<p>I live in Istanbul, Turkey, and I'm half-American (citizenship + American mother). Last year, which would have been my sophomore year in high school, I dropped out of the Istanbul International Community School. It's a very small school that's very much with the times concerning education programs (all the way from PYP & MYP to DYP & IB), but the student & teacher body has not adapted well and thus creates an unchallenging, uninteresting experience of being funneled into higher education. Combined with the tuition, which is ~$18,000 a year, I just didn't think that I was getting the proper value for my time or money.</p>
<p>There were two other schools that I could have gone to, but both were very similar to IICS (and one was practically a clone), much smaller, and worse in most aspects. So I ended up sitting around at home for about a year. Not that I was idling. In fact, I probably learned a lot more than I could have, had I stayed in school. Psychology and psychiatry, architecture, 3D modeling and level design on the computer, photography, and quite a few other subjects. </p>
<p>Anyway, that's all I have to say to justify my decision. I took the first two sections of the GED on the 30th of September. The other sections (Math, Science, and Social Studies) are scheduled for the 25th of this month.</p>
<p>SAT I, taken once, scores received today:</p>
<p>750 Verbal
600 Math</p>
<p>I know my Math score isn't that hot, but it's not something I worry about too much. I think I did a pretty good job considering my foolish decision of not listening to class since 6th Grade.</p>
<p>So, here is my current list of colleges that I'm applying to, in order of preference:</p>
<p>Evergreen State College - Washington - Spring 2005 (I have until December 1st to apply)
Beloit College - Wisconsin - Fall 2005
Cornell College - Iowa - Fall 2005</p>
<p>You might see that I'm leaning towards the slightly unconventional. I chose these three with the help of Loren Pope's two books (Schools That Change Lives & Beyond The Ivy League) and the YDN's Insider Guide To Colleges.</p>
<p>One thing I need help with is Safety Schools. My single choice for a Safety is a relatively unknown technical school that's supposedly good in the field I'm interested in, video game design, but I'm unsure about the possibility of being "locked in" to a particular industry.</p>
<p>Safeties:</p>
<p>University of Advancing Technology - Arizona - Summer or Fall 2005</p>
<p>Again, I'd like to mention that I'm actually serious about video game design and it's not just a childish whim; but I'm uncomfortable with a career limited to the games industry. I know that majors don't influence career options that much, but you can't be too sure with such an unconventional choice of a major.</p>
<p>If I go to one of my top choices, major (though the term is very loosely (if at all) defined at these schools) and/or career prospects could be: Clinical Psychology, Education, Public or Health Administration, English/related fields. </p>
<p>What I'd like to know from you guys:</p>
<ol>
<li>The probability of admittance to my top choices</li>
<li>Some safety schools where I'm likely to fit in and would have more options than computer-related fields.</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>