<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I am thinking applying to Andover next year. I am a high school student in the 10th grade this coming September. My school is one of the 100 best public schools in the US, so I am wondering if it is worth to go to the prep schools. My ultimate goal is to have a better chance of getting into a top college. What are the pros and cons for entering 11th grade? Thanks!</p>
<p>I was in the exact same position as you just a year ago. I weighed the pros and cons closely, and realized that going to boarding school for 11th grade was actually worth it. Anyways, the only cons I see are that 1.) making friends might be a tad bit tougher since most of your class would have entered school in 9th or 10th grade and 2.) Junior year is considered the toughest year of high school, and the most important (the year colleges look at the most). Going to a school as tough as Andover for the toughest year of high school might put a dent in your transcripts… Now, you said that the reason you want to go to Andover is to get into a better college (not the best reason ever, but it’ll do :)) but, even though I know most people might disagree, Andover just might hurt your chances a little. Of course, they have amazing college counselors, but if you stay at the school your at right now you could have a better chance at shining. You could become class valedictorian, start several clubs, do good academically (no dent), etc. Of course, if you had…better reasons, other than college matriculation, to want to go to Andover, I’d probably have a different opinion on your situation.</p>
<p>I agree with everything JoshByron said.</p>
<p>As someone who is leaving a top 100 high school to go to Andover for 11th grade I think that it is worth it. </p>
<p>What JoshByron said about standing out would hold true at a more mediocre school, but at a top 100 school everyone, like at Andover, is exemplary. However, unlike Andover you school won’t have the reputation and college counseling needed to get more than one or two people into each top school, if that.</p>
<p>Don’t go to a top prep school like Andover to increase your chances of getting into a good college; you probably won’t. Go because you are excited about the amazing programs they offer and the interesting people you would meet.</p>