DEAR ANDREA...
How should I choose a high school?
Signed,
Chicago Schools are Confusing
Dear Chicago Schools are Confusing,
To choose a High school you should go to different schools and visit them. Most high schools offer a shadow day. The public schools have open houses on specific Saturdays you will have to visit their websites to see when. You and your parents or school counselor should work out a schedule for visiting. When you visit you should decide if you feel comfortable with the other students there, teachers, the classes, and other activities and compare it with the other schools you have been too.
If you are playing a sport, and you can research on the internet information about that sport then that can give you a better thought of what school you want to go to. You can also go to a game if you start researching early enough like the year before.
Take the entrance test at as many schools you can, and then decide when you get your acceptance letter (which usually comes around Valentines Day) which one you liked the most. Of course talk to your parents and school administrators about which school you like. You will want to be sure you are matched well concerning the academics, like College Prep, Honors, or if you have a learning disability and what programs are in place for that. You also have to take in account how you are going to get to that school. What is easiest for everyone. What buses or trains service that area as well as determining the time frames of your day. This can be critical if you play a sport because you will have to figure out your transportation needs for this too!
Try not to be afraid or nervous- YOU WILL GO TO HIGH SCHOOL-There is one for you! All in all High School is fun and challenging, but just think how well prepared you will be when you have to choose a University or College! Good Luck and happy High School hunting!
Andrea (Caroline, St. Ignatius College Prep ’13)
If you have a question for Andrea, please email it to info@thisismeinc.org. Please type “Dear Andrea” in the subject line. Be sure to include your first name, hometown, and age.
