I’m still debating on whether or not I should repeat 11th grade next year at an incredible BS. Personally, I would love to experience the classes there, make friends with all sorts of talented and unique people, and develop my sense of maturity, responsibility, and independence. However, I understand that BS is a hefty financial investment, and while I recognize that BS is NOT to be used as a path to HYPMS etc., it’s still important that I consider my education beyond high school in this decision. I could probably go to my flagship state school or reach for schools around the level of Cornell/Duke from my local public school, so I’m somewhat concerned that while BS may improve who I am as a person and prepare me for college, it might also prevent me from attend colleges that I could from my LPS.
Long story short, keeping in mind that I am currently a student at a very competitive public school (sends ~10-20 students to Ivies and other top universities annually), what are the pros and cons of repeating junior year? If you were in my place, how would you approach the decision/would you repeat?
edit- reading this back, it reads like I’m incredibly fixated upon college. I’m not really. Better worded, in the long run (say, in 30 years), would $120K of BS education prepare me to pursue a higher level of success in the real world? Or is that something that solely depends on me, not on the school I attend?
@SeattleDreamer I think you already know the answer to your last question. You will be successful no matter where you go to high school if you want to be successful. You’ve been trying to get into BS longer than most applicants this year. Only you can answer the questions as to whether it is worth it. BS is so much more than the quality academics. It is a life experience like no other. So…I think the question is–now that I’ve gotten into a BS, if I choose not to go, will I regret that decision? Is BS still an opportunity I want to pursue? It is completely ok if it isn’t…and you want to continue your journey through your current school. But I think only you can make that decision.
@buuzn03 always great to hear from you! You make a good point- BS is really incredible and there’s honestly nothing else I’d rather do next year (especially after trying for so long to get in). Unfortunately, my family got way less FA than expected (read: full pay, even though our financial situation is a little rocky right now), so I anticipate the decision may come to just that.
@SeattleDreamer that is hard…did you talk to the school to see if they could possibly help more? Sometime they will be able to increase FA a little bit. Also, grandparents/other family may be able to help out and give a tax deductible gift for education expenses (my mother pointed this out as DH starting new business has done the same for us & FA may not be enough for us this year until we are back on our feet). Hugs hugs hugs and positive thoughts & prayers for you. The money aspect is tough. But I think this will all turn out great in the end.
Thank you soo much for the support 
@buuzn03 we plan on calling the FA office next week to review the reasons behind FP, but we’re not really hoping for anything. Not sure if my grandparents can contribute, but I too hope that this will all end well
Good luck, @SeattleDreamer. Rooting for you!
Thank you!! @CaliPops think a revisit may be in order…