m afraid that going to middle-college would look bad and inhibit me getting into Barnard, my dream school, but I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don’t do everything I can for my family. Will Barnard be understanding of my situation?</p>
<p>I can’t believe that Barnard wouldn’t understand your position. I’m no authority on the subject, but if you explain our circumstances in your essay, and why you chose to go to middle college, then if anything it will help.</p>
<p>Your mom is more important than any college – but you will have an opportunity to explain your situation on your application. Talk to someone in Barnard admissions about the situation – they may be able to help you shape your plans. Its possible that if you follow through you might have to apply to Barnard as a transfer rather than as an entering student – that could depend on the amount of college credit you earn at the local CC.</p>
<p>In any case, no matter what happens, you don’t look bad – your circumstances are very understandable and it shows a lot of maturity that you are taking responsibility in your household. I think Barnard would be very happy to enroll a student like you, whenever you are ready to attend.</p>
<p>I absolutely agree with Calmom and Wisher. Do what you feel you need to do and if you are still unsettled about your decision, talk to Barnard admissions. I am almost positive they will be supportive of this. </p>
<p>Best to you and your family. you sound like a strong and compassionate young woman, and Barnard would be the better for having you go there.</p>
<p>When I went to one of the admissions sessions last year the counselor actually talked about a girl they had admitted who had great grades but no extracurriculars and they couldn’t figure out why. The her guidance counselor told them that she went home after school every day to take care of her sick grandmother and they were impressed with her. Point is, I’m sure they’d be understanding with this, and if you have great grades and testing scores and you explain the situation I don’t see why they would fault you for helping your family.</p>
<p>nyc2013 they told me that story too! in fact, she went to school at some freakish hour every morning to complete her homework, and spent all her after-school hours caring for her grandmother. She was admitted.</p>