<p>I'm a 21 yr old just beginning their college search. I've spent the past few years working/traveling and I feel the need to change my lifestyle. I'm searching for a group of people and/or an institution that's going to support my intellectual development without stifling my creativity and independence. Because of this, I've ruled out the vast majority of colleges. I'm not interested in going to a college that requires students to meet certain general education or major requirements. </p>
<p>I'm interested in finding a place where I can continue to pursue my current activities while delving into my new interests. Throughout the past few years I've spent much time developing my more artistic and athletic interests while gaining a "real world" perspective i.e. working full time, paying my own bills, and understanding different cultures. I'm at a point that I want to maintain my artistic and athletic interests, but I want to further develop my intellectual interests.</p>
<p>I'm not interested in going to college to receive a degree to enhance my ability to get a job nor am I wanting to go to college and aimlessly follow various interests. I'm seeking a college where I can bring my interests to the table and meet with students and professors who will make suggestions as to the best way to accomplish what I want to. I want to create my own course of study and develop my own assignments. I'm not interested in a college that requires students to write essays and take tests if there are more beneficial options for the student.</p>
<p>Marlboro, Bard, Hampshire, Bennington, Sarah Lawrence, New College of FL and College of Atlantic are all colleges that have been recommended for me. It's also been recommended that I attend a more traditional college strong in science, math, and engineering as a non-traditional student so I can choose which courses and assignments I'd like to participate in without the restraint of meeting gen. ed. requirements or choosing a major. </p>
<p>I have three priorities that have to be met. 1.) I need to be able to set my own educational path with assistance/input from professors; 2.) I'd like to find a college that has the resources I need as they arise whether within the college or through connections outside the college; 3.) I either need a sizable financial aid package or have the ability to take some time off so I don't go into debt.</p>
<p>I should also add, I have a GED and I didn't complete a single high school course (I'm not going into any more depth). I took the SAT in, what should have been, my sophomore year and made somewhere around a 1600. </p>
<p>I'd really like input on the idea of attending a traditional college as a non-traditional student vs. finding a more non-traditional college.</p>
<p>Thanks for any suggestions</p>