Click here to go to the NEW College Discussion Forum

We could really use some guidance from those on this board. Our daughter is interested in getting into a good school for physics and astonomy...more specifically, astrophysics. But she has been home schooled and so has an unusual transcript. She only has one AP course (scored 5) and so she has gone to the University for other courses we couldn't teach at home. What are her chances to get into a good school?

Stats:
17 yo white female
1500 SAT 700 math 800 verbal
SAT 2 spanish 610
SAT 2 1c math 670
SAT 2 2c math 610
NMS semi with good chance at finalist

Attended Summer Science Program(Ojai, California)

No class rank (home school)

12 Grade
Currently taking:

University of Alaska
Calc 2
Into to Chem for science majors

University of Wisconsin (coorespondence)
Physics 2 (trig based)
Spanish 3 (this is spanish 300 level)

Homeschool HS level
US History
Marine Biology
Ecology
Health
Biology (2nd semester)

Scheduled for 2nd semester 12th grade
Outdoor leadership skills
Spanish Immersion (in Mexico)

Summer of 2004
Astonomy w/ lab
1/2 yr integrated science


11 Grade
University of Alaska
Spanish 2 Grade A
Physics 1 Grade A (B in lab)
Calculus 1 Grade A

Homeschool
AP Euro Hist Score 5 (Online Course)

10th Grade
University of Alaska
Trig Grade A
Spanish 1 Grade A

9th Grade
University of Alaska
College Algebra Grade A

She has taken many other home schooled courses but these were graded by her parents and so I don't believe they will count. She is an excellent writer and can write a good essay.

EC
Youth Court
Volunteer tutor at local private school
Missions Trip to Mexico
Community Choir
Alaska Childrens Choir
Ballet since 3 yoa

Likely other EC if I think about it.

She will need a good financial package because we can't afford to send her to college out of state. She already has a full tuition scholarship offered at the University of Alaska but wants a better school.

By Cangel (Cangel) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:31 am: Edit

There is at least one homeschooling expert on this forum, if she does not respond soon, move your post to the Parents' Forum, she will find you there.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 01:53 pm: Edit

I wouldn't wait - repost this on the parents section. I know of two parents who homeschooled who post there regularly. Both have children who went to very well regarded colleges and would be happy to help you out but don't read these parts of college confidential often. They do read the parents board fairly regularly.

By Jvd (Jvd) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 04:36 pm: Edit

Thanks...I did repost it at the parents forum just now.

Anyone here know a good college for astrophysics?

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:31 pm: Edit

Does she want a small or large school? I have two good friends who are both astrophysicists and they both rave about Carleton in Minnesota (one went there for undergrad, one taught there.) Between them, they have taught at Harvard, Cornell, Princeton and UCSC and they say Carleton offers the best undergrad experience. (But all of the above schools are excellent for astrophysics as well). Also, the university of Arizona has a good program as well.

By Choudhryon (Choudhryon) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 10:50 pm: Edit

Can't start own post so:
Here goes:

SAT- 1380 (660V, 720m), hoping to get 1500+
Sat II- 790 CHem, 800 Math 2C, 720 Writing
APs- Chemistry-5 (only in whole school)
US History-5 (only one in whole school_
ECs- Red Cross, Science Club President, Pre-Med Program, Key Club, Peer Tutoring, Interfaith Discussion, Local Newspapaer Writer

Awards- Model UN Runner Up, Superintendent Scholar

Chances at Harvard, Duke, COlumbia, Rutgers 7 year med

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Friday, October 01, 2004 - 11:41 pm: Edit

Without an idea of your GPA, your class rank, and your complete curriculum, it's impossible to answer this question. However, your current test scores on their own would not make you a viable candidate for Harvard, Columbia and probably Duke.