I’m 19 now and graduated from a competitive Catholic high school (yearly Ivy acceptances, val + sal both went to Harvard in my year) in New England back in 2010. I struggled immensely in my final two years, missing almost a hundred days of school. Despite that, I took a rigorous courseload with multiple AP classes and the rest honors level. Besides being stricken with medical problems and depression, I also had to work 20-30 hours a week since both my parents lost their jobs. Needless to say, participation in extracurricular activities dropped as I had real-world problems to worry about, such as paying for a home that my family can live in. You may be cool, oboe, but the winter breeze in New England is much cooler.
Since then, I’ve attempted to get back on track. My educational background is so vastly different compared to other graduates of my high school that my guidance counselor is understandably struggling to set me on the trajectory to higher education. I went through the college admissions cycle this year but my heart wasn’t in it, and I got rejected/waitlisted from everywhere I applied. The admissions officers see the last two years of my transcript, and the last two years of my life devoid of any academic activity that can be quantitatively evaluated (GPA, transcripts, testing, etc.), and don’t have the confidence that I would be able to handle the rigors of a college-level courseload. Given what I’ve said so far, you will probably think I’m devastated.
No. My motivation is stronger than ever. I’m indomitably motivated to pursue higher education. However, I need a path. I come to CC in the hopes that someone here has been through or knows someone that went through a similar experience. My current plan is to take classes at a community college for a year (starting this summer, '12) and revive my old studying habits. Anything less than a 4.0 would be a disappointment to me, as I know I am capable of it. I’m attempting to pursue a research internship with nearby college professors that share my research interests and are willing to take me on. I’m re-taking the SAT1 in June following a period of 2 months of intensive study (looking to get my 2200 to 2300+), and I will re-take SAT2s following the summer term of community college. Lastly, I am performing community service relative to my prospective major. All of this while working at a science museum.
The intention of community college is not to transfer credits, but to show colleges that I can handle their curriculum. I will not allow myself to be hindered by my gap or lackluster high school transcript. If you’ve made it this far into my post and recent life story, can you offer any anecdotal recommendations with regards to my future plans? I am treading in unfamiliar waters, but loving it all the same. I can’t wait for the next admissions cycle, because I will b-l-o-w someone’s socks off.