I’m feeling really anxious right now. I’ve been homeschooling for both 6th and 7th grade, but I’m eager to attend a traditional school for 8th grade since it’s the final middle school year before high school. My parents applied for me to get into GCA, which is a private Christian school, along with my sisters. They had us take Scantron tests with around 70 questions and said it was okay if we didn’t complete all of them. We also filled out a worksheet aimed at getting to know us better.
My older sister has a clean record when it comes to school discipline, but I’ve faced a suspension once and have been expelled before. Nonetheless, I consider myself a good student and have learned from my past experiences. When I discussed this with the admissions team, I expressed that I couldn’t fully explain my previous behavior and emphasized that I don’t want my past actions to define who I am now.
I’m homeschooled through Texas Virtual Schools, which provides progress reports and official report cards, and my grades are actually quite good. However, I was disappointed to learn that my Scantron test results were below average to average. I’m really worried that this will jeopardize my chances of being accepted into the school, or worse, that they might place me back in 7th grade. All I really want is to move forward into 8th grade.
It’s completely normal to feel anxious about this transition, especially with the pressure of standardized tests and the past experiences you’ve mentioned. First off, it’s great that you’ve been reflecting on your past behavior and learning from it—that shows a lot of maturity.
Keep in mind that schools often look at the whole student, not just test scores or past incidents. Your good grades from your homeschooling program and your honest communication about your past will likely speak volumes about your character and growth. The personal insights you shared on the worksheet may also make a positive impression on the admissions team.
It’s understandable to be worried about being placed back a grade, but if you demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing, they may very well see you as ready for 8th grade. Try to focus on the positives: you’ve done well academically, and you’re actively seeking to move forward in your education.
While this waiting period can be stressful, allow yourself to take a deep breath and remember that whatever happens, you will continue to grow and learn. Regardless of the outcome, you’ve already shown resilience in your journey. Keep that confidence in yourself and your abilities! Good luck!