Repeating Junior year

lizzzz · 03-02-2010, 10:18 PM

I'm currently a sophomore, with top academics and extracurriculars.

I have a strong desire (for many reasons, which I won't get into here) to complete the last two years of my high school experience at a boarding prep school. However, the deadlines for most have already passed, and I have not applied to any (again, for many reasons, which I won't get into here).

Therefore, would it be at all plausible to complete my junior year at my current school, and then repeat it at a prep school? I would of course take different courses and broaden my extracurricular base. While some schools take wait list applications, financial aid would not be available, I have been informed.

Is this crazy? Could it benefit me? Would it just be a waste of time and money?

musisat · 03-02-2010, 11:41 PM

That is what I am trying to do. As people on this forum pointed out, it is most difficult to apply for 11th grade. I would at least apply and have a back-up plan if it doesn't work out. Best of luck to you!

DunviDunvi · 03-03-2010, 01:56 AM

My school actually encourages incoming seniors to repeat the 11th grade. In some ways, it is very worth it, in many ways it is totally not, but it depends on what you're looking for.

lizzzz · 03-06-2010, 02:22 PM

Thank you for your ideas.

A further question: what would the experience of transferring to a prep school be like SOCIALLY? Assuming admittance and enough financial aid, would the average student be able to make this transition well?

mylovelybones · 03-15-2010, 04:42 PM

I'm a sophomore this year and I applied to boarding school and got into all of the ones I applied to. Granted, they are not the HADES schools... but non the less they are still great.
If you REALLY don't want to repeat 11th grade, I suggest looking into a single sex school (generally easier to get into depending on which one you choose) and looking for some with rolling admissions.
Good Luck!

lizzzz · 03-15-2010, 08:36 PM

@mylovelybones: Congratulations on your acceptances! I really have no problem with repeating junior year, it just seems a bit impractical. I looked into schools with rolling admissions, but they do not offer fin. aid after the admissions deadline, which would render attendance impossible.

But, thank you for your reply. Any other opinions or ideas?

mylovelybones · 03-16-2010, 09:47 AM

That's too bad

well, I wish you luck on your search for a boarding school! Don't settle for anything less than what you really want.

good luck again!

lizzzz · 03-16-2010, 04:22 PM

@mylovelybones: Thank you again! I really appreciate the encouragement. Good luck to your in your own "educational endeavors!"

Does any one else have an opinion or advice to share?

rippedjeans · 03-21-2010, 09:56 PM

This will defiantly benefit you, and sounds like it will be in your best interest.

Coming from experience of a similar situation your in.

exoveerotch · 03-22-2010, 04:56 PM

applying for 11th grade isn't that scary as it seems, yes, they take less students, but consider how many people apply (few compare to 9 and 10th grades). It was a crapshoot for me at first, but when i got more confident, it didn't seem that impossible. I didn't think it would but Deerfield accepted me. so be confident about your credentials, and show them your passions. i'm sure it won't be long before you get in your dream school!!!

Izzy Busy Bee · 03-22-2010, 05:35 PM

just apply (to many schools, if you're set on it, and have a good mix of reaches, matches and safeties. single-sex schools are generally easier to get into as well.)! I recommend repeating junior year- honestly, there are lots of repeats and you will benefit from it in the long run and have a better social experience (by senior year classes are pretty bonded). Best of luck!

laxislife1265 · 04-04-2010, 04:07 PM

Yeah I'm doing exactly that at SPS (they require a minimum of two years).