yupyup100

Currently, I am the top-ranked junior in my class. I have family problems, and I have to move to a new house far away, on the other side of town. Next year, I will be zoned for another school. This new school is academically stronger, significantly stronger, than the school I am currently enrolled in. Should I change schools? Should I sacrifice my val status, in an effort to obtain a better education? By the way, I will be a senior next year.

hmom5

Since it's only one year, I wouldn't. You also lose out on any leadership positions you might have where you are.

nhsharvard

Considering that you'll be a senior this coming school year, I agree that you shouldn't move. You'll have to adjust to a new high school, which could lower your grades.

happymomof1

If the commute to school is not so overwhelming as to make it difficult for you to continue being active in any after school activities that you currently enjoy, and if the new school doesn't offer different classes or special programs that you would like to participate in, I'd recommend that you finish up at your current school. I'd make this recommendation whether you were at the top of the class or the bottom of the class. You have a set of friends, and teachers who know you. The psychological advantages of remaining in a school that is familiar probably outweigh the disadvantages of the increased commuting time.

If you feel that the other school offers significantly better educational opportunities, don't worry about losing your valedictorian status. Those opportunities may be worth the change of environment.

In either case, be sure that your counselors understand your family situation, and can help you work through any unexpected consequences of this change in your situation.

Wishing you all the best.

bluebayou

if you stay, make sure you recieve full district approval to stay. That includes any activities that you may be involved in....sports, for example, are extremely picky on residence requirements (for obvious reasons).

nemom

Be in touch with the authorities first to see if it is even an option. I know our local district has very detailed and firm rules about this.

Lobzz

NO NO NO. Think about this: This is an opportunity in disguise, eh? write an essay about having to make this decision. How you sacrificed being the class val for a better education. Does anyone disagree???

trickysocksman

yes. everyone knows that the title of valedictorian at the high school level is essentially fiat, and writing an essay like that would make you seem shallow. If you equated it to the problems of losing out on something really great at your old school thats not valedictorian, then maybe.

sybbie719

As otheres have stated, if it is possible for you to stay at your current school and the commute is not too crazy, my advice would be to stay.

The other things that you may have to consider is that because you are coming in senior year, you would not be counted in the ranking for the class of 2010 at your new school. This could hurt you as far a scholarship opportunities at some colleges and awards at the new school. In addition, you would be starting college at the same time when all of your recommendation letters are due and no one at the new school will know you.

What ever happens, get your recommendations this year before you leave school (your current GC can send to the new school) once you transfer. Make sure you check your transcript over with a fine tooth comb as the school will not be able to make changes/corrections once you fall off their roster. Get signed sealed copies of your transcripts before you leave in the event of transfer, your old and new transcritps will have to be sent. With all of the caziness that happens senior year, it would be easy for your stuff to fall through the cracks at your old school especially if you are not there.

all the best

Hjwuan

Don't transfer. More important than losing you valedictorian status you will also lose the relationships you had with old teachers that could write you rec.