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In high school I didn't care about college so I just did what it took to get by. I went to a competitive private high school with a modified grading school:

A 93 – 100
B 84 – 92 etc…

In High school here are some of my stats
GPA: 2.96
My school didn’t have AP classes, but I got a B- in economics
Student Body Chaplin my senior year.

ACT 24
English 23
Math 27
Reading 23
Science Reasoning 22
I took this 12/97

I went to a small Bible school in Cannon Beach, OR for a year. The school didn’t give grades. Then I attended ITT Tech and received my Associates of Applied Science in Computer Systems Technology. I received highest honors with a GPA of 3.8. I know ITT is not accredited, but I hope that schools will pay attention to the fact that I received highest honors and that I have an associates already.

I am taking a 200 level lit class and a woman studies class at Boise State Right now.

Also, I have almost 4 years experience as a Software Test Engineer where I have been in leadership and training positions for over 3 years.

I also plan on submitting a letter explaining my circumstances- that I fell in love with education after high school. That is, in part, why I am so interested in Philosophy of Education, and why I have chosen to apply to schools with progressive education styles. I consider myself a decent writer, so I have a good amount of faith in my essays. I am applying to Sarah Lawrence Early Decision I, but I am also applying to New College of Florida, UC Santa Cruz, Hampshire College, and Marlboro College.

By Elton (Elton) on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 03:28 pm: Edit

...Oh, and I was ranked 34/52 in high school.

What are my chances at Sarah Lawrence and the other schools I listed above?

By Blair (Blair) on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 03:40 pm: Edit

Your high school stats will probably mattera bit less than other people's since you graduated a while ago. Are you trying to transfer or be a freshman?

If you are looking at progressive schools, you might want to look at Eugene Lang College, in Manhattan - it's similar to the New College of Florida.

I don't know much about those schools, but good luck!

By Elton (Elton) on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 04:34 pm: Edit

Blair: I'm applying as a Freshman.

Thanks. I've heard of Eugene Lang. I'll look into it.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Thursday, October 09, 2003 - 09:12 pm: Edit

And you might also check out Evergreen State in Washington state. It's another "alternative" type school and they have a high percentage of older students.

By Elton (Elton) on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 10:24 am: Edit

Carolyn, I have not heard very many good things about Evergreen. From what I hear, people go there since they don't give grades, and that means to them as they students don't have to try. It sounds like the school doesn't push students very hard. What have you heard?

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Monday, October 13, 2003 - 11:03 am: Edit

I've heard good things from people who live in the Northwest (Seattle/Oregon) who say the academics are good and there is lots of individual interaction with teachers.

The Kaplan Guide to colleges calls it a "hidden treasure" and notes that "guidance counselors give the school high marks. One praised its individualized curriculum, the small number of students in classes, and the fact that professors are teching-not TAs. Others commended its innovative programs and narrative evaluations and the campus setting and architecture" I've seen similar write ups in other guide books.

It IS a very unique type of school where you have to take charge of what you want out of your education. It does attract older students. From what I have read personally on their web site and the New College in Florida's web site, both schools are similar in that you don't have a "major" so much as a custom designed program. Grades are not used at the New College either (or Eugene Lang I believe). However, while these schools don't give grades the teachers do write extensive evaluations for each student that are said to be fairly rigorous so you can't just slack off. With any of these untraditional schools, there is a danger that if it isn't the right school it could be difficult to transfer. Since you're within driving distance of Evergreen, it might be worth a trip over to get a sense of what an "untraditional" school and program feel like so you can figure out if a place like the New College or Eugene Lang would be worth looking at too.

By Elton (Elton) on Wednesday, October 15, 2003 - 10:03 am: Edit

bump

By Televelis (Televelis) on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 10:38 pm: Edit

Sarah Lawrence: Good chance
New College of Florida: Don't know
UC Santa Cruz: It's going to be hard
Hampshire College: Very good chance
Marlboro College: Very good chance

By Elton (Elton) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 04:49 pm: Edit

Thank you Televelis