To study abroad or to not? Need advice badly.?

Question

I am currently in 2nd year high school. I study in an uh fairly okay private catholic school. Well actually I don't like my school very much in terms of professionalism. I am already scared of college entrance exams especially Ateneo's exam because I think that our high school has not trained us very well and has not taught us competently thus I won't be able to pass it.

I have the chance to transfer to Las Vegas and study the remaining years in my high school this year. Is education there possibly better than the school I'm studying in right now?

What should I do? Should I move after finishing 2nd year to have a chance at possibly better education? Or continue my 2 remaining years at the school where few graduates get in Ateneo (mostly because they're born smart, what about those who aren't born smart, who just study that's why they get high marks, like me?)

I'm really confused on what to do. Please help =)

Answer 1

Okay,

First: In college, people who exert effort have higher chances of surviving than those who are naturally gifted but lazy. So you still have hope. College is a lot of responsibility. If you can handle responsibilities, then you will do good in college.It is not like high school where you can play around until graduation and still have high grades. In college, you do almost all the work. There is very little spoonfeeding. However, this might mean more consultation with your professors or just plain work.

Second: Studying abroad is very costly especially college. But the pay-off is great. The quality of education there in the high school is better. In college, it depends on the school. Since you are in your second year, I think it is wiser to just stay. Think of the adjustments you will have to make when you transfer. Not only will you adapt socially but even culturally and environmentally. This might take its toll on your academics. If you really want to learn much, try having a tutor or self study on things you really love. Below is a link that you can go to in case you want to study things in advance. If you cannot understand the subject matter in this website, do not fret. These are college level subjects.

Here's the link:

http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/web/home/home/...

Third: Sometimes the rumors about the exams are in fact, not entirely true. However, it would be wise to prepare for them. Try buying a reviewer for that or attend review classes.

Fourth: Ateneo is not the only good school in the country. Why not try La Salle, UST, Mapua (for engineering), Siliman or UP? The more entrance exams you take, the more chances you have in entering the "ivy league" univeristies in the Philippines (and maybe even the real ivy league's in US).

Fifth: Try not to stress yourself with college too much. Planning is wise but getting stuck in futuristic issues is very bad. High school is fun. Try to enjoy it while planning for college. Worrying will not do you any good. But I hope that you will not be lax either.

Sixth: Pray. It helps.