Dear Carol,

I was accepted to the high school I’d always planned on attending. But now I’m not really sure if I want to go to that school. I know someone there I really dislike. On top of that, I think everyone else sees me as weird, and no one really talks to me (I’m kind of a quiet kid). But there’s another school that is farther away, and a friend of mine (a year older) goes there. I want a fresh start, and I sort of need one. But it would be an inconvenience to my family, and I could wind up more alone than I am right now if I don’t eat lunch with the girl I already know.

-Torn between two schools

Dear Torn Between Two Schools,

It’s great to have options, but sometimes options can feel confusing. Psych yourself up for that fresh start, and you can have it at either school. Be open and outgoing, join activities and push yourself to say hi to girls and guys. If you’re friendly, you’ll make friends. And there will be other new kids eager to meet you. As for the person you dislike, do not give her the power to keep you from attending the school closest to your home. As for the older friend, it is indeed risky to assume you two would be eating lunch together each day. Now I have a question: Is one of the schools considered “better” or more rigorous? Are the teachers and students more engaged, and does one school have a good reputation? Let that influence your choice, too. If possible, check out both schools a bit more and talk to a counselor as well as your parents. You can figure out how to fit in wherever you land.

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Speed of Life and Ava and Pip. Follow her on Insta @carolwestonnyc and visit carolweston.com.

Need more advice? Check out more Dear Carol here:
💌 “Dear Carol, I don’t want to be home-schooled anymore”
💌 “Dear Carol, I’m stressed about high school applications”
💌 “Dear Carol, I’m starting at a new school and feel really lost”