<p>OP, you will be applying to college from the international applicant pool, in which legacies are rarer, so if you do well in a top boarding school it would almost certainly help you in college admission, but you mother’s concerns are legitimate. If she thinks you are not ready, you should consider her opinions seriously. It is not an easy road - especially considering your current school “is already a really great school”. And you didn’t mention the additional cost BS would incur. If it’s of any concern, would it be worth it?</p>