<p>I'm a freshman from California and i attend Valencia High School in Valencia,CA. I recently got my report card and i figure i'm in the top 10% of my class. My high school is not too bad, it is sort of competitive since alot of people are really smart but alot are also idiots(no offense, but some really are). The problem i have is that i'm worried that as hard as i might try to excel, i'll be held down by the competence of the school. I mean does it matter what school i went to if i came out as the top student and with my thirst for more, i enrolled in higher level classes at summer schools or local community college? (Initiative)</p>
<p>I love my community but sometimes i just feel that my school will bring down my chances of going to the country's top universities.</p>
<p>Tell me guys what you think please. Help a poor freshman.</p>
<p>Should i transfer to a Private High School?</p>
<p>At good private high schools everyone wants the same top colleges, most are qualified and the competition if fierce. It's better to be the val of a mediocre school if top colleges are your goal.</p>
<p>i agree with hmom5 - it doesnt really matter where you go so much as what you do. since you attend a 'mediocre' school, just make yourself stand out. fight the urge to go with the flow and blend in. find activities you are interested in and do your best to ecel. if you are motivated, your school background wont matter. if you do end up transferring to a private school, you will have a harder time to distinguish yourself from your peers. all of the students there want to attend ivies or other top schools, and many are legacies (not a big boost, but enough). another point to consider - if your school does not have many students who apply/are accepted to the schools you want to attend, this may give you the advantage or regional diversity. this will help you to stand out in admit officers' minds versus someone at a school like TJ in VA where everyone apps to HYPS, etc.</p>