Taking online classes senior year?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

Hi all,

As my user suggests, I’m a foster kid who has done very well academically until this year (junior year). Between the stress of my situation and the various meetings/court hearings, I’ve missed a lot of school and found it hard to be engaged during my school day. I also work two jobs on weekdays and weekends to save for college and other big expenses.

Once I turn 18, I have the strong desire to travel the world (or just do something for the benefit of my mental health) or be able to work more. Through my high school, it’s possible for me to take online courses through APEX, our local community college, etc. Many AP courses are available to me.

I’ve met all of my requirements and will have completed around 10+ APs by the end of this year. I also have an ACT of 34 and a fair amount of ECs.

Would it be a bad idea for me to take these classes online my senior year and work/travel (like as an au pair or something) during the academic year? Taking a gap year isn’t financially possible because my foster care status expires the day I graduate high school. I do plan to apply for Questbridge.

So, does it seem like a bad idea to take online courses and still graduate from my high school, especially since my current high school AP options have been pretty much exhausted? Will colleges understand if I work either at our state Capitol as a page or travel and work as an au pair or something?

I really think doing this would be extremely beneficial for my mental health and academic performance, but I’m also worried about how colleges would view it since I basically can’t afford to attend without hefty financial aid.

Thanks!

2

Go ahead.

3

You can’t ‘travel the world’ as a minor. You can take as many classes (AP or others) online, if you can keep up while doing something interesting at the same time. I don’t think you can volunteer for City Year but you could take on a big role in a local charity and/or have an internship, while working your jobs.
I am so sorry you’re in foster care and have had all the travails and loss of childhood this entails. It is particularly impressive that you manage to do so well academically and work two jobs to boot. You should feel very proud of yourself.
If you wish to travel the world, beside Questbridge schools, look at Dickinson.

4

I’ll be turning 18 in September (my bday was right before the cutoff date), but I sincerely appreciate your advice. Thank you so much

5

@MYOS1634 ^

6

Yes, but to be an au pair goes deeper than being 18.
You could try woofing in Western Europe but I doubt it’d be conductive to your high school studies.
What are the college provisions for foster kids in your state?
(Are you safe where you are?)