I’m keeping the info I share on this post somewhat vague to avoid anyone I know recognizing me so sorry in advance if my post seems bumpy.
basically I’m applying to transfer to a private school for 12th grade from being homeschooled for 10&11th. The issue is I’m really lost on how the admissions team might view me because I have a lot of unique circumstances with my education. In 9th grade I was bullied for being transgender and missed two months of school due to a illness. that lead to me failing most of my classes freshman year, not due to actually failing the class work but due to missed assignments.
Since being homeschooled I have received nearly straight As and I think a traditional school setting would be better for my final year of education + help through the college admissions cycle would be extremely helpful not to mention all the opportunities this school has that I can do even if I’m only there for one year. Other students have transferred to this school for the 12th grade before so I know it’s possible but I don’t know if a school will be willing to accept anyone with such horrible freshman grades. The strongest part of my application are my extracurriculars I have had leadership roles with a number of youth led political organizations that have made national news and international and I have a small business.
I’m really struggling with grasping how I stand within private school admissions and if it’s a good idea for me just continue being homeschooled instead of looking for other schools if the one I’m apply to does not accept me.
Any help is appreciated! If this is in the wrong area please let me know I will delete
I am so sorry you were bullied out of your school! I think you can explain the circumstances of your grades that year in one of the essays or in a graded writing sample. That sounds like a really good topic for a college entrance essay as well. Your ECs will count for a lot. Good luck - if you don’t end up at an independent high school, you will find your place in college. You might consider Reed College in Oregon, it is very difficult academically but they don’t expect perfect HS grades and it is an extremely inclusive warm community.
I am sorry that you had a tough freshman year and glad to see that you rebounded. I’d think a few things will make a difference in your application. In our area it is almost impossible to get a 12th grade spot. They’d expect at least year repeated. If the school does allow you to graduate from the high school and issue a diploma, I am concerned abou
T the reputation of the school and how high school will view it.
Who issued your grades for high school? Have you submitted test scores? Both of these can give credibility to your ability to perform in a new environment and attest that 9th grade was a fluke.
The school does not need me to repeat a year or anything the only thing the admissions director would tell me is “it’s more so selective for 10-12” but I would say they get the most transfers and they have a rolling admission policy until space is full. The reputation I would say is moderately to low prestigious? We have a lot of good private schools here so it’s hard to rank them.
My school work comes from a program run by a university for high schoolers. everything is auto graded except for papers but my parents get a detailed answer sheet for that. My art classes are graded by a art college teacher. I’m submitting ACT scores I have to retake it but I expect a 32-33 range on my next test. Also worth noting about the schoolwork is they will be viewing my “homeschool portfolio” which gives them a idea of what I have learned so they will get to see my essays, math work etc
The school does not have any graded essay or student questionnaire. But there is a parent questionnaire where my parents can elaborate on my activities and what happened at my previous school. I tried to talk about that topic during my interview but did not have room for it. I’m hoping my parents putting it on there will be enough for them to understand.
Wishing you the best. It’s hard to put yourself out there and wait to be accepted. Regardless, you should always work towards the hardest goal, especially when you are young. Character is important. Best of luck in whatever decision awaits you.