<p>Due to some recent developments (I don't want to have to defend myself, but I'm willing to explain them if it's relevant), my parents and I are discussing the possibility of my leaving high school after this year (my junior year) and applying to colleges now.</p>
<p>This year I'm enrolled in 5 AP classes (6, if you count macro and microeconomics as separate classes), and in my freshman and sophomore years I took 11 honors courses. I don't have official SAT or ACT scores yet (but I can still sign up for the Dec. ACT). My practice tests from this time last year were around 30-32 ACT and 2000-2100 SAT; it'll probably increase a little when I take the actual test. My ECs from last year are pretty solid.</p>
<p>So, I'm just wondering what my options are at this point? I know it's extremely late in the admissions calendar. The UCs don't require transcripts or recommendations, so I don't think applying there would be too difficult. Any other options? Suggestions?</p>
<p>This late in the game, it might be wiser to look into dual enrollment next year instead of leaving early. Think of it this way: is attending a “second-rate” college a year early better than dealing with another year of high school and attending a better one?</p>
<p>Granted, I don’t know what these “developments” are in your case, and they may well merit you getting out of high school early. I just think that further down the road, you will be better served by sticking it out through senior year.</p>
<p>arklogic, are you sure? I didn’t see anything on the UC website that said that applicants needed to complete four years of high school, but I may not have been looking in the right places.</p>
<p>Most of the super-selective colleges don’t require a HS diploma. Ironically, it’s only as you move into the “second tier” that HS graduation is an admission requirement. You can do a quick search to find out the policy of individual schools at collegeboard.com. Look at the “Admissions” tab and scroll down to High School Preparation. (According to CB, the UCs seem to require a HS diploma.) </p>
<p>Candidates for early admission are typically expected to have off-the-charts type of profiles; you should probably discuss your situation directly with schools that you’re interested in.</p>
<p>I’m not a big fan of the dual enrollment idea. The closest college to me is UVM and my school doesn’t subsidize, so that’s >$1000 per class.</p>
<p>MarathonMan88 - The link doesn’t work…? </p>
<p>Also, my stats aren’t that great, but I still feel that, beside the personal aspects, I’m still better off applying this year. Maybe I’ll have a few more AP classes next year, but my ECs will be significantly worse and I probably won’t be able to garner any awards. I doubt my chances would be much better.</p>
<p>I’ve also heard of some people getting credit for their last year of high school in their first year of college?</p>
<p>And are there any colleges that are more friendly to early graduates?</p>
<p>Then click on “College Search”
Type in the name of any college in which you’re interested
Select the “admissions” tab
Scroll down to the “High School Preparation” section
You’ll find a statement that a HS diploma either is or is not required</p>
<p>Have you heard of Simon’s Rock? They’re a four-year liberal arts college specifically for academically advanced students with two or three years of high school. Their application deadline isn’t until May 31, so you’d have plenty of time to weigh your options.</p>
<p>You can apply to UCs without a diploma or the a-g requirements. I think it is called Application by Exam. You need the SAT + two SATIIs. Each score is scaled to 100 points, with a total possible of 500 points. I think you need 420something to be considered.</p>
<p>quaere - I’ve never heard of that before. Does it have a similar social atmosphere to other colleges, considering the students are younger? What about graduate school placement?</p>
<p>anotherparent - I suppose UCs are not an option for me? The SAT sign-ups for the Dec. tests have already passed.</p>
<p>MarathonMan88 - That’s a really good thread, but I think my situation is different so late in the game. I’m more interested in what colleges I actually have a shot at.</p>
<p>USC Honors College accepts 30 going into their senior year. I know they’re still taking apps coz my son got an invitation letter about a week ago.</p>
<p>Cornell University says “If you’d like to apply to college after only 3 years in high school, Cornell will give your application serious consideration. You should contact the director of admissions in the college(s) that interest you at the university to obtain her or his “OK” to apply, before filling out the application.”
[Cornell</a> University Undergraduate Admissions Office - HOW TO APPLY](<a href=“http://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/firstyear/other.cfm]Cornell”>http://admissions.cornell.edu/apply/firstyear/other.cfm)</p>
<p>MattsMomFL - Can you share some of your son’s stats? The program seems really selective. I don’t have any leadership or AP scores…</p>
<p>MD_Mom - I’d love to go to Cornell, but I really don’t know if my application is strong enough to apply.</p>
<p>What about a much less selective school? If I were to spend a year there and then apply as a transfer student to a more prestigious college? Is it significantly worse to apply as a transfer than as a freshman?</p>
<p>Should I also consider homeschooling myself next year or a private/boarding school?</p>
<p>I don’t have any first-hand experience with the social scene at Simon’s Rock. (I wanted to go there, but my parents didn’t want me leaving HS early.) I’ve heard that the students are generally very mature, bright, and motivated. It also has a reputation for being quirky/eccentric/alternative, which may or may not be your thing. You could get a more accurate answer from students [here[/url</a>] or [url=<a href=“http://community.livejournal.com/simonsrock/]here[/url”>Simon's Rock College's Journal]here[/url</a>].</p>
<p>Their grad school placement is excellent - see [url=<a href=“http://www.simons-rock.edu/about/our-alumni/after-simons-rock/]here[/url”>http://www.simons-rock.edu/about/our-alumni/after-simons-rock/]here[/url</a>]. One thing worth noting is that students can choose to study at Simon’s Rock for four years and earn their bachelor’s degree, or they can earn a two-year associate’s degree and then transfer to another school to finish college. The students who choose to transfer tend to get into a pretty impressive list of schools.</p>
<p>roflcopter - Well, I think HSing is a great option. You can do a number of things - take some classes at a cc, take some online AP classes, or self study, pursue some unconventional interests, etc.</p>
<p>If you are good at self study, you could consider leaving mid semester and then self study for the AP exams.</p>
<p>It doesnt sound like you are really a good match for early admissions to a college because you do not have your SATs, etc.</p>
<p>His stats are pretty comparable to yours (at least as far as they’re aware - he did bring his PSATs up dramatically since last year, but they don’t know that yet). I’d go for it. The program really looks very interesting.</p>