<p>Greetings to All! This is my first time posting on CollegeConfidential,</p>
<p>I am a High School student from New York who has been kept back two grades (due to financial circumstances my attendance has been very sporadic). My rightful grade would have been eleventh. I am trying my best to catch up and excel in my current classes, though, I cant help but think how far behind I am, and how undeserving. What do you suggest I do, if there is any possible solution, to show my true potential?
I am fervently interested in pursuing English Literature and Philosophy as my chosen courses for higher education. I know I have much potential and vigor for my studies and have tangible and intangible experience that shows this. Yet, I feel oppressed by the New York education system for not putting emphasis on actual intelligence, initiative, talent, and ardor; but, instead, only concentrating on a vast (and excessive) series of tests and records that do not express any real meaning. I have been feeling discouraged, but recently, Ive been looking for solutions. I am going to continue to apply myself, but Ive looked into Oxford as a choice for university.
It seems that if I score high on the SATs and ACTs, obtain three A levels in three important subjects, as well as other requisites, I have a chance of getting in. It does not seem as if High School attendance records are a requisite (though I will inquire). Do you think by taking AP classes and pre-SAT classes and by scoring high in all of the required subjects/tests, I can finish High School earlier than projected/get into Oxford? Or do you think this may be a long shot? </p>
<p>I would appreciate any advice for my situation. Thank you very much.</p>