1 year of absence

_rentof2
Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:43:56 +0000

I think having an irregular transcript might work in your favor if you do it right. One option would be to enroll with an online program --many homeschoolers do this, as well as kids who do cyber school for a number of reasons; athletics, performing careers, etc. Also you could put together your own online curriculum. There a several universities that have online classes for high school students that you can take class-by-class without paying for a full-curriculum program. This can be a little expensive (as in $100 - $250 per class), but can end up paying off in the end if it helps get you into a school that meets need.

If you do self study make sure to support your work by taking SAT subject tests at the end of it, or AP tests. My kids have done this. The test scores are a substitute for an institutional grade, although some schools are very open to seeing a portfolio of work too.

You can also do a little of both – a couple university sponsored online classes and the rest self-study. (Most people call it homeschooling.)

It will show that you are a self-starter, disciplined, and independent. I think it would be important in your college apps to explain WHY you chose an alternative path for your last year, but I definitely think it can work for you if you plan it right and do well at it.

Very few schools require a student to graduate from high school, and none of the presitigious ones do. In the cases (usually state schools) that they want a diploma, all will take a GED in addition to your SATs, etc.