[Not_here]

Education is not a competition. I understand in some ways because society likes to track us into abilities the minute we enter school at age 3,4 or 5. There's even honorsor gifted pre school which to me is absurd . But anyway. I think it would help if you really sat down with yourself and asked why it matters. What are the underneath assumptions you're making? For one, you seem to think grade level has to do with intelligence. I don't know who told you this but whoever did they are wrong! So many studies are coming out talking abouthhow school achievement is a poor measurement of future success or future happiness or any of that sort. In fact some people, like me, developed overwhelming anxiety for forcing myself to meet unreasonable expectations.


This is all to say that remember this is your life and you're only human. Listen to your needs. If youve been left back or been in special education, maybe taking time off can be a good thing. A lot of people i know with didabilities may struggle with academics but will thrive in their own way. You've been in school for 10+ years, there are other aspects of life to explore and now you have the time to do it.

I don't know the reason for your parents not helping you out, but if you so strongly disagree then you're free to apply on your own. In fact even if your parents were 100% supportive of you wanting to attend college right away, you should be the one applying. Also, in my state, special education students do not get a regular high school diploma or its equivalence unless they've taken and passed the GED. Maybe that's the first step to start with. Also, what stopped you from applying while you were in high school? If it was the application fees I can understand but there are fee waivers upon request for those who need it and you say that your high school was very big on college so I'm betting there were college ready ness programs and support services available.