<p>I’m a sophmore at one of the worst high schools in the area, in my opinion as well as some of the other students. I transfered here over the summer from a neighboring school in another district which was slightly better. My grades from my previous school district haven’t transferred yet, so I don’t know my GPA.</p>
<p>I am one of the best in school in math, ranking number 3 from the school on the AMC12, only behind two seniors. My Pre-Calc teacher was pretty much shocked when he found out I was only a 10th grader considering how well I do in his class. I’ve also recieved recommindation to go right to AP Physics (B, my school doesn’t offer C) without taking regular Physics by both my math and science teachers. I also do well in social studies, and as of the end of this year have completed three years of Spanish. My English grades used to be really bad, but I’ve turned around this year and currently have an A.</p>
<p>As for college, I’ll most likely go to something in engineering, however I’m also interesting in a few other areas like History. However, I’ll need a massive ammount of financial aid. We really don’t have that much money and most of money contributed from my family will probably end up coming from me myself. My school offers help in paying for AP exams, so that isn’t a problem.</p>
<p>I pretty much have 3 options for my Junior and Senior years at high school. As I mentioned before, my school is pretty crappy, so I shouldn’t have much difficulty being accepted to the first or third programs.</p>
<p>Here are the choices:</p>
<p>1. Vocational School – My school system has a vocational school with several special cources, including things like computer cources (everything from basics to server maintnance) to auto mechanics. Each course takes up three bells per year out of seven. The course I want to take, Computer Information Systems, requires Keyboarding Applications as a prerequisite, which I didn’t take due to lack of scheduling room at the school I went to during my Freshman year. I would have to waste a valuble space taking it as a corequisite. The courses allow for big bucks, even right out of college ($50,000+) and transferable credit to the local community college.</p>
<ul>
<li>Advance technical education</li>
<li>Easy money right out of high school</li>
<li>Possible internship</li>
<li>Counts 3x on GPA</li>
<li><p>Fufills elective requirements for graduation</p></li>
<li><p>Leaves little room for other courses (8 total, including needs for 2 more English courses, 2 Social Studes, and 1 Science)</p></li>
<li><p>I have to fit Keyboarding Applications into a already tight schedule</p></li>
</ul>
<p>2. Normal schedule without Vocation School – No description is really needed, nor is there much to talk about. I’d be able to take 7 courses a year, which allows for more AP courses and such.</p>
<ul>
<li>More AP courses which leads to more college credit and better weighted GPA</li>
<li><p>Won’t have to take Keyboarding</p></li>
<li><p>No vocational school</p></li>
<li><p>Have to take 3 elective courses</p></li>
</ul>
<p>3. Middle College High School – This was just started in my school system this semester. It allows you to take courses at the local community college during high school instead of just going to the high school. It’s offered for free by the system. It’s still quite new, so there’s no real website to go to to check it out.</p>
<ul>
<li>Massive ammounts of college courses</li>
<li>Free massive ammounts college courses</li>
<li>Would still be able to attend prom, etc. at normal high school</li>
<li>Courses later in day = More sleep</li>
<li>Would get a better education</li>
<li><p>Surrounded by smarter people</p></li>
<li><p>Would lose touch with some friends</p></li>
<li><p>Transportation might be a problem (not sure of how the school system does it)</p></li>
</ul>