Will switching high schools mid-way through affect my college admissions?

Hello all, I'm moving to a new city and switching high schools during my junior year. I'm worried about the impact that this switch might have on my college applications. How do colleges look at students who have transferred schools, and what can I do to mitigate any potential negative effects?

Hi! Moving to a new city and switching schools during high school can be a bit stressful, but it doesn't necessarily mean it'll negatively impact your college applications. College admissions teams know that students often move due to various reasons, and they'll generally be understanding. In fact, they'll look at your transcript from both schools to get a complete picture of your academic performance.

Transferring may affect areas such as extracurricular activities and leadership roles you held in your previous school because you may need to start afresh in your new school. But it's an opportunity to embrace new challenges and grow as a person. You can explain the circumstance of your transfer in your college application's personal statement or additional information section.

To mitigate potential negative effects, prioritize establishing yourself academically at your new school by working hard and maintaining good grades. Get to know your teachers and embrace new extracurriculars, focusing on achieving leadership positions. My child faced a similar situation and was still admitted to their top-choice college. So, stay positive and make the most of your new environment. Good luck!