Transferring Senior Year?

<p>I am a current junior at a pretty good private school. My grades are good, I have kept a 3.8 GPA since freshman year, and I currently take 2 APs (my school only allows juniors and seniors to take APs). My SAT is a 1930. I am also active in NHS (committee chair leader) and am on the class council (Treasurer). In addition I am a part of a Christian club and made the varsity girls basketball team this year.</p>

<p>My high school is a good school, but it is small (115 per class) and 1 1/2 hours by bus (my main transportation to/from school). This commute has added a lot of stress on me, and therefore to my family. Also the cost of my high school is not a burden, but a strain on my parents, especially with my sister going to private school. </p>

<p>My mom has talked to me about transferring to a public school that is 5 minutes away from my house (500 per class). I'll admit, the public school system in my state is crap although the school has more APs than my private school. I know I will be able to get into classes equal to the rigor at my school (at least in name). Her thinking is its closer, I'll have more opportunities (classes/clubs/more people), I can hang out with friends more easily (silly, I know but to her its part of the high school experience.) Also it will be significantly cheaper for my family. </p>

<p>I am undecided because my main goal is to go to a good college with the least amount of financial strain on my parents but I also want to enjoy my senior year. Recently I feel that I've outgrown my school. I like meeting new people and my school feels to small. This sounds petty, but I never get to hang out with my friends because they are so far away (anytime I want to go out, I need to catch the bus). Also the commute is hard on my studies (I wake up at 5 and get home at 5).</p>

<p>My question is, does transferring my senior year hurt my chances for getting into a good college (looking at UC Irvine (out-of-state), Santa Clara University, USF, USC (reach)) and good scholarships? Do you have any advice in making my decision?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help in advance! (Sorry it was so long)</p>