To Home School or Not?

<p>I currently attend high school and am in the middle of my junior year. My school is unusually small - 240 students total for four grades. I have taken several classes at the local community college, but nothing major. After living here for three years, I still have no friends - a few acquaintances, but no actual bonds. Since our town is so small, there aren't many other kids. School is vaguely interesting at best, but moves slowly. I'm ranked 1/63, have a 'perfect' GPA. I'm very driven, and if matters, I live in Nevada. Do you think homeschooling is a viable option for me? If I did decide to do it, would I have to wait until next year? Would stopping school now effect college admissions - would it be frowned upon? If it matters, my test scores are strong and I am hoping to apply to top schools. Thank you very much!</p>

<p>ever_after, that's a very tough question. It sure sounds like a whole year of homeschooling would do you good personally, but being ranked first in your class so close to finishing is a hard position to give up.</p>

<p>My gut feeling is that if you do switch to homeschooling, you should finish up this semester at school. You'd want it to be very clear to college admissions officers that you made the decision for positive reasons, and not under duress. Stopping in the middle of a semester probably wouldn't look good. </p>

<p>Beyond that, it would depend on what you actually do with the year, and how you present it in your applications. If you can make a strong case that you were unable to accomplish things that were important to you while in high school, it could be a plus.</p>

<p>Another approach would be to attend community college full time next year. Many CC's don't require high school diplomas, and you would probably still be able to apply as a freshman after just one year of CC. </p>

<p>Yet another thing to consider, although it's probably too late for the colleges on your list, would be to apply as a junior, with the plan to skip your senior year of high school. Competitive schools have been known to admit students a year early. Although an unlikely option at this point in the cycle, it might be worth calling some schools on your list to see if that might still be possible.</p>

<p>Stay in school. Colleges are short of people from Nevada. You could go anywhere you want. Work on your extra-curriculars and keep taking college courses. Begin a volunteer organization. Right now is the right time. Apply next year Early Decision. Time will go fast.
This summer, do something related to what you want to major in. Start taking the SAT II's and the SAT I.</p>

<p>If you apply as a entering freshman to universities, you have a much better chance of getting scholarships. As a transfer, you won't have that ability.</p>

<p>We homeschool, but quitting after your junior year is not wise. Finish it up. The schools will understand that you did not have much to do at your school. That's to your advantage. Fill your mind and time with other things. Join a group that has adults in it, like church. You may get along better with them.</p>

<p>Just all fast, random thoughts. Take them or leave them.</p>

<p>Thank you for your replies, I will certainly take them into consideration.</p>