<p>I am currently a freshman in a somewhat small American curriculum-based international school in China; I lived in the States till around 3rd grade before moving. I'm your typical overachieving Asian girl and involved in about everything that's possible on the campus – all the sports, Habitat, MUN, Student Council Secretary, etc. and I've got straight A's. I'm very social, very friendly, and generally easy to get along with. The school I'm going to is incredibly open and we have students from all over the world; we barely have any negative influences, to be honest.</p>
<p>This isn't about my education, though. I'm moving back to the States for the sophomore year (this July, specifically) and I'd really love some pointers on getting involved in school life. The school's probably semi-competitive; mid-sized NCalifornia suburbs. Do you guys mind helping me out with getting acclimated to an American high school – public, btw – and things I need to look out for? </p>
<p>First of all, I want some help on how advanced classes work. Since my school's small right now, we don't have honors, accelerated classes, whatever have you. The only "advanced" class I'm taking is an AP language. How do I make sure I get into the most advanced classes possible in the States so I can stop feeling like a terrible Asian and general underachiever (some of the freshman kids on this board taking IB Chem, and like 5 APs, kill me now)? For ex. can I take precalc alongside Algebra II? Other than that, I also particularly want to know how to get involved fast and get accepted into the community with things like Student Council, volunteering and all that jazz. How bad are drug problems, smoking, idk anything else? How is it for new students? Basically everything I have to look out for in US schools. Just pretend I'm a foreigner and I know nothing!</p>
<p>tl;dr</p>
<p>I am really nervous after having not gone to school in the States in a really long time, and I want to know the differences and how to make sure I'm accepted into the community so I can keep building up the best college app possible. btw my absolute dream schools are Yale and UChicago. (:</p>
<p>Thanks guyss. I'll ask more questions once I think of them, haha. I just have this morbid fear of not fitting in and eventually going down a terrible path and I'd really appreciate any help ♥</p>
<p>Probably No huge drug problems in a semi wealthy suburb. Not too many differences. It’ll be hard for you fer sure. New students can’t really get involved in too many activities or people will think you’re weird. It’s easier to take small steps and not rush into things. Some schools have pre requisites for AP classes… find out what they are and try to convince thr guidance counselor that the achool administers to you that you meet them.
It also helps if you’re cute. OP, are you cute?</p>
<p>@609; i’ll hopefully talk more with the counselor or try doing some extra classes at a community college, i guess? as for cute… i think. (;</p>
<p>@francaisalamatt; nahh it’s right above SF and weirdly enough not inhabited by a whole lot of overachieving kids. the school barely sends anyone to ivys, and it’s supposed to be the best in the county haha. if that’s what you’re talking about.</p>
<p>No I was referring to the amount of weed consumption. Marijuana is the backbone of Northern California’s economy, and rich white kids (Californians especially) love smoking weed. Nice to hear you’re going to a good school though! I’m sure you’ll be smart and motivated enough to get into UChic/Yale.</p>
<p>Lulz guys NorCal wealthy suburb inhabitant checking in. </p>
<p>Weed = way of life. Probz 65%ish of kids use it. However, if you don’t want to see it you won’t. Alcohol is probably just as common. As long as you’re tolerant it’s fine. No one’s gonna force it on you. </p>
<p>609’s right don’t just join a buncha things right away. Maybe if you meet some nice people join a fall sport with them and then you’ll make friends. Cross country is always no cut, if you don’t make anything else. Don’t just show up to 8474026 clubs. Join like 2-3 in your academic interests or whatevs. Also get involved with things outside of school- look for internships, volunteer opportunities, etc. </p>
<p>Don’t take algebra 2 with Precalc. Precalc is basically a review of Alg 2 + trig. if you wanna get ahead take Alg 2 this summer. </p>
<p>Not gonna lie, moving will suck but you’ll adjust. but don’t overwhelm yourself. One slowish semester EC wise sophomore year wont kill your app. Colleges understand you’re adjusting. Focus on making friends first. </p>
<p>If you want to PM me the name of the town/school I may be able to help you a little more. I know kids all over. Also I could take a look at the currciculum guide and help you plan a schedule.</p>