<p>Well, I'm going to try to Shimer college as an Early Entrant, but I would like a little more clarification. How important are the grades? Do they have housing on campus? If I'm accepted, I'll be 16 going on 17, so will I be able to move from here (Kentucky) to Illinois by myself?
I also want to know how busy life is there, and what the people are like.
I appreciate any input I get.</p>
<p>I’m a Shimer alum (via the early entrance program), and I heartily recommend it. So, congratulations on your excellent judgment! 
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<p>My experience of Shimer antedates the move to Chicago, though, so I can’t tell you much about day-to-day life… However, the Shimer community was a very close-knit, supportive place when I was there, and I’m in touch with enough members of the current community to be confident in saying that that hasn’t changed. In fact, Shimer has managed to cultivate something that seems to be very rare among colleges: a community of students who are intensely committed to learning, but also very laid-back and friendly. You won’t find the kind of cutthroat competitiveness at Shimer that a lot of other “serious” schools are known for.</p>
<p>In terms of grades, I’m not sure whether you mean high-school grades, or grades at Shimer … If high-school grades, they’ll certainly get some attention, especially for an early entrant, but will be considered in combination with test scores (SAT/ACT), your essay and interview, letters of recommendation, etc. So – without knowing the details of your situation – I’d say good/bad grades in isolation shouldn’t be cause for either despair or rejoicing. </p>
<p>There is on-campus housing (contracted through IIT, I believe). I don’t know about the logistics of moving; if it gets to that point, I would get in touch with folks at Shimer for guidance on things of that nature.</p>
<p>BTW, if you haven’t seen it, [this</a> video](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube) portrays Shimer uncannily well.</p>
<p>Thank you for your reply, it makes me feel even more confident in my choice. I was talking about high school grades, some of them are bad because I went through a couple bouts of depression and I don’t want those affecting my chances of getting into the school.</p>
<p>Hey there,</p>
<p>As a recent alum with a great deal of familiarity with the admission process, I can say that as an Early Entrant, the admission requirements differ a little from normal entry. If your grades have been somewhat lopsided, then you’ll need to be in the top quartile of either your class rank or test scores (if not your GPA). But, Shimer knows you aren’t just your grades, so I would work most carefully on your writing samples (you could even write a letter to the Admission Committee who’d be reviewing your application) and on the personal interview you’ll have with a counselor once all your paperwork is in. Shimer works closely and personally with all of its applicants, so don’t let concerns about grades deter you from applying.</p>
<p>In terms of moving, you’ll absolutely be able to live on your own (Shimer encourages but does not require its first-year students to live on-campus), and you would not be the only student in recent history starting Shimer at 16. Academics will keep you busy - I would estmate perhaps 3-5 hours of prep/reading time per class meeting, at least - but if you love the kind of thing that Shimer offers - self-driven learning, passionate readers, writers and thinkers, an accepting and supportive community, and a potentially life-changing college experience - then most of it won’t feel like work. Many students do in fact find time to work while studying full-time, but that’s up to you.
Generally people at Shimer are very genuine. They want to know you as you, and respect hard work and thoughtful questions, and open-mindedness. they’re serious about academics, but also laid-back and informal both in class and out of it. You’ll notice this as soon as you come visit. 
it was certainly the best thing I could have ever done for myself.</p>
<p>When you say test scores, you mean the ACT/SAT, correct? Also, what would the letter entail? Would I send the letter with the rest of my application?
Thank you for your reply by the way, it’s very helpful.</p>