I’m so sorry… I feel like I keep confusing people about what Ateres really is with my posts! Yes the work is harder, but the classes are definately on a higher level as well. They are more intelectual and stimulating for sure! The classes have text as well Not just airy conversations. The class DOES have prep time just as the other two tracks, but they are not being taught the material. They do it more with other girls and have tutors around if the need does arise.
I understand what you are saying about needing substance. Ateres has both textual and hashkafa so that substance definately exists. I am not saying Machon Raya is not better for you. I don’t know you and it very well could be that it is the place for you! I am not here to sell Ateres! For the people that it is the place for, I encourage them and hope they will have the privalege to go. So it really is overall a higher level class in all areas not just more work. But you know you gotta apply to 3 places, and many of my friends applied to machon raya also. Apply to both and 1 more and let Hashem do the rest! That is really all you can do. If you do get into both you will worry about it then. You do not need to get yourself worked up about seminary until November I say don’t think about it now, and work to enjoy 12th grade while you have it!!!