advice?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello, I have a question about switching schools. I currently attend an art school (going to be a junior) and I want to switch back to my old school because my new school isn't as academically challenging as my old school. Here's some more information about my situation:
During sophomore year, I was supposed to take algebra2/trig and AP Euro, and when I talked to my counselor during the summer, he said that the school would most likely have those classes, but when school started, I didn't get those classes. So basically, going to the art school messed up my sophomore schedule. My school's academics aren't that good and I have no close friends.</p>

<p>I want to go back to my previous school because the classes there would prepare me for college better than the classes at my art school. (I don't want to be an art major, it's just a hobby) But I'm afraid that if I switch schools back and forth, it won't look good on college applications and if I go back to my old school, I won't rank as high compared to the other students. Also. at my old high school, I had real friends.
I want to stay at the art school because it is a lot closer to home and because I am well known among the administration because of my involvement in the school. Also because this year would be my second year as a yearbook editor (I really want to do yearbook, and I think it MIGHT be too late to join yearbook if I switch back to my old school).</p>

<p>What do you think would be best for me to do?
Pros of art school:</p>

<pre><code>* Yearbook editor for 3 consecutive years
* Well known to teachers and administration
* Closer to home
* Higher class ranking
* Safe environment
</code></pre>

<p>Cons of art school:</p>

<pre><code>* No friends, school lacks spirit
* I don't really learn in my classes
</code></pre>

<p>Pros of old school:</p>

<pre><code>* Good academics (better than the art school at least)
* Friends
* Lots of clubs and extracurriculars to join
</code></pre>

<p>Cons of old school:</p>

<pre><code>* Long commute
* I would have a lower ranking compared to other students
</code></pre>

2

<p>I’m a sophomore so I am no admissions expert either, but I think you should do what you want. Don’t stick to your old school just because you think adcoms will like to see your uninterrupted involvement in yearbook.</p>

<p>If the new school offers more ECs and enrichment/academic opportunities, definitely switch. However, you should also make sure that you can handle the workload at the new school.</p>

<p>Sure, you might not be able to stick with your involvements in your art school, but you could always continue the activity a your new school. Yearbook? Join the yearbook committee at your new school! Well known? Make yourself outstanding and memorable at your new school!</p>

<p>As for class rank, I’m curious to hear how much weight that carries in terms of admissions because I don’t know either. </p>

<p>If commuting is not a big hassle for you, why not join your friends where you can be academically challenged and experience a broader spectrum of EC offerings?</p>

3

<p>If art is a hobby and you don’t see it as your future major/career, then you should follow the path that will best prepare you to succeed in college. It sounds like the art school does not have the academics to best prepare you. While you may not rank as highly at your old school and that will impact which colleges you may be accepted by, going to a school that lacks academic rigor (and not going beyond that school’s offerings through community college or self study) will also limit which colleges you will get into. As DECAenthusiast points out, you can get involved in activities in your old school and the stronger academics will better prepare you for the next stage of your life.</p>