Hi. I really need some external assistance on this. I am looking to early graduate. Most people dislike this concept for people- because it doesn’t really show anything other than being able to complete 4 years in 3. But I just need to get perspective on what my accomplishments even look like. My major goal right now is to get a degree in psychology/social sciences, where I am hands on with people and learning about their behavior- I feel most passionate about this. My home life is very very difficult- I have been living in an emotionally and physically abusive household for so long that it completely warped my perception of myself and life. Basically, I would really really like to get out. The power dynamic of my family is unbearable, and so many people tell me college is worse than high school, but I can’t imagine life getting worse than this. When I figured out I could leave earlier, I took the opportunity. I did 4 dual credit classes over the summer, and now I am graduating with around 29 credits. Three credits come from self-studied AP classes, where I got a 3 on AP Macroeconomics, 4 on AP Computer Science Principles, and 4 on AP Human geography. I did two AP classes in school -AP capstone seminar and AP world history. I got a 5 on both of those. Those are some accomplishments. Sorry, this will be a long thread but I really need help. I was on the deans list during the summer for my dual credit enrollment classes, with an A in all of them. I was 3rd in UIL LD Debate in my district, and 2nd in another tournament. I am a competitor of my chess team, where I participate in tournaments (as a girl, so that’s something) I am President of philosophy club , Co-president of debate club, member of Student Council and NHS, a member of Rotary (interact), former Treasurer and member of Book Club, member of UIL Spelling and Computer Science. I’m also active in theatre- 3 years in HS participating in every play/musical either being a main character, ensemble, or crew. I’ve participated in UIL One Act Theatre where we went to regionals. My GPA unweighted is a 3.98. My GPA weighted is probably like 4.something. My gpa on an 100 scale is 101.67, and my class rank is 9/587. I haven’t taken the Sat yet, but I think I’ll have a 1400+ by November. I took the psat without any studying and got a 1100, which is pretty baseline for not studying. I haven’t taken the ACT, so these are definitely my weaker suits. I volunteer at a project company that donates old supplies to teachers, and I make posters for my school. I know it’s kinda all around but that’s what I’m working with. I really do enjoy being active with my school, I build great memories and learn lots. As for college essays, I’m almost done with my common app, and I have loads of things to talk about. Living as a Palestinian woman in America right now, having a legit abusive mother, and having a father that passed away 2 years ago, who I was very close to, are all things I can describe that changed me and forced me to grow. I was born with a serotonin deficiency, and I have Hashimoto autoimmune disease, if medical conditions mean something. I moved states when I was younger, so I am a year younger than everyone- I’m 15 and graduating at 16, starting college at around 16-17. People tell me to enjoy my senior year and enjoy childhood but this house was never really enjoyable. I can’t imagine what childhood feels like with a household like this. I am simply wondering if I have a good chance to get into a good college. Of course, the high reaching schools have always been my dream because I love the idea of being in a university that has an internationally recognized and super advanced research program. Columbia was my goal for a while but I’m super unconfident, honestly, given my scattered extracurriculars and being an early graduate. Tips, anything, anyone? I want to find scholarships to help me pay but also let me go to whatever college I want. I really would want to go to a college with good stats and I want to make my education an opportunity for growth and change. Even if I stayed an extra year instead of early graduating, I have no idea what classes I would even do. I’ve done everything I need+ self studied extra electives. I would have like 4 real classes so it would lower my GPA given the amount of electives I’d have. I’m just so confused. Everyone is telling me different things. Please be harsh and real about my situation. I need to figure out a realistic way to figure my life out now, because everyone around me is already applying to colleges and I hardly even know what I want to do with my life. It’s so so complex. Thanks if you read this far!
Have you considered the idea of a GAP year? That’s what immediately came to mind.
One thing to consider is if your chosen college will allow you to live in campus housing at your age. Some require you to be 17 and turning 18 within that semester. Just something to look into unless you have other family or friends to live with near your chosen college.
In addition, I am a first year psychology major, and am required to complete 6 hours of active test subject participation for my psych class. Each of my subsequent classes also have this requirement varying in hours. You will find that your participation in research will be limited, if not impossible to be involved in, if under 18.
I have- I only worry that it would lessen my strength as an applicant. I also think my mother wouldn’t let me go if I just worked after school.she wouldn’t let me leave the house
I didn’t want to be a researcher, of course that’s interesting, but I rather be part of a university that is creating ground breaking accomplishments- I want to be around that, in any way. Additionally, you are right about the dorm thing, but most colleges I’m looking into don’t mind
I don’t want to be in research either…it’s required for the Psych major. It wasn’t mentioned in the description online or in any of the class descriptions. Maybe reach out to your potential schools to see if they require anything that may be prohibitive because of your age.
You are welcome to repost under your original account. However, since Terms of Service prohibits multiple accounts, I am closing this thread