Struggling in a New School

Applying to College
1

Over the summer, I moved from the USA (where I had lived my entire life) across the globe to Singapore due to my dad’s job.

In August, I started my junior year in a school here in Singapore, and my ‘most important year of high school’ has been a real challenge so far.

School has always come easy to me, and I’ve coasted to straight A’s in challenging courses throughout my academic career thus far. However, this year is looking like it will be an exception. The style of teaching, instruction, etc. at my new school is much different than anything that I’m used to, the workload is far more than what I was receiving, and exams are also much more difficult (not to mention I made the huge mistake of taking 5 AP courses). I’m trying to adapt, but am doing so slower than I need to. We just finished our first quarter and I have B’s in 3 of my 8 courses (with A’s in the other 5).

On top of this, my extracurricular activity has fallen as well. I’ve found some clubs that align with my interests, but my new school has far less opportunities than my old one, and I’m still figuring everything out.

Last but not least, my social life has fallen apart. I was never that social butterfly who went to parties every weekend, but I still had a good few friends back in the USA, some of which I share a lifetime bond with. However, I’m struggling to make friends here. Nine weeks into school, and I’m still sitting alone at lunch. I try my best to talk to other students, but I can’t seem to fit in anywhere. My mental health has unraveled as well. I rarely sleep at night, staying up late to finish my exorbitant amounts of homework and study for tests, and to also talk to my old friends, as the 12 hour time difference makes communication difficult. I can feel my depression coming back, and my health is in decline.

How will this affect me with college admissions? Will colleges understand that I’m trying to cope with moving across the world, adjusting to a new schooling system, and trying to make friends and fit in? Or will my probable fall in GPA and extracurricular activity in my junior year discourage my chances for top universities?

Thanks in advance.

2

"Will colleges understand that I’m trying to cope with moving across the world, adjusting to a new schooling system, and trying to make friends and fit in? "

Yes.

Go meet with the college advisor/guidance counselor at your new school. They have a lot of experience working with students like you, and can help you determine good ways to work through the adaptation process.

3

Eight classes seems like a very heavy load, especially when five of those are at the AP level. Can you adjust your course load?
I think reaching out to your old friends will make you feel better, too. You can email if the time difference makes Skype too challenging to coordinate.

4

Junior year is a tough time to uproot and move. Hang in there! Could you try to set up some study groups for your classes, – which could solve two problems at once? Your teachers might be able to suggest which of your classmates might want to do that. BTW, I wouldn’t sweat 3 Bs in this situation. DO make sure you’re mastering the material in the AP classes-- if you end up with a B in the class but a 5 on the exam, it is unlikely to ruin your college chances. You may also want to think about whether you want to drop down in 1 or 2 classes to honors (or something less rigorous than AP.) Many of the international schools are super-rigorous, but they also tend to be good at helping students find their footing as there is so much churn as families move in and move out. I would definitely talk to the guidance counselor – you are not likely to be having an experience they haven’t seen before.

This may not feel like a blessing now, but you are basically getting great prep for college in 2 year in terms of being thrown in with a group of strangers. As much as a you can, embrace the opportunities that your new environment is providing – it will show that you are adaptable and open.

5

bump

6

bump!

7

Changing schools is difficult at any age, but especially hard in high school. What you are experiencing is completely normal and a long transition time is expected. I completely agree with the previous posters - especially @happymomof1 - colleges will understand that a change in schools may result in slightly lower grades and less activities. Your current grades aren’t terrible and you have all year to bring the B’s up. Give yourself a little more time to adjust - and to make friends. It will happen - especially if you make the effort to attend activity meetings. Asking to study with other kids is a great idea, too! Enjoy living in Asia - am a bit jealous as I’ve always wanted to visit Singapore.