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J4mz69 · 11-19-2008 12:27 AM

I'm 16 now.. and legally able to drop out of school in my state. My mom doesn't care which I choose, but she just doesn't want to keep calling in to my school claiming I'm sick. I guess, I'm looking for some insight on the two choices so I can hopefully make the right one for me.

Dropping out is one thing I have been brainwashed on I guess. I still have this idea that if I drop out, all hope is lost. I'm not sure what I would do after I drop out either. I want to go to college at some point, and I realize that if I drop out, my choices of colleges is shortened immediately. What do you guys think about dropping out vs homeschooling?

Also, do you know if I would have to finish the semester I'm half way through before I could switch to homeschooling, or would that be something that changes depending on where you live?(Iowa,USA)

I just don't think school is even an option for me anymore... I'm tired of having my entire life controlled by everyone else, even though I'm capable of doing it myself. I want to be free to wake up when I want, and wear what I want. I truly believe that if I had this type of liberation, it would make learning (the things **I** want) so much more enjoyable.

I feel like I need to decide soon. I'm missing a crazy amount of school because I know I don't want to go, but I don't know what else I want to do.

Help!

Sunbourn · 11-19-2008 12:33 AM

Step 1. Drop out.
Step 2. Teach yourself.
Step 3. Get your GED.
Step 4. Go to college.
Step 5. ??????????????
Step 6. Profit!

J4mz69 · 11-19-2008 12:45 AM

That sounds to good to be true... I don't know.

Is dropping out the right way to do it though? Is it still "dropping out" if I wait till the end of the semester and simply not go to the next one? I guess it doesn't really matter lol, its just how you define the term "dropping out."

**SoulRiser** · 11-19-2008 01:05 AM

Homeschooling is when your parents send a letter to the school and tell them they're going to homeschool you. Dropping out is when you just... stop going. Though you'd probably have to tell them something as well. There's no difference unless you make it different by having your parents actually attempt to be your teachers or something. As for qualifications, a lot of homeschoolers get a GED (as far as I know), but I think some of them make their own "homeschool diploma" type thing. So you'll get some form of "qualification" at the end of it, so any fear you have of being labeled a 'drop out' is really all irrational. If it makes you feel better, drop out but tell everyone else you're being homeschooled. It's not like they can really check. Lots of unschoolers do that.

J4mz69 · 11-19-2008 01:26 AM

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to talk to my mom tonight about the whole thing. I know she will let me do it if it's what I truly want.

I guess I will have to get over my fear of the unknown and make a leap of faith. I'll probably post something tomorrow with my plans.

Eidolon · 11-19-2008 05:53 AM

Good luck, dude!

Puchiko · 11-19-2008 06:13 AM

Just thought I'd throw this in-if you lack a tradition high school diploma, colleges will use standardised test scores (SAT, ACT) as the biggest factor in their acceptance decision. So whichever you choose, high scores on them will land you in college.

J4mz69 · 11-19-2008 10:09 AM

Puchiko, if that's true in the states... I'm sitting pretty good. Half-way through my freshman year I took the SAT and was at the same point 72% of all college-bound seniors were at when they took the test... I think if I advanced my reading and writing skills I could get some pretty impressive scores and at least secure a spot at my state's university (iowa state university).

maromi12d3 · 11-19-2008 03:14 PM

Good luck! Though is there anyway you can be homebound? I get my schooling done one on Biggrin

one with my teacher at the community services building though I was at an alternative school before that. But I had some connections with some therapists that reccomended me and the teacher there. Biggrin

So try to check out more options before dropping out please. Smile

Puchiko · 11-19-2008 09:52 PM

J4mz69 Wrote:Puchiko, if that's true in the states... I'm sitting pretty good. Half-way through my freshman year I took the SAT and was at the same point 72% of all college-bound seniors were at when they took the test... I think if I advanced my reading and writing skills I could get some pretty impressive scores and at least secure a spot at my state's university (iowa state university).

Yeah, that post was referring specifically to the US (we have a completely different system of university admissions here). I read an intrview with a Harvard admission dude and the conclusions I made are:

If they, as with drop outs and home schoolers, have no GPA and class rank to go on, they focus on the standardised test scores.
Colleges generally do two rounds of selection. In the first they weed out those with low numerical attributs (SAT/ACT/TOEFL, GPA, class rank). From the remaining pre-selected pool, they read the other admission stuff (statement, reccomendations, essays, volunteer work records) and make their final decision.[/list:u]

Might be different for other colleges, but I'd think the general outline is the same for all. No matter what the pastl coloured official website says, standardised test scores do matter-and that might just play in your favour.

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