Home School Options Right Now—Time Sensitive

2285636
Mon, 04 Dec 2017 02:14:19 +0000

So, I need quite a lot of advice right now.

I am withdrawing from the private boarding school that I attend due to attendance issues, namely waking up for my morning classes. Home schooling or some sort of online schooling seems to offer a reasonable alternative where I will not have issues conforming to an early-morning start time. I am in the process of investigating options and wrapping up at my current school, but I need advice on how to proceed.

I am currently a junior. Last year, I excelled academically and was ranked first in my class; however, this year, my attendance struggles have had a significant impact on my academic performance. Some of my teachers would not allow me to make up tests and quizzes that I missed, and I also missed many important lessons. As it stands now, prior to final exams, I have C’s in two AP classes, an F in one AP class (which I am withdrawing from), and A’s in two Honors classes. I would like to add that the poor grades are not due to a lack of ability. I am withdrawing from my school voluntarily, and I am still on good terms with the administration and my teachers.

Firstly, before I withdraw, I have the option of also withdrawing from my three AP classes. This would presumably preserve my GPA, but I would forfeit credit that I may need for graduating on-time, and W’s in three courses may raise red flags for colleges. I am not sure how to proceed here.

Secondly, I am trying to put together a plan for my schooling after I withdraw. My local public high school has an online program, but there are no spots available in it, and I am not even sure what sort of classes the program offers. Ideally, I would want to take comparable classes to those in which I am currently enrolled. The local community college may offer some appropriate courses, and I am aware of flexible private online options like Laurel Springs. (Unfortunately, Stanford OHS and GW OHS require applications in the fall.) So when it comes time to apply to college, what options would “look good?” Are there any that I should avoid because they would raise red flags? I am also concerned about who would write my teacher recommendations. Also, if I enroll in AP classes online, where would I take the AP exams?

Thirdly, regarding standardized tests, I have read prior to this that SAT Subject Tests are of particular importance for homeschooled students in the college admissions process. If I enroll in some sort of online program, would SAT Subject Tests still be of such importance? I have taken the Math Level 2 test so far and scored a 770, which I was pleased with. I was planning to take just one more, probably Latin or US History, but would I need to take more than just two total? I would assume that other standardized tests matter more as well. I am getting my PSAT/NMSQT scores on December 13th. My best practice ACT score is a 35, but I am taking the real thing on December 9th, and my actual score may be lower because of test anxiety. Do I need to worry that because of my high test scores but potentially low grades from this term, colleges may peg me as unmotivated? Would admissions people worry that I would underachieve at their college? What should I do?

Ah, this is a confusing process!