<p>Hello. One indecisive, wavering CCer here.
Well, the thing is, I've yet to choose whether I should apply for tenth grade to a BS in the US, and there isn't exactly much time left for the choice. I thought there'd be many people on CC having similar experiences with only a few months to go until January, and thought it might help all of us to discuss our experiences and problems about it. (As well as giving me some help! :/ ) </p>
<p>As for me, I'm currently attending one of the better private international schools in Asia, with a handful of students heading for the Ivies each year (not as many as the HADES, though). Now, I've been attending this school since I was in fifth grade, and this is also my fifth year as a boarder. Most people don't make it for such a long time over here, and I've gained quite a rep here (not bragging - just informing) as well as good relations (mostly) with the teachers.
I've been sports captain, and will probably be again next year for my house (we're divided into houses). I'm quite likely to be head girl in my final year, the principal likes me and my grades are always in the top three of the grade each test. ...et cetera, et cetera.
What I'm trying to say here is that well... my chances are pretty good here. </p>
<p>So why would I want to leave? Well, my school is centralized around academics, less of sports, of experiences in high school, of extracurriculars and all those things. In short, my school is strict from the core. The boarders barely get to leave campus, and our days are repetitions of long days in school, two or less hours of sports and studying, studying and studying. I've had the exactly same schedule as well as the cycle of dinner menus since I was in 5th grade. To be honest, I'm sick and tired of it.</p>
<p>I'll probably stand out all the time from my grade if I stay, and my school's not a bad school at all. Yes, I'll have great IB results, SAT results, Principal's Commendations, go on to a wonderful college.. Yet I want a broader experience, I haven't even chosen what I wanted to do in my life, and I'm not sure I want to devote years in this school singly for the idea 'college'. I love music, I love writing, reading, poetry, but my parents' expectations are high; they're most probably dreaming of me being a doctor, or a lawyer. They are also quite excited that I'm considering the idea of BS, and by the way, I'm not just talking about Exeter, Andover, and all the harsh HADES ones. I don't really care about the country or the school name. All I want is an experience different from the one I'm having, a challenge and something new, and...</p>
<p>Really, I'm just confused. </p>
<p>Advice, anyone? Or if you're having similar problems as me, don't hesitate.</p>
<p>(PS: I'm aware of the 14% acceptances of some BS, as well as higher rates in other schools. What I'm saying is, will all the time and effort be worth it? Should I go for it, or should I stay? It takes enough effort to keep good grades in this school.. )</p>