Senior year- America or Shanghai?

Applying to College
1

<p>This is my first time posting, so I'm not sure how this all works, but basically I need more professional feedback on which decision i should make.</p>

<p>Okay, so I was born in America. I moved to Taiwan in 3rd grade, and then I moved to Shanghai in 8th grade. I had attended international schools in Taiwan and Shanghai. I'm currently a junior, and I moved back to America [specifically Washington state] for my junior year.</p>

<p>Basically, the big dilemma is this-- Should I move back to Shanghai with my family for my senior year? Or should I stay in America? Which decision is more beneficial for my college applications?</p>

<p>Details-</p>

<p>My family's moving back to Shanghai for sure because of my mom's visa issues, but since I'm an American citizen I don't have that to worry about. They prefer me to stay here for my senior year because they think it'd be more beneficial for my college applications, and they feel like they'd just wasted a years worth of money if we're basically moving back and starting where we began--my family basically moved to america with me because I wanted to try out a new environment, and I wanted more AP classes. If I stay in America by myself next year, I'd be living with a host family. </p>

<p>Honestly, I prefer Shanghai so much more than where I am now--just everything in general, but especially socially, because fitting in at a new school during your junior year is pretty hard. no one told me public schools in America were this clique-ey and racially divided [I'm Asian, and my school's only 10% Asian], but I want to make the right decision academically that will benefit me more in the long run.</p>

<p>In America, I have a large variety of classes to select from. I guess America would also be more resourceful and information would be more accessible. My private school in Shanghai only offers a limited amount of AP classes, and since the school in Shanghai is pretty new, it doesn't have a very reputable reputation yet considering the fact that this is it's first of actually having a senior class.</p>

<p>However, in Shanghai I have a large extracurricular advantage. Because the school's smaller, you have more room to be yourself and take on leadership roles. I feel more comfortable in that environment where I'm familiar with most of the teachers and students at the school. I'm just much happier in Shanghai because I don't feel out of place, and I don't have to stress over fitting in at a new public school. When I was in Shanghai, I was Student Council secretary in 9th grade, Community Service Club secretary in 9th grade, Editor in Chief for the school newspaper in 10th grade, and Cheerleading Captain in 10th grade. Now that I just moved to America, I have no leadership roles because I'm still currently trying to adjust to school here. </p>

<p>My grades aren't bad in America, but they're not particulary outstanding either. I have around a 3.7 gpa, and I'm taking a few challenging courses such as AP Physics, Pre-AP Calc [which is basically honors pre-calc], and AP Language Composition, but I don't think that's an excuse for my 3.7 gpa. In Shanghai, the average for my grades was also around a low A.</p>

<p>My ideal school to attend is UCLA, but I think I'm being a little unrealistic because applying out of state is already as hard as it is, especially considering I'm not one of the super outstanding students--I'm just fairly average. I'm going to apply to colleges mainly in California, particularly the majority of UCs. I'm also considering University of Michigan.</p>

<p>Is there a higher chance of getting accepted into colleges[in general] higher if you apply as an out of state student, or international? Don't colleges like having a vast variety in thier student body such as having an international student? </p>

<p>Should I move back to Shanghai where I much more prefer my social life and school environment, where I could continue to pursue my leadership roles, and just basically where I'm happier at? Or should I just suck it up and stick it through here in America for my senior year by taking a variety of AP courses to make up for the extracurriculars? Is moving back and forth something that'll look bad on my college applications?</p>

<p>In specifically my situation, which one do you think is more beneficial for my college applications? This is really frustrating for me, and I'd like a more professional opinion than just 'you should do whatever makes you happier', so feedback is much appreciated.</p>

2

<p>I guess I'll be the first one to present my viewpoint.</p>

<p>Personally, I'd rather stay in America. One important thing is location. Keep in mind that if you apply as an international student, your chances of entering certain colleges (I can't say all, but there are a number) are slim to none. Since you are already in America, I suggest building your status here for senior year.

[quote]
no one told me public schools in America were this clique-ey and racially divided [I'm Asian, and my school's only 10% Asian]

[/quote]

Not all public schools in America are socially based on cliques. Make friends with students in your classes. I came to a high school where I only knew less than 5% of my class. Now, I can safely say that hopping from clique to clique isn't a problem for me because I know about 80% of the people. It's all about reaching out and hanging out with as many people as you can. In addition, networking with other people is advantageous. You can ask your peers for support when you plan on running in school elections.</p>

<p>Back to my point (sorry, I got carried away with the social aspect). Having no leadership roles in junior year is understandable, considering that you just moved here from a foreign country. Besides, you already have a bunch from your freshman and sophomore years, so it's not like you haven't taken on guidance yet. As for out-of-state and international standing, it would probably be easier for the out-of-state applicant than the international applicant. For UCs, out-of-state is extremely competitive, and I don't want to even mention international because that is tough competition as well.</p>

<p>I realize that you probably don't enjoy the American way of life here, but if you want to make this situation beneficial for the sake of college, I strongly recommend that you stay here. Moving back and forth isn't exactly the best thing to mention on the application (unless your parents had a job transfer, or your family experienced a financial problem). In America, you do have a myriad of opportunities to expand in academics and extracurricular activities. Like what you said, there is a variety of AP courses. If you are worried that you can't obtain a position in a club or student government, go for community service. Apply for a summer program. Take classes at a community college. All of these can boost your profile.</p>

<p>If you really dislike your current situation, then moving back to Shanghai might be the best solution for you. Of course, the final decision is up to you.</p>

3

<p>I'd love to live in Shanghai.</p>

<p>Well, I've transferred to 10 different schools in my life up to this point. At each new school, I know 0% of the people. It was kinda hard, but I got used to it. If you stay here, you can still assume leadership roles in your senior year. </p>

<p>I love food and clothes in Shanghai. Beware, you're at risk of gaining weight if you move here(if you're lazy like me)! Ah, that's kinda irrevelant.</p>

<p>But personally, I'd love to stay in Shanghai. I wouldn't though.</p>

4

<p>hahaha, yeah. I moved here beginning of my junior year, and I've already gained ten pounds. Fast food is scary.</p>

<p>Shanghai's one of the best cities I've ever lived in. The culture and environment is just really amazing. I think experiencing life in Shanghai definitely opens up your view point on the world, because you'll actually see poverty in front of you and see the huge difference between middle class and lower class. I only lived there for three years, but within those three years I practically saw Shanghai progress in front of my eyes. </p>

<p>Life there's also really luxurious, because as long as you're middle class in America, that's considered wealthy in Shanghai. And wealth there comes with drivers, maids, and basically everything. It's pretty sweet.</p>

<p>But yeah. I definitely miss my life there, and I am happier there, but I guess I need to do whatever's better for my future. Sigh. I guess this is when the Asian-ness of me kicks in.</p>

5

<p>Its does not matter. You will be going into an international school any way.</p>

6

<p>it is easier to go to an american school if you apply from washington rather than shanghai...</p>

<p>thats the main advantage if you are applying to US schools.</p>

7

<p>It shouldn't matter whether you apply in the US or Shanghei if you're a citizen.</p>

8

<p>^^ vanilea had it right. theoretically speaking your chance shouldn't be affected either way. </p>

<p>i personally suggest you stay here. shanghai's amazing (been there, loved it) and everything is probably harder in us, but you'll learn a lot more here, and not just acamdemically. afterall it's a dif. culture. i'm pretty sure that colleges will understand that you need some time to adjust to a new enviroment, and they will be very impressed if you can overcome the difficulties and still get leadership roles/good grades. stayin here will demand a lot more, but it's a challenge as well as an opportunity. </p>

<p>just my personal thoughts. whichever way you choose, goooood luck :)</p>

9

<p>I moved here from Beijing many years ago, yet I still miss it! The food. Yes. Yes. </p>

<p><em>Who</em> invented fast food?</p>

10

<p>So, if you're a citizen, go back to Shanghai then, if you want to lose 10 pound: ) You might gain another 10 pound in your senior year!</p>

11

<p>Even though I'm honestly happier in Shanghai, just because I'm familiar with the whole environment and I feel more secure, I sort-of want to give Washington another try. I guess I feel like I'm giving up too fast, but damn. I miss being with my friends and all the luxuries.</p>

<p>I have friends here, but I guess they're mostly 'acquaintances' that you hang out with than actual close friends, you know? I guess I'm scared of graduating high school alone.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the feedback.</p>