Study abroad HS junior yr - UK

Applying to College
1

<p>I'm thinking about studying abroad in the UK my entire junior year, but I talked to my counselor today and she said its a bad idea because they dont have APs there and she said when i apply to colleges my transcript will look bad if i don't take rigor courses junior year and that other students will look more competitive than me. But i really want to study abroad because it would be a great experience but I'm worried that it will affect my chances of getting in to a good university. I kind of want to go to a university in the UK anyways but im also applying to universities in America.</p>

<p>So is studying abroad junior year a bad idea and will it affect my chances?</p>

2

<p>that is not true!!!! colleges look at people more if they study abroad!!! It's so unusual and takes a lot of courage to go away from your parents for a whole year! It shows colleges your ready to step up. I say go.</p>

3

<p>Would they care if i study abroad instead of staying here and taking Aps?</p>

4

<p>That's a lie about the AP's...England has a lot of 'international schools', which often offer AP's and IB's. Conselors often tell you not to do things if they don't know anything about it or if it's not common. It looks AMAZING to study abroad, it shows that you're wordly and care about things besides the US, something many here don't. Do your own searches. I'm sure you'll find something that fits you. Even if a school doesn't offer AP's, the English have high level courses that are the equivalent of AP's and IB's. I think they're called A-levels? College will know that these are the same caliber as AP's. I wanted to travel abroad (to india specifically) during my junior year, but my school is notorious about denying transfer credits, and i'm in a special academy program that I worked my butt off to get into. But I might leave the program to travel senior year.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for your input! I think you're right. I was thinking the same thing before until my counselor said its a bad idea. But i don't think she knew what she was talking about because shes very unfamiliar with study abroad. Plus my gpa kinda sucks and i really need something like study abroad to make up for my grades. Hopefully it will help.</p>

6

<p>OH. Pleas don't do study abroad to "make up for your grades", do it because you want to and that you love the culture (which is what I'm gathering anyway :P) Just I want to make sure that you don't get stuck in England miserable for a year. Also, very likely, your GPA could drop in England, especially since you'd be spending one of your most challenging times in England, in a place away from what you are used to. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, just make sure you are going for the right reasons. :) (I was thinking about a year abroad too, but I started thinking more about going during college.)</p>

7

<p>If your credits won't transfer and you are serious about studying abroad, you could consider taking a "gap year" between HS and college to do one of these programs. I am doing this next year before entering college (I will defer enrollment to either Vassar, Pomona, or William and Mary). I will be living in Russia on the Kamchatka Peninsula and I couldn't be more excited. I feel like this will be a chance to regroup before college and become fluent (or close to it) in a language. Exchange is not for everyone, but if you are serious about it, then go for it.</p>

<p>Just take the advice of another poster and go only if you are sure it's the right choice for you. Exchange is, from what I've heard, a lot harder than students expect it to be. It's a big decision. You will be living away from home for a year, so just make sure it's what you really want to do.</p>

8

<p>I actually think studying abroad will look better. Even if it doesn't, I tell you this: Don't you wanta college that wants you for you, not for who you craft yourself to be? If YOU really want to do it, do it. There's nothing like traveling young if you're into it. My sister did foreign exchange to France and absolutely loved it. You can learn quite a bit being abroad---more than you will ever learn sitting in a high school classroom.</p>

<p>devushka is right in that's a big decision in terms of things such as being away from home for a year-----but let it be those things you contemplate, not the word of your guidance counselor.</p>

9

<p>i really want to go study abroad for the experience and to learn about the culture. I know it might be harder though, but<br>
i really want to go. I think it will be really fun and i love to travel. Also, the UK really fascinates me, and i think it would be great to go to school there. I'm just not sure if its a good idea to go junior year. I dont want to get myself in this huge hole later finding out my credits dont transfer or my grades dropping.</p>

10

<p>any advice?</p>

11

<p>why not go there during a less vital year? something that won't be as determining as junior year.</p>

12

<p>i guess i thought it would be interesting to go in hs and i cant go senior yr.</p>

13

<p>You need to check into the particular exchange program and also your school--a lot of high schools will not recognize exchange classes. My son is an exchange student this year and they are simply giving him some elective credits for participating in an exchange program (because he needs them to graduate) but he only receives a pass/fail--which is good because it doesn't affect his gpa or class rank--he is a senior. It is quite likely that your grades will also go down--for a lot of reasons. Again--my son is a straight A student but is receiving B's and C's in Germany--again thank goodness for the pass/fail grades. So, like previos posters have said--go for the right reasons but make sure the program in which you are participating is right for you as well.</p>

14

<p>I am also an exchange student with Rotary in Germany. Onemoreyear, with what program is your son?</p>

<p>Coming from someone now finishing up her year, I think an exchange helps big time! I haven't done the whole applying thing yet, so I don't know how it will affect me with college, but as a person I have grown in so many ways. I have seen more and experienced more things than most other 17 year olds I know..or even people will do in their whole lives! I've become conversational in a language I couldn't speak a word of 9 months ago. I've made so many friends from all over the world, which as also allowed to learn about the countries of South America, Asia, Africa, Australia..all over the world!</p>

<p>I am also an All-A student, and have been number 1 in my class since middle school. I have no idea if I will lose that or not, but I was aware of that going into this. I feel like this exchange was right for me, I had to do it. Sure, I will not take as many APs as planned..sure, I might not be Valedictorian like I'd hoped. But 20 years from now, will I dwell more on my HIGH SCHOOL academic success or my year in Germany?</p>

<p>PLEASE do not do an exchange if it is only to help you get into college. You have to want to do an exchange to be successful. It takes work and is not a year of vacation. Honestly, my first 2 months felt like vacation because it was all new, but now it's just like regular life..only without my family and friends from home, which makes it difficult. People don't seem to realize you WILL be bored occasionally and WILL be homesick sometimes. But if you're having doubts, don't think it's not for you. I had tons of doubts before I left and even once I got here. But it's included some of the best times in my life and I wouldn't take back this year for any high school title.</p>

<p>Good luck, and you can contact me further if you'd like to talk about it!</p>

<p>And I really recommend Rotary by the way, if you aren't so set on England. I would also take advantage of learning another language. It makes it so much more interesting and think about it..what other chance do you have to be FULLY immersed for a year? In college you'll likely be with other Americans.</p>

<p>edit: by the way, when I first looked into exchange, I was set on the UK as well, but someone persuaded me to learn another language..I was hesitant but now I'm thrilled I chose another! if you want the UK though, then go for it by all means!</p>