<p>So I graduated five years ago. I did not attend college after graduating and had no desire to do so. I went to work in a non-profit organization for developmentally handicapped individuals. I have worked this job ever since. I now have the urge to get a college degree. There are several things that may hinder me, however, so I’d like input on where I stand and what options are most reasonable. </p>
<p>Background: I’m an African American from the city of Newark in N.J. I did poorly in high school, and was pooy educated at home. I became an autodidact after I graduated and basically learned all that I know from the point on. </p>
<p>The only piece of information that I can offer colleges that speak for my abilities are a recent SAT score (2400) and SAT II scores (World History 790, U.S. History 800, and physics 800). </p>
<p>I would like a shot at a decent school. What are reasonable reaches and other options? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Make an appointment in the admissions office of a couple of your local colleges and seee what direction they suggest. You might look at taking some CLEP exams as well. They are offered at community colleges in the testing centers. Scoring well on those will give you a boost and some college level credit.</p>
<p>How about Princeton? That’s local, and you are pretty interesting. NYU- only a PATH ride away. Surely Rutgers. Or would you consider going a bit farther away?</p>
<p>I think only around 6,000 people a year score 2400 on their SAT. And this number has to be significantly less for AA test takers. I’m with schmohawk, with your story you may be able to aim pretty high - and Princeton seems a reasonable starting point.</p>
<p>MDMom: thanks and think those options are practical.</p>
<p>Schmohawk: Princeton, oh how I wish, but probabaly not up to par with their standards. As far as Rutgers is concerned their Newark campus is a bit of a turn-off, I have friends who attend and their opinions seem to suggest that the students in aggregate lack seriousness. I’ve been around a lack of seriousness all my life so I’m looking for a strong academic environment with dedicated students to feed off of.</p>
<p>Schmohawk: actually the schools im interested in are out of state. I’d like to take my chances with UPenn, UMich of Ann Arbor, and take a really big chance with Colombia. Obviously I’m aiming high here, but it can’t hurt.</p>
<p>Great choices. I think you’ll wow them. I wonder what it will be like to negotiate this maze as an unusual applicant without a guidance counselor to help you? Good luck.</p>