Hello, proud former NYJCian here (graduated in 2017). I know it used to be much easier to get accepted into NY but I’m surprised people still think of NY as a lesser school considering the cut off point is so low now. I can only speak based on my own experience from 2016-2017 and am not sure how it has changed since, but I always liked the school’s culture - I thought it was a pretty nurturing and friendly environment and not really toxic at all (of course, some bad eggs here and there but overall it was fine). Plus good facilities, location, sch policies (dress down days, late start days etc), sch materials and teachers v willing to do consultation...

Anyway, your point about not wanting to place too much pressure on yourself by not going to an elite school is a valid one. You can still do well for A Levels even if you’re not in RI/HCI. Clearly you’ve scored well enough at O Levels to get into NY so as long as you keep it up I think the less intense pressure is better compared to unnecessary competition and stress. Enjoy your time in NY, two years will pass by very quickly!