I have not seen the OP reply to any posts so far, but understand the OP may still be under moderation, as the OP has not yet made 5 posts. I'll check back from time to time. Meanwhile...
It seems like being 2 years younger than everybody when finishing school hurts University admissions. Even with 10 AP courses 3 SAT subject tests (top marks), excellence in everything my kid does I am seriously worried about his University chances.
Where is your DC in the process? Has s/he applied and is s/he receiving rejections?
I really need advice on what are the choices in this situation? A gap year (doing what?) and then reapplying if this year applications to good (not even great) schools do not work out?
A few thoughts...
1) Emphasize "fit".
2) Planning ahead, and being flexible, are both crucial. It appears that you joined the Gifted Issues Discussion Forum in 2013... about 3 years ago... there have been many posts on college admissions, including early college. There is even a
College Forum.
To see all threads in the College Forum: At the bottom of the
College Forum page, under
Display Options, choose
Show Topics from all dates, and click
Change.
3) When applying (or re-applying), students may wish to consider what they have
to offer to a college/university student body. Admissions will be looking at potential students from that perspective: what does each student have
to offer? To strengthen one's resume (and application), in addition to high school
academics, a student may highlight
initiative, leadership, teamwork, goal setting, awards/accomplishments/achievements, etc. Carefully chosen volunteerism in areas of interest may help in developing/showcasing these skills.
4) This
post, while originally written to a homeschool parent, may be of interest as it discusses ensuring a student is thinking about next steps, including possible career choices, and preparing for competitive college admissions. It contains a link to this post on
Getting into a competitive school.
5) How strong is your DC's college application essay? There are many sources of information on composing an authentic college essay. This is just one of many resources available:
Write Your College Essay In Less Than a Day6) Gap year info provided in this free, downloadable, 19-page Davidson
guidebook. In general, gap year activities should be planned to strengthen one's resume (and application).
7) It is also important for students to avoid negative postings on social media, as these may limit future opportunities.
Community college (but there are no courses to take there that are challenging)? Any thoughts??? What are the best universities to target?
Community colleges vary greatly. Your child should target schools which are the best "fit" for his/her academic strengths, interests, and personal development.
Research university with strong science department is what is needed
Some sources with varying viewpoints, which may aid in college selection:
- Published
College Rankings- College Confidential online website and discussion forum
- Individual College/University websites
- Regional "College Fairs"
- Professional college application consultants, or independent college counselors
- Personal participation in science fairs, research, poster presentations, literature reviews, etc, which may tend to prepare a student to initiate discussion in an area of common interest with a professor/researcher at a university.
All prior years of education and personal growth come to bear on the college selection and admission process; There are few, if any, shortcuts.
