Hello Everyone!
I am a high school sophomore from Pakistan and was recently selected on a scholarship to attend a high school in Texas. I will get a chance to live with a host family ,indulge in the american high school culture for a year and represent Pakistan to those around me there. Though this all is very attractive, it comes at the expense of me leaving the best school of Pakistan.
Due to the high demand of admissions in my school, the administration has asked my parents to pay the annual fees ($6,000) for the year I will be studying in the US to reserve my place in the school. Since, my family would find it very difficult to pay this fees I was thinking of giving up my place at the school. But then my parents have the dream of me graduating from this school in Pakistan, whereas I have desperately want to attend the exchange year without posing any financial burden on my parents.
I can’t make up my mind as both the decision hurt me in one way or the other. I would love if anyone would share their thoughts as whether attending this exchange would be worth it, and other solutions to help me out to take my decision.
Thanks!
If you do not attend this school in Pakistan, will there be a good school (not top ranked but excellent nevertheless) where you could go upon your return from the US?
I agree that living in the US and winning that scholarship is terrific and you shouldn’t give that up,bur you need to make sure you have a school to return to afterwards .
@MYOS1634 Yes there are several good schools is Pakistan that I could return to after my year in the US, though not as good as the one I currently study in.
Would spending the year in the US significantly boost my chances for US colleges?
Yes, it would. First, you’d be more fluent. Second, they’d be able to compare you to American students. Third, you’d take the ACT as an ELL (ie., you request ELL accommodations which are only available in the US). Fourth, you’d understand the culture better and would understand what’s expected of you more. Fifth, you’d be able to visit colleges. Sixth, you’d have access to a guidance counselor/college adviser, you’d be able to ask for letters of recommendation, etc.
If you have several good schools you could attend, then I don’t see the problem. You don’t have to attend the #1 school in Pakistan, you can attend the #4 or #6 and be fine (as long as you do well there of course.)
@MYOS1634 What are the benefits of taking ACT as an ELL?