I’m a homeschooled student and I’m starting my first college in-person classes on the 13th. I’ve been taking college courses, since summer of my 8th grade year and they’re relatively easy, but after being homeschooled for two years, I’m not sure whether or not I’m ready to make friends. I’m a little nervous because of the age difference and I, overall, just don’t feel like I’m mature enough for that sort of environment. I’m taking a COMS course, so any advice would help. (Some part of me still wants to bring my plushie to school…please tell me everyone else wants to do that too.)
I forgot to mention I’m 15…
If you don’t feel ready, then why are you doing it? There is absolutely no need for a high school freshman to attend college classes. Do you need a more accelerated curriculum? Homeschooling in general should offer some flexibility in terms of acceleration, no? What are your other options, and what made you choose this one? I will say I am concerned for you socially: if you need practice making friends, you would be far better off starting with kids your own age rather than with literal adults. This just does not sound like a good situation to me.
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My college sophomore daughter got a squishmallow for Christmas. I would image you might see a few people with keychain plushies on their backpacks!
I think 15 is too young in most cases to live at college but you should be fine just taking a class.
I will say that a lot of college student friendships are forged in the dorms and not always in classes so don’t worry if you don’t find a bestie in class.
Are you taking this class at Community College or a 4 year school?
Hi, thanks so much for the advice. It’s not really the classes themselves that are hard. It’s just I had no choice, but to attend in person. I really want to get my Associate’s Degree for Nursing by the time I’m 18. I have other options just like leading the life of a normal highschooler, but I’ve always lived by the saying, “Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.” It’s not so much about being known, but being able to say I’ve done what I can with the potential I have. I’ve had my friends my own age, but not so much of a good experience. Again, thank you so much for the advice and I’ll definitely keep it in mind.
Are you in scouts, an athletic team, volunteering with kids your own age at an organization in town? These might be easier ways to make friends than college students you see for an hour at a time…
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Hi! Honestly, that’s so great to hear. I love plushies and have a fairly large collection. I’m taking it at a community college, so my parents are bringing me to and from. It’s just I have this one plushie I bring everywhere, even if I’m 15. I guess, it’s a little immature, but it’s just one of those things I bring with me.
I go to work and that’s usually where I interact with people. I work at a dojo and take classes there as well, but I’ve never really interacted with the people their outside of that environment. My class is actually for 4 hours and a half. I think volunteering would be a great idea, since it also contributes to what I can put on my resumes. Thank you!
What happens at 18 that would be meaningfully different than if you got your Associates Degree at 19 or 20?
It’s terrific you have a job. But both classes and job-- sounds like limited social opportunities. One of my kids volunteered at a local food pantry-- the group became pretty tight. The job was to stock shelves and pack bags- so plenty of time for chit-chat and “get to know you” conversations!
I’m planning to go to uni in Seoul at 18 and I’m hoping to be a nurse working in pediatrics. My goal is to be a pediatric doctor and I think taking college classes now would speed up the process, since getting a degree in my major takes a long time. I work at the front desk, so I’m pretty much talking to people all day, but there’s no one to really connect with. I’d really love to do something like that sometime. I’m also part of a choir, but I’m the youngest their too. Thanks again.
Are you planning on doing your medical training in Seoul? If you are planning on med school in the US, becoming a nurse first won’t speed things up for you. I don’t know the system elsewhere.
In addition, I was under the impression that US medical schools weren’t terribly fond of DE credits…Perhaps I am wrong about that? Or maybe the OP does not intend to go to a US medical school?
Yes. I’m planning to apply at Seoul National University. I have some other options within the US, but SNU is my top choice. The current situation in South Korea is that they’re running low on pediatricians, so I’m hoping that’ll make it a little easier for me.
Hi! Yes, I’m planning to study in South Korea. However, this is the first I’ve heard of DE credits. I haven’t really looked too much into, since I’m on AG credit courses right now.
In the US, planning to become a pediatrician won’t help you in the med school application process whether there is a shortage/surplus of pediatricians. All med students take the same curriculum (more or less) and it’s during residency (AFTER you become an MD) that you’d focus on your particular specialty. Just so you understand the process here. And med school in the US starts AFTER you get a four year bachelor’s degree…
I didn’t know any of this beforehand, so thank you for letting me know. I kind of feel like that’s all the more reason I should get started with my college years now. This definitely blew up in proportion from trying to make friends. If you have any other input, I’d love to hear it.
You are 15. I know you won’t believe me, but you have PLENTY of time to worry about your career as a pediatrician! You can focus on being a great student, a terrific employee, a good friend, and a solid member of your community and STILL become a doctor down the road!
Re: the college friendships- it may happen, it may not. If you can get to campus a little early to have a cup of tea or a soda in the student center/cafe before class, or stay later to chat as everyone is packing up their backpacks that will help. Dashing in 30 seconds before the professor and heading out the second class ends will not be conducive to people starting conversations with you. But if you keep a friendly smile and just be a generally nice person (lend someone a pen when you see them frantically trying to find one in their pocket once class starts, etc.) you’ll increase the odds that you can start having casual conversations with your classmates.
There are a couple of very knowledgeable med school/medical education posters on here. So if you have specific questions about how the system works in the US, they can help you.
But even with your ambitious goals- I don’t see why you need to become a nurse by age 18!
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Thank you so much. That was really comforting and it means a lot. While I don’t have anyone behind me with unrealistically high expectations, I made them for myself. I’ll definitely think of slowing down a little to include time for myself.
*I’ll let you know how my first day goes!
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In my area there are a lot of homeschoolers and traditional high school students who do dual enrollment or middle college at the community colleges so I think you might meet some friends your age. Community College is much more diverse age wise than 4 year college.
I’m not sure your plan for an associates in nursing is the best plan for med school. On the surface it seems like getting an Associates in Nursing might help you in your way, but it may actually be detrimental. You should do some more research on that. It’s my understanding from my reading here on College Confidential that US med schools don’t look favorably on science courses taken in Community College and prefer them from a 4 year school, but that’s just something to research. I am not sure.
And I certainly don’t know anything about medical school in South Korea. Are you planning on living in South Korea after you complete med school? I don’t think that a medical degree from South Korea would allow you to practice in the US without further qualifications. Again something else to research.
I would not worry at all about being 15 and in Community College (with or without a plushie). You may have other 15 year olds in your class and some people in their 20s, 30s, and on up to retirement age. It’s very mixed age wise.
I would worry about taking too many science courses beyond General Education/ IGETC/UGETC classes. Talk to your Community College Advisor. They probably won’t be able to advise on med school but they can help you on the right pathway to transfer to a 4 year school.
Just try to get As in any Community College classes. They do count on your college record and having excellent grades is one step to getting into a 4 year school and onto med school after that.
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Hi! Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. After reading your reply, I’m starting to realize there are a lot of loopholes in my plan. And yes, I’m planning to live and practice in Korea. I’ll be doing lots of research and I appreciate the guidance.
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