Switching High Schools: A Dilemma

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hey everyone. I have a bit of a situation... I'm currently a sophomore at a private, Catholic high school with one of the best ratings in my city (however, there really isn't much competition in the city I live in). It has a graduation rate of 98%, and has a pretty good turn out for some of the really good colleges. The workload is good and the schedule I am taking next year is pretty difficult I think. We are, however, a school filled with rich, white, conservative, party-going kids. I'm fitting in with the popular group, but I feel as though I have to hold back on who I truly am. I wanted to join so many clubs and just have fun, but I didn't want to do anything that my group of friends didn't. Therefore, my extra curricular activities are a complete FAILURE. I'm in no clubs. My grades have dropped to B's and few A's (got them up from D's) because of absences. I think I'm absent a lot because I don't feel truly myself. I feel like my happiness is at stake. </p>

<p>If I switch schools to one of the public schools that I was initially suppose to attend if I had not attended this private one, I'd know people already and would probably, most likely not end up in the popular group but with the same, old group of friends. (Or I might change friends since I guess I have this new standard.. See, this school has changed me!) I THINK that if I switched high schools, I'd join more clubs/sports, my grades would hopefully improve, and it would make for a good college essay! Most importantly, I THINK I would be happier. What are your guys opinions on this?</p>

2

<p>It all depends, in my opinion what is better for your future. If the public school doesn’t offer the best curriculum or any rigorous courses then continue with the private school, and remember that you don’t have to be friends with those kids.</p>

3

<p>A lot of times when you join an extracurricular, you kind of become part of that social group, I feel like. For instance, most of my friends now were the ones I met in Freshmen year through NCSSSMST club. Even if it doesn’t happen that way, you can usually make at least one other friend in the club.If that still makes you uncomfortable, you could always try to participate in extracurricular activities that are done on an individual basis. By that, I mean Science Fair, individual fundraising, and other activities and competitions. </p>

<p>If you really want to change schools, then you should, but keep in mind that it does take some getting used to, and you won’t have the same opportunities as your current school. At the same time though, if your mental wellbeing or happiness is at stake as things are, then you should definitely do something about that. If the public school would raise your motivation as well as help you find yourself again, you should go for it.</p>

<p>Good luck with figuring this out!</p>