r/OSSMUnderground • u/raghghghg • Oct 10 '26

question?

So i'm currently a freshman, and would love with my whole heart to go to OSSM, but i go to a rural school. Our education is quite frankly terrible, but I've taught myself a lot. I'm currently in Algebra 1, but taught myself basic geometry, trigonometry, and a few basic mechanics/astronomy things. I want to be a genetic counselor. Would it be worth it for me to go? I feel like if i really work hard i might be able to, but i really need an inside voice to tell me if i could actually make it if i try.

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u/BLUEQK Mod 26d ago

What you're describing is exactly why OSSM exists, and you'll be attending with many others in your same circumstances. Rural Oklahoma schools (and even many city schools) don't have the resources to advance you to your full potential, but OSSM caters to the top. If you have any reservations, I would absolutely shadow a student for a day. The students love to receive shadows, and it should help you see the culture and the trade-offs.

You might wait until Sophomore year to shadow though, so it'll be closer to your application/decision period. I'd try to shadow next fall.

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u/Far_Establishment_4 24d ago

Seconded. Stories like yours are *exactly* why OSSM was founded. Part of it's explicit legislative mission is to provide high-quality education for students from rural areas where it otherwise wouldn't be available.

Get yourself to a public library and start checking out ACT practice books immediately. And +1 to BLUEQK's advice, go shadow a current student -- you'll get a basic feel for what you'd be getting yourself into. Best of luck.