LazyBookworm

I'm currently a high school freshman, and I'm home schooled. I've been home schooled for most of my life, and I live in a small town. There aren't many opportunities in my town. I'm worried that it will be a problem when I apply for college in the future, since extra-curricular activities are very important in the admission process.

I live in south Florida, but not nearby any cities like Miami or Orlando or Fort Lauderdale or anything. There aren't any book clubs or things that a person can really do over here. Choir/orchestra membership at local places is very expensive, as are dancing lessons/martial arts/music classes/ETC.

I have considered making my own club or something just for fun, but I don't know many people who would want to join. It really sucks because I know as a home schooler, college admission people will be expecting more unique and interesting things from somebody who has more time compared to my public school counterparts.

But in reality, when you're home schooled in the middle of nowhere, you really do have all this time... But nothing to do! I really do want to do something productive, but I doubt there's anything that I can do by myself that will be impressive compared to other applicants.

Also, my father works almost 10 hours a day everyday(He's self employed), so it's sometimes difficult for him to find the time to be able to drive us places(Like the library or to the bookstore or something) when he's busy working all of the time. I sometimes help my father with work, but otherwise, he leaves us home where we study most of the time. In my town, you cannot go anywhere unless you have a car. It's dangerous otherwise.

It seems like the only solution would be to move somewhere else, but that's impossible right now. Are there any suggestions of what to do in my situation? Any input will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

NeedAVacation

What are your interests? Is there anywhere you can volunteer? Work on some kind of science projects at home? 4-H projects? Art? My daughter has entered several writing contests and has won a couple of national awards. (If you like to write, I'll send you a link to contests via PM.) With a name like LazyBookworm - maybe you can pursue a course of self-study in the Classics with online assistance? Or are you interested in computers? You could self-study programming. Maybe when you're old enough to get a driver's license, you'll have more access to transportation which will allow you to expand on whatever interests you can pursue now.

GeekMom63

What s/he said. It's nice if you can join clubs, but there are still other options. Volunteer at the vet clinic/hospital/elementary school/library, get a job, etc. Since driving is an issue, ask your dad to take you to the place when he leaves in the morning and you stay there all day one day a week. There are lots of teach-yourself-programming books.

What are you using for curriculum for your academic classes? Does Florida have oversight of homeschoolers? Are you officially registered as a homeschooler if Florida requires it? The colleges are going to demand that you've followed the rules of your state.

Do you have plans for four years of English, finishing at least precalc/trig, 3 - 4 years social studies, 2 - 4 years science, some foreign language?

Good luck!