Hello! I am just starting my college search proper, and I would like some suggestions. Assume no cost constraints; the only geographical constraint is requiring that the college be in the contiguous U.S.
GPA: 4.0 UW, no weighted GPA and no APs
Highest level courses: Real analysis and abstract algebra; I’ve nearly maxed out my local college’s math courses
SAT: 1510 (750 R&W, 760 Math)
Intended major: Math and “x” (may do a double major—possibly even pairing math with a non-STEM field—but not sure what the other major would be yet)
Extracurriculars: Tutoring at my local college
Note: I am homeschooled, so I have only taken dual enrollment classes at a local college—no actual high school classes.
We cannot assume that, unless you confirm (after speaking with your parents) that they’re comfortably able and willing to pay up to $95k a year over 4 years. If yes, then great - we can make that assumption and move on. But if not, then there is a cost constraint and we need to know your budget.
It’s pointless for posters here to suggest schools that ultimately turn out to be unaffordable.
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I can narrow it down after receiving suggestions.
Cost is the first thing you need to get a handle on.
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What state do you live in?
In addition to your math courses, have you also taken 4 years of each of the other core subject areas? (English, Soc Studies, Science, Foreign language)
You will receive better suggestions if you narrow down what you are looking for in a college….setting, geography, size, vibe, budget and the like.
ETA: it seems like your ECs are light, how do you spend your time outside of classes/studying/tutoring? Do you have a job? Play a sport? Etc.
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Ok. What is your home state?
Will you have taken calculus by the time you graduate?
Tagging math major and very knowledgeable poster @DadTwoGirls for his input.
1: GA
2: I haven’t been able to take 4 years of each, but I’ve taken three history courses, a criminal justice course, introductory chemistry, and two English courses (again, all through dual enrollment).
3: Nothing in particular except an academic vibe.
4: Tutoring is a job. I do not have particularly many hobbies outside of reading.
Given how advanced you are already in math, you are going to need something beyond what most LACs can offer. Look at state flagships, particularly for your safeties and targets.
I often suggest Utah as a great safety for math, it attracts quite a few strong students, and has had great success in winning Churchill scholarships:
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You have taken no foreign language?
No physics or bio?
What are your senior year classes?
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OP says that they have taken real analysis at a local college.
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1: I haven’t taken those classes. I haven’t had the opportunity to take any foreign languages because every time I’ve tried to find a Spanish class (the only foreign language offered at my local college) it’s been filled.
2: Abstract algebra, real analysis, calculus 3.
You may want to take the following at the local college this coming year:
- French, German, or Russian (2nd semester college is probably equivalent to 2nd or 3rd year high school). Reading knowledge of these languages is commonly recommended or required for math PhD programs due to math research papers being written in them.
- Physics and biology.
- If colleges of interest want to see a visual or performing arts course, take such a course.
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I’m going to advise you to speak with an admissions officer at UGA. I believe two years of FL are required for home school students applying to any GA public. BUT I’m not certain, and I do think there can be exceptions.
https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section4/C328
The lack of core courses is likely to be an issue at many schools. Look for online schools to pick up classes like FL that you can’t get at your CC…you can start this summer. Make sure to take DE bio and physics senior year.
U of Utah is an excellent suggestion, and would also contact their admissions staff with these questions. Basically, that’s what you are going to have to do with every school that makes it to your list. Direct costs at U Utah are $50K for OOS students, will that be affordable for your family?
@hebegebe do you have any experience with a home school student strong in math?
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Agreed. And possibly not enough to earn a high school diploma. OP, will you be able to fulfill the Georgia requirements for a high school diploma?
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I have concerns about not meeting the GA graduation requirements as well; however, I know there are some alternate paths for home schooled students. Here are the typical requirements:
https://www.gafutures.org/college-planning/college-decision-guide/graduation-requirements/
OP, if you’ve not already done so, I suggest scheduling a call with someone at GA Board of Regents or GAFutures to do a transcript review and discuss paths to receiving a GA HS diploma (if there is an issue).
Once you’ve confirmed that, your next challenge will be how colleges evaluate your record. It doesn’t seem you’ve met the minimum requirements of most universities, but you can contact a few schools of interest and get input from an admissions advisor. I agree with the suggestion to start by contacting UGA. Be prepared that you may be advised to start at CC, which may limit your access to high level math.
UGA requirements for admission:
I’m pretty sure we have a poster who had GA homeschooled kids. I’ll try to remember and tag them for input. Maybe @kokotg ??
Edit: I missed that @Mwfan1921 already linked the Board of Regents graduation requirements. 
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Look at what the university of California requires - it’s a good basis for most any school. It’s a minimum - ideally you should target more. I linked below.
UMD is a great school for math. Obviously Ga Tech at home is great - and I surmise UGA, Kennesaw, Ga State and more would be great too.
If cost becomes a concern, any of the SEC and ACC schools will be great.
If you want smaller, they are out there too - schools like Vanderbilt, Emory, SMU (known for math), William & Mary, RPI.
But - first thing is first - you need a budget before you look at any schools. Applying to schools your family can’t afford is time wasting and every student who comes on here and says - I’ll worry about money later or assume I can afford - when they can’t or their folks say - why would I spend $400K when I can $100K - is wasting time.
But it does sounds like you might not even meet high school graduation requirements and I’d look into that first and foremost.
Good luck.
Subject requirement (A-G) | UC Admissions (universityofcalifornia.edu)
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The diploma isn’t the big issue; in Georgia the homeschooling parent issues the diploma, and there are no set graduation requirements for homeschoolers. But being able to say you’ve legally graduated doesn’t mean anything for college admissions. The lack of a language will be a dealbreaker at UGA and at many other colleges. Am I reading right that you only have 2 English credits? Or do you mean you have two dual enrollment credits in addition to work completed at home or elsewhere? Do you have a parent supervising your homeschooling who understands their role in the admissions process? The parent is your counselor when you’re homeschooled; they’ll be filling out all the counselor sections on the common app, writing your counselor letter, etc. And at this point they should be advising you about what courses you need before graduation.
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Unless I missed it, you haven’t said what grade you’re in? That makes a big difference for concerns about courses
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I agree, and OP can always take the GED test. (But I’m not recommmeding that at this point)
I also agree it would be helpful to know OP’s age and year in HS. I had assumed they are a rising senior since they said they are starting their college search but that could be wrong.
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Wow. That’s a shocker.
Thank you for providing insight and advice.
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