I applied to my three preferred sixth-forms, of which two responded with a preliminary acceptance so long as I achieve my predicted grades. However, although I have for now accepted both places, the day is drawing near when I will have to make my final decision and the issue is that I am totally torn between the two. On the one hand, there is the local sixth-form college. Being a college and not a school, there is a greater sense of independence with no uniforms, free periods and the ability to come and go as you please once lessons end. Furthermore, they have their own school bus which leaves literally right at the top of my road, making travel incredibly easy. A number of my school peers, including my best friend, will also be attending.
On the other hand, there is the local sixth-form school. They are far superior academically, achieving some of the highest pass rates in the area and with a large number of their students going off to study in some of the best universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Whilst Ofsted rates the college as needing improvement in some departments, they rate the school as good and class sizes are also half that of the college. Why am I reluctant to go then? Well, to be honest, I am simply torn. My mind says to go to the school because of the greater academics, but my heart says to go to the college because I liked the vibe more. If I were to go to the school, I'd have to wear a uniform, attend an entire school day (no come and go as I please for lessons), and I'd lose all of my friends. The latter isn't a great deal, but it is comforting to have a familiar face in a new place - no? Furthermore, the school has compulsified activities such as fishing or rock climbing every Monday afternoon and I would have to take a fifth subject known as General Studies. I'm also not too keen on being stuck with Year 7s and whatnot. Worst of all, the travel is much more difficult. I'd have to catch a train, plus a bus, and it's certainly not as easy as hopping on the school bus at the top of my road.
To summarise, my problem is that I love the academics of the school but hate the very school nature itself. I really did want to go to a college, because I've hated my school life and the idea of independence is appealing. What can I do? My family think I should go to the school, quite understandably. However, although I know education is important, I'd like to actually enjoy my two years too. I feel as though I'd be happier at the college, yet then I also worry of not reaching my full potential. I mean, not to brag or anything, teachers and family always tell me I'm really smart. I get top grades and I have lofty ambitions.
What can I do? It's really worrying me a great deal.
On the other hand, there is the local sixth-form school. They are far superior academically, achieving some of the highest pass rates in the area and with a large number of their students going off to study in some of the best universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. Whilst Ofsted rates the college as needing improvement in some departments, they rate the school as good and class sizes are also half that of the college. Why am I reluctant to go then? Well, to be honest, I am simply torn. My mind says to go to the school because of the greater academics, but my heart says to go to the college because I liked the vibe more. If I were to go to the school, I'd have to wear a uniform, attend an entire school day (no come and go as I please for lessons), and I'd lose all of my friends. The latter isn't a great deal, but it is comforting to have a familiar face in a new place - no? Furthermore, the school has compulsified activities such as fishing or rock climbing every Monday afternoon and I would have to take a fifth subject known as General Studies. I'm also not too keen on being stuck with Year 7s and whatnot. Worst of all, the travel is much more difficult. I'd have to catch a train, plus a bus, and it's certainly not as easy as hopping on the school bus at the top of my road.
To summarise, my problem is that I love the academics of the school but hate the very school nature itself. I really did want to go to a college, because I've hated my school life and the idea of independence is appealing. What can I do? My family think I should go to the school, quite understandably. However, although I know education is important, I'd like to actually enjoy my two years too. I feel as though I'd be happier at the college, yet then I also worry of not reaching my full potential. I mean, not to brag or anything, teachers and family always tell me I'm really smart. I get top grades and I have lofty ambitions.
What can I do? It's really worrying me a great deal.