I am about to start my senior year, and I’m starting to think seriously about the details of my college applications. So far, I just have one issue. I attended one school for my first two years of high school, and will graduate from a second. The problem is, they are very different schools and I’m not sure my transcript alone will show that. My first high school basically offered one set of core classes that everyone took, and then various electives. I took the most “advanced” classes, but that didn’t really mean anything. At my current school, I’m taking various AP and advanced classes. However, because I couldn’t take any truly advanced classes in 9th or 10th grade, I’m worried that it will look as if I slacked for two years. How can I make sure that my transcripts/applications detail how different these two schools are?
Colleges should be able to see that you attended 2 different schools.
My son is in the same situation. One thing that he is planning to stress/share in interviews (and hopefully on the application) is that he was successful (his grades were very similar at both schools) in two very, very different environments. We plan to use it to his advantage to show that he can handle change and thrive no matter where he is. IMO, it also addresses the issue of grade inflation. We all wonder how grades at one school compare to grades at another. If you’ve done well at both schools, it shows you are a strong student and the transcript is more about you than about the schools. Don’t worry about not taking advanced classes in 9th & 10th grade. You’ve got some A.P. now so you’re in good shape. Your transcript will reflect the two different schools. I have also found that admissions counselors are familiar with schools so they have an idea what each high school is all about. Personally, I think this makes you a unique candidate. Not everyone can change high schools in the middle and be successful. The change or experience might even lend itself to an essay. Use your situation to your advantage when it comes to admissions. You’ve done something most haven’t and something many fear.