I have a Dilemma.

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>Well, school just started yesterday, and I am in the 10th grade. It is at this catholic school, and I intend to apply to boarding schools this year, such as Andover. The problem is that I transferred to this school, and I don't really think that I like it. I don't know a single person there. I'm not actually a catholic, which makes it very bad when we have to attend mass, and when the teachers bring up some kind of religious reasoning behind something, I just cringe.
The only reason that I would like to stay is because of the classes. They seem to be a bit better than what I had last year in my local public school. </p>

<p>What I am trying to ask is this:
Would going to a private catholic school, and taking some classes that I would consider better, but be miserable because of the almost nonexistent socialization be better, or would it be better to go to a public school and get classes that might be as good, but most likely not, and actually be a bit happier because I know some people, and I don't feel like I need to do something because the school really wants me to, even if I don't believe in it.</p>

<p>I had a panic attack after the mass, because going to a good school is all that I want, and this is my last real chance to do so, and I thought to myself "If I spend all of my time being miserable in this school, and having to act like a robot because I need to look like I believe in something when I don't, thinking it will give me a better chance, and then in the end I find out it didn't help at all, I'm finished." All of the top boarding schools don't take 12th grade transfers, and it would end up being a complete waste of time. I can't do all of this again. I have family problems at home, and I can't act like my life is perfect for all of the interviewers and teachers again. I don't want to go to a good boarding school for one single year. I don't want to spend my entire high school career wishing that I get into a school. If I don't make my decision now, that's it for me. I don't know what I should do.</p>

<p>Here are my classes for the catholic school, and my local public school, just so you can see if any of them are very good classes to have, or if they are "impressive".</p>

<h2>Catholic School </h2>

<p>English Language
& Literature </p>

<p>Engineering/Robotics </p>

<p>French 2 </p>

<p>Foundations of
The Republic (College Class)</p>

<p>Chemistry (Weighted)</p>

<p>Religion 10</p>

<p>Algebra 2 (Weighted)</p>

<h2>Public School</h2>

<p>Advanced Sophomore Traditions (Honors)
in World Literature</p>

<p>World Cultures (Honors)</p>

<p>Algebra 2</p>

<p>Geometry</p>

<p>Accelerated Chemistry (Honors)</p>

<p>French 2</p>

<p>Transportation Systems</p>

<p>Computer Aided Drafting</p>

<p>Weighted I assume is just honors, but they don't call it honors so the other kids that didn't get in feel bad. I think I know what the answer is that all of you will give me, but I really wanted to just let this out.</p>

2

<p>Producing top quality work in your new school is probably the best bet. You’re doubtless aware that your current English and Math teachers will need to provide recommendations for you, so I’d suggest avoiding any behavior that would alienate them. </p>

<p>The social environment is made of of individuals. Surely you haven’t exhausted the opportunity for human friendship in 13 hours?</p>

<p>As far as cringing when any sort of religious reasoning rears its ugly head, perhaps you will find this piece illuminating. I’d suggest you read it carefully and underline! :)</p>

<p><a href=“http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3822&context=fss_papers[/url]”>http://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3822&context=fss_papers&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>Okay, a parent’s perspective (for what it’s worth):</p>

<p>(1) not knowing anybody after only one day of school is not the end of the world. It’s actually pretty much to be expected . . . give it a few days (or a week or two).
(2) your list of classes doesn’t tell me anything about the caliber of the teachers . . . or the students. If the school has a good reputation, then you’re probably fine.
(3) Mass, Catholicism, etc. . . . This one is trickier. Different schools have different requirements when it comes to how much a nonreligious student is expected to participate in religious activities. But if you’re not comfortable with your situation, SPEAK UP! Go to your homeroom teacher or the dean of students or the head of school or whomever and explain your concerns. Maybe they can accommodate you and maybe they can’t . . . but you won’t know 'til you ask. If their requirements are something that you absolutely can’t live with, then so be it, and your decision is made.</p>

<p>Change is not easy, so it’s to be expected that your first few days might be difficult. But if you’re still miserable in a week . . . and in two weeks . . . and in a month, then maybe it’ll be time to call it quits. But the first day or two is usually too soon to know.</p>

4

<p>Youve only gone to the school one day, give it some time and you will find some friends.</p>