<p>Recently I've contemplated switching to a homeschooling based education where I would take a few classes at my CC and then I would study other topics on my own through textbooks. However I'm concerned that colleges might perceive this negatively and believe that for some reason I'm "wishy-washy" since I waited until senior year to do this. I honestly believe that going to a public school is wasteful to my time and I could spend more time studying and cover much more material at home/taking CC classes vs. a high school where I'm subject to the teacher's pace. Of course this applies to CC classes, but I hope that in taking these classes I can gain a higher education, or encounter more experienced teachers. My main question is whether or not doing this would hurt my chances into colleges. Also, for what it's worth I'm in the I.B. Program.</p>
<p>I don’t think that it would hurt your chances. Just make sure to elaborate on what caused you to pursue homeschooling. </p>
<p>Are you going to be teaching yourself everything though (aside from your community college courses)? If so, you might want to consider some form of unschooling method.</p>
<p>I recommend checking out * College Without High School: A Teenager’s Guide to Skipping High School and Going to College * and * The Teenage Liberation Handbook * from your local library. </p>
<p>Both books have quite a few ideas of what you can do to teach yourself material, and I believe that there are a few reflections by teenagers who opted to unschool during their final years of high school.</p>
<p>If you can explain why you chose it without sounding like you’re whining, I don’t think it would hurt. Maybe write your essay on your reasons, plans, and what you’ve already accomplished in summer and early fall. You’ll also need to keep track of your junior year teachers to write letters of recommendation for you. Good luck!</p>
<p>I say go for it. My parents pulled me out of school in 5th grade so we could travel, put me back in for 6th grade, and then pulled me out again when we moved overseas. I stayed “homeschooled” (it’s really an independent study program – online classes, self-taught through books, etc. my parents hardly do anything except help me on the odd calc/chem problem) because all of the English schools were too far away, and when we moved back to the states a few months ago, we figured putting me back in school junior year would just be stupid. I’d have a split transcript – never good. </p>
<p>Be wary of the term “unschooling,” especially if you’re applying to top colleges. It’s a perfectly viable schooling option, and a lot of my closest friends consider themselves “unschoolers” but in a lot of communities it’s really just become a label for “not going to school at all,” which is unfortunate. If you’re considering “unschooling,” give it a better title for your college apps. I like “independent high school,” or “independent learning.” They have a nice ring to them, and it’ll make colleges think you’re ready to take your education into your own hands (which you are).</p>
<p>As long as you don’t obviously slack off, and continue taking some tests to prove that you aren’t (SAT ii, AP, etc.), you’ll be fine. As for online classes, forget Duke’s TIP ones – total waste of time. They used to be very good, but in recent years they’ve gone down hill. Plus, they’re mostly filled with middle schoolers. As a senior, you’d feel very out of place. Northwestern’s CTY has a couple good ones – mostly the computer science ones, the others are pretty much a waste of time. PA Homeschoolers is a group in Pennsylvania that does some WONDERFUL online AP classes – very very good teachers. ChemAdvantage, which is affiliated with PA Homeschoolers, is a great science program. I’m in their AP Chem right now, and it’s a great class (they send you all your lab materials). </p>
<p>Also, if you feel like you might get “lonely,” or “cut-off” from the world (plus, the number one question people love to ask homeschoolers – after ‘do you wear pajamas all day?’ – is ‘how do you socialize?’), I’d recommend joining a club sport. Doesn’t have to be serious, but it’d keep you connected with other kids your own age, and it’ll keep you in shape. Rowing is a good club sport, as is swimming. I’ve done both of those, and it’s always been a lot of fun. Local theatre troops are also a good idea.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>I home schooled my children for seven years, so I am going to play Devil’s advocate here:
If high school is such a waste of time, why didn’t you decide to do home schooling earlier? To begin now may just look like you couldn’t stick it out. For that matter, why not just school yourself for college too? There are many people who feel they can do that as well, if teachers aren’t really needed. What about ECs and the important role they play in the admissions consideration? How will you demonstrate the leadership, team player, commitment level, etc? How will you put together a transcript? Will you get a GED? Or issue yourself a diploma? At this point, you have dealt with high school this far, why not just finish and get the diploma? Oh, and the all important question every high school home school kid hears “What about Prom?”
Realize that if you decide to go the home school route, you will need perhaps to come across even more impressive than the typical applicant when applying to colleges to make it look like you have made the correct decision and flourished on your own. If there is a way with your school to do “dual enrollment”, I would recommend that route at this point - you would get the best of both worlds. Homeschooling is not as easy as it may seem…lots of kids take 1 month of adjustment for every year spent in school. You don’t have that time. Social growth is just as important, and without a network of other home schooled peers, or good friends in the college courses you take, you could feel very isolated at times. Colleges want to know you can be part of the community, not just that you are a strong student academically. Good luck in whatever you decide!</p>