fostergirl

Hi everyone. So this is my first time posting :P hope to get some good answers. I am graduating in November, and i am taking my Math courses with a tutor that is teaching them to me (algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2) NOTE: I am graduating 2 years early, my original graduation date was 2014. So i have taken most of my classes, but i have 8 left, usually i do Universal Class, and have made all A's and B's. I want to Apply to Penn State, and NC State as a under grad to study Pre-Vet, so i know NC State is a no brainer, it's pretty easy to get into. But Penn state is more difficult, i want to take the remaining classes (5 of the 8) in Honors. Are there any good and reputable HONORS courses for homeschoolers out there?? That are affordable?

GeekMom63

When you read this, imagine a loving aunt saying this with popcorn on the couch, not a mean jerk. This will read like criticism, and I guess it is, but it's really designed to be constructive criticism instead of insulting.

I don't think you should graduate two years early in order to go to a science field when you've only got Algebra 2. Your youth is a handicap to schools, not an advantage; they want to see that you have maturity AND academic preparation. IMO, you show lack of maturity by being in such a hurry to move on without having taken the opportunities normally available to someone your age, and lack of academic preparation by only having Alg 2 when you want to go into science.

As far as your question goes... I don't have experience with the packaged curricula. But as a homeschooler, can't you make anything more rigorous by reading all the books instead of a selection, or using 5 sources instead of three in your papers, etc.? Another option is to delay graduation a year and take some community college classes dual-enrollment with your homeschool so you will be more attractive to four-year schools. It's important that you do dual-enrollment so that you aren't forced to apply as a transfer, which is harder in many schools.

fostergirl

Thanks, but i have already considered that. I do not think my age will matter much as long as i show i can handle the difficult classes, many people graduate at 16. MANY people. And they are accepted into great colleges. I am not immature by any means. I may extend until April so that i can get in another Math, but i am not postponing my graduation another year.

Also for anyone else who knows a Honors Program for homeschoolers. I want to take the honors for these classes. IF possible/available. Physics, American Government, American History, English Literature.

tofugirl101

May I ask you why you are trying to graduate so fast? Sure, you can be done with high school at age 16 and not be prepared at all, but is it really worth it? I second what GeekMom63 said about focusing on your math courses, especially if you want to be a vet.

GeekMom63

I'm aware that many people graduate at 16 and go to great colleges, and I have no doubt you can do the same. I'm just saying that your lack of higher math could be a problem. If you're determined to go so early, I'd highly recommend postponing graduation until May and taking more math in a local college dual-enrolled with homeschool, or taking more with your tutor. It won't make much difference in starting four-year college because most are on a fall-start anyway.

Good luck!

sbjdorlo

OP,

You sound mature and thoughtful. I am with Geekmom, though, in wondering about the fit of someone only having taken math through Alg. II wanting to go into pre-vet. Do you, perhaps, have really strong SAT I and SAT II math scores? That might help.

As far as honors courses, are you looking for some accredited online courses through a high school or university? PA Homeschoolers has AP courses online. So does U of Mo. The Potter's School has honors and AP courses, as well.

pocogato

You should consider taking AP courses and not just honors courses if you're hoping to prove your ready for college at 16. Vet school is super competitive these days and you need to enter college ready to perform well.

Creekland

I agree with all of the above. Many students do graduate at 16, but they've also already done higher levels of math by then IF heading into a science or STEM field. They at least have finished Pre-Calculus if not the first semester of Calculus. My two older boys were both finished with Alg 2 and Geometry after 9th grade. We didn't graduate either of them early as I saw no need. They enjoyed time with their peers and had more challenging classes afterward here at home along with a few at the local community college.

Yes, you might get into "a" college with just Alg 2, but getting into a highly respected college with a "pre-vet" track will be difficult IMO. It's a competitive field. Plus, you'll be taking remedial math once you hit the four year school when your peers are taking the "normal" math classes associated with their major.

What are your SAT/ACT scores? Remember, with the exception of a question or two on the ACT, those tests only go up to Alg 2, so you could have done well on them without knowing the rest of the math your peers will know.

Having Bs and graduating early is also not likely to be impressive to top schools, esp if those Bs aren't in AP level classes.

Being bored with high school or wanting to get out of the nest early is one thing and it is pretty common. Being ready for a higher level U is another.

fostergirl

Thanks everyone who answered. I am just reading these . I have considered everything, my reasons for having to graduate early are not really important right now. But i do need to graduate early.

I have considered the fact that i need more math (especially since i struggle in the subject. I do want to go to a good college. Penn State, Cornell, UC Davis. All of which are very inportant. I think i will take another course of math before graduating. Vet school is super competitive. Wish i would have gotten some answeres about honors haha! But thanks anyway!

Stephypom

I took all those honors classes through California Virtual Academy. Its free and most states have the free k12 program. They have honors in almost every subject. I have taken honors chem, world history, american literature, algebra 2, geometry, american history, and English 2. They also have honors american government and a few others. If you want to know more send me a mssg. They also have many AP's.