<p>So I've been contemplating this since the first semester of my Junior year. Now I'm turning 18 next month, my Junior year is finished, college tests are done, applications are being turned in this fall. I have a 3.24/4.00 GPA with a very rigorous workload, a 2100 SAT and a 30 ACT. I'm by no means a top 7% student, but I just want to enjoy my senior year. I'm interested in going into school for pediatric & adolescent nursing and or psychology.
The issue that I'm having is that I don't know if I want to stay at my current private school of 3 years or go to my local public HS. I'll do my best to explain my situation sufficiently without getting too far off topic.</p>
<p>I'm going to be an 18 year old guy going into my Senior year of High school. Last year I attended a Private Catholic all boys college prep school. I've made several good friends that I wouldn't trade for the world but generally I feel as though I don't fit in. It's a very tight-knit community with only 180 students. So there's only a few major cliques and I don't really sit in any of them. I realize idiots will be everywhere but a lot of the guys just bug me to no end. They're self-righteous, snobby, arrogant, and they objectify women. I get along a lot better with girls and it's really hard to meet any at my school. Anyway, while most of my classmates are fine, the school and it's policies are not. I'm gay, and that doesn't sit well with a lot of people there. I could never take my date to any of the dances such as homecoming or prom, and I would like to make my senior year special in that respect. Basically they can't and/or won't condone anything that is LGBT+ associated. Every single day I'm told that the "homosexual lifestyle" is wrong from the people that are supposed to be my friends and mentors. I'm not going to lie, going to this school has mostly sucked. It's brought me down and I've struggled in my classes and with friendships and relationships from depression and anxiety for years. At one point the Dean of Students even said I "look[ed] horrible" because I forgot to shave and two other teachers chimed in, mocking me. Although I really didn't like it, I've toughened up and I'm used to it. It's familiar to me and I know the people there. However I'll be the first to say I've lived an extremely sheltered life. Never really been to a party, never had a job, never really talked to too many people. I'm so used to the inner-mingling of private school life that I've never really experienced much diversity for myself. I'd like to be able to handle myself when I'm out of HS and live for myself when I can. I hate feeling so sheltered and walled in all the time.</p>
<p>I'm not shy and I'm not a troublemaker so I don't think I'd have too many problems adjusting somewhere else. But I've gone to private school my whole life so it would definitely be new for me to go to public school. I just don't want it to be really hard to make friends or be included with people I guess. Can anyone help shine light on this for me? I just don't want colleges to look down on this or it to seem like a cop-out.
Thanks.</p>
<p>Although it’s much easier said than done, I would ignore the current climate if this school has a good college placement office. Your senior year should be focused on finding the college where you will fit in, thrive, and develop true life-long friendships. In one year you will realize the lessons learned at that high school will guide you in choosing a more accepting and diversified life - the one that’s right for you. </p>
<p>If your family can afford for you to stay, there are good reasons for you not to switch. The college application process requires letters of recommendations from teachers and your guidance counselor. Switching to a new school at senior year will put you at a disadvantage, because nobody will know you as well as they know the other students. Sometimes this can not be avoided- if a family moves, or a guidance counselor leaves, but if you can avoid this, it would be in your best interest to get recommendations from teachers and GC who know you well. Colleges also evaluate applicants in context of their schools. A college will still look at both transcripts, but grades and credits might transfer differently to the new school and some aspects like class rank may be unpredictable at the new school. Here, you know what your academic standing is. </p>
<p>You see yourself as an 18 year old guy with the ability to lead your own life, and while it is true that 18 is the legal age of adulthood in many ways, until you are completely self supporting, you aren’t really an adult in the full sense. Postponing some of the things you want to do for the sake of your education is part of the process to becoming an independent adult. You will be able to come out freely at many colleges, and that time will be soon. Don’t jeopardize your chance of being accepted at the best option for you in order to do this one year earlier. Your future in exchange for one year may not be worth it.</p>
<p>When you do arrive at college, also keep things in balance. I know of young people so eager for freedom that they overdo it- and lose perspective. Your college degree is your ticket to leading the life you want, and making school your priority will lead you to it. </p>
<p>If you’re turning your applications in by Fall, I really don’t see ANY reason at all for ANY college not to want you. So if you end up being accepted into your college of choice by Fall (not really sure when they send out letters) then I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy your senior year & at least have one amazing memorable year of high school. But then again, I really don’t know if colleges would question why you switched schools your senior year, & I don’t really know how they would look at it. If anything, you could just try & ride out your senior year at the private school, & then when college starts, have all the fun you missed out in high school. (but still focus on your academics) </p>
<p>^ Because the guidance counselor recommendation has to be from senior year at the current school. By fall, he will no longer be enrolled in the school he is now, and will be at the new school. Because colleges look at the grades from first semester senior year, even if the application is already turned in ( unless it is an early decision or early action application and you can’t always count on this).</p>
<p>Because changing schools is disruptive. Sometimes there are reasons such as a move, finances, or other considerations, but making a change that affects your education to enjoy your senior year more isn’t wise if you are serious about your education. </p>
<p>Colleges consider senior year and expect students to maintain the same level of studies and grades as before, if possible. Success sometimes depends on making choices and keeping things in perspective. College- and the OP’s freedom to date who he wishes, is right around the corner- why risk it? </p>
<p>If I were you, I would just stay put. Push through for another year. You have my full support.</p>