Asperger's Syndrome and getting into college

Post Reply New Topic

OK, so I am 17 years old, and I was diagnosed as an Asperger when I was in the 4th Grade.
My current GPA is 3.2, and at the Moment, I am doing the International Baccalaureate at my school, and I am currently predicted 30 IB points. Because of Asperger, I hate myself for getting bad grades at the beginning of my IB and IGCSE courses, and now it's continued to affect my overall record of grades, and I am not so sure how to overcome this. I know that I am smart, but I feel as if I am in a life crisis, and found myself in a situation that I cannot get out of. Another problem is that my father is Diabetic and we constantly argue and bicker almost all the time, and I have less time to focus on my grades because all he cares about is keeping me in University here, whereas I don't want to because of the bad memories that I have allocated from living here, and he dared to phone up his friends to prove that I'm wrong. The nerve of some people.

Also I have no idea what I want to major in for college, and what should I do? Should I aim for the larger colleges or something small at the moment?

Also, some of the stuff that I've done is that I am currently developing three mobile applications for iPhone, Founded an Asperger's program in my school, for which the past four years, I solicited an educational understanding about Aspergers in my school, despite all struggles back and forth, and it was adopted finally in Primary School, and involved me going to Primary conducting workshops with teachers as well as presentations.

First of all, you should be extremely proud of yourself for taking IB classes. I heard they are even harder than AP classes (which I took), and I thought AP classes were really hard to handle!

Regarding college plans: Explore a bit and find something you really like, using your favorite subject as a starting point. Get internships and do job shadows over the summer; don't be afraid of initiating contact with your potential advisor. I'm sure there are lots of career-explorations programs out there for you; do a search online for them in your area.

As for the size of the college, there are pros and cons to both sides. A larger college offers more opportunities for students, but some of the opportunities may be more competitive. You get to meet lots of new people as well. At a smaller college, this is less often a problem, but the number of opportunities is usually less. They offer a more intimate environment because of fewer students, and advising is usually better too. But another problem with small colleges is that they might baby you to the point where you don't learn to rely on yourself.

Do you live in the US, by the way? My advice is based on my experience of going to school in the US.

That is awesome that your in IB. I've only heard about it but what I've heard is it's hard.

I wouldn't stress about not knowing what you want to do. It's very, very common for freshmen to not be 100% sure what they want to major in. I would try to think about things you enjoy doing. Your college may have a career center that can help as well in translating those interests into jobs and what is required for those jobs.

There are two things you need to consider for size.

1.) School Size
2.) Regional Size

I attended a small school in a major city. I also attended a large school in a more ruel area. I enjoyed aspects of both.

In a small school you will get more attention, but you will be noticed if you don't attend class. Professors pay more attention as well. A large school tends to have more options, but less individual interaction.

Geographic region is huge too. A major us city has tons to do, places to see and more options for socializing. A ruel area doesn't, but it has more outdoor nature options.