Expert: Todd Johnson - 12/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: I'm a home school student at an online school that's accredited by the southern association (Ashworth High School) but I live in New York. I'm hoping colleges in New York will accept me. I love writing and I want to major in it in college, mainly journalism or creative writing.. some questions I have are: do I have to take math in college, if so can I choose an easier one? What are some colleges in new york that offer good writing programs? what advice would you give to a homeschooler who is applying to college? do I have to get my GED (which I'm not really considering) to get financial aid? Thanks!


ANSWER: Anthony,

Most colleges are happy to admit home schooled students. It is easier if you have attended an accredited online program. Whether you have to take math depends on the college you choose but in most cases the answer is no. Some colleges have no requirements that students take any particular class and this type of institution would be good for you. However, even those that require some types of classes will generally have a broad requirement such as, a student must take a math or science class.  This is a question to ask of any college you are considering.

You do not have to get a GED since you will be considered to have a high school diploma.

There are a number of colleges in the New York area and many will have writing courses. One college you might want to consider is Sarah Lawrence College which has a particularly good writing program. Whether this is an appropriate college for you otherwise, you will need to investigate.

Finally, the biggest issue facing most home schooled students in the college admissions process is just a book keeping one of verifying the classes you took and trying to show the rigor of those classes. Coming from an accredited on line program will help in the process greatly.  The other issue you must consider, and this is for any student, is to find the right college for you. Try to visit as many of the colleges you are considering to see which one feels right for your needs.

Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for your help! you really cleared up my doubts about the GED, because one person told me that by taking the GED it would make the financial aid process easier.

I have two more questions... 1) I'm planning to take the SAT in June and then again in the Fall and also I'm thinking of taking the SAT Subject Tests in Literature and US History; do you recommend that I take these 2 tests?

2) My aunt recommended that for my first two years in college I go to a liberal arts school that isn't that pricey and then for the next two years I go to a better school to achieve my major. Do you think this is a good plan?

ANSWER: Anthony,

You don't say what year you are in school but I am guessing that you are currently a junior. If so, I would recommend taking the SAT twice but both times in the spring of 2011. It is best to complete testing if you can in the spring of junior year as it then gives you a better handle on what colleges are appropriate for you. If you wait until senior year to take the tests you don't know until then what colleges might be appropriate.

Most colleges do not require the SAT subject tests but if you are looking at one that does then it is fine to take the two you mention. Just remember that you can not take SAT subject tests and the SAT at the same test date.

As for liberal arts colleges, they are not lesser colleges and in most cases are much better for providing a college education than a university. The difference is that liberal arts colleges focus on teaching while universities focus more on research. The cost of the top liberal arts colleges is the same as the top universities so there would be no cost saving. The bigger issue is to understand how each college handles financial aid. The strongest academic colleges, both liberal arts colleges and universities provide good financial aid. As you get to colleges that are not as strong academically, they often have somewhat weaker financial aid.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, sorry I didn't mention that I am a junior.. oh okay people have told me that I should take one SAT test in June and then another in my senior year so I can study more during the summer but I'm not sure now.

I was thinking of taking the SAT Subject Test because I thought colleges look at that for placement or credit?

Okay thanks for clearing up the difference between liberal arts colleges and universities. I'm really thinking of going to Sarah Lawrence College but it seems really expensive.. or even NYU or Hunter College, I'm still deciding, since I do have time.

Answer
You are better off spending a few hours a week during the next few months and taking the tests this spring rather than waiting until fall. As for the SAT Subject tests, there may be a few that use the tests for these purposes but they are few. Most use them for admissions purposes only and there are fewer than 100 colleges altogether that use them at all. Most colleges will use the AP exam scores for placement or advanced credit.

As for the cost of college, don't worry initially want a college costs. The only real question is what a college will cost your family. This varies tremendously by college. I can tell you in general terms that NYU usually has very poor financial aid. Take a look at this page on my website for information about financial aid. http://www.collegeadmissionspartners.com/resources/info-to-know/financial-aid-ba