Right, here's some things to get straightened out before I get to the story. I do not own High School Musical (I wish I did, though) and the chapters may not be very long. But I'll try my best. This takes place during HSM3, graduation time and carries on through college. A bit of an AU and some schools are fictional.

Oh, and here, a 'permanent scholarship' means that they don't have to pay school fees for their entire time in the college.

It was graduation day. Gabriella had come back only at Ms Darbus' request. Troy had been avoiding her and she could tell that his heart hadn't been in the performance. Now, they stood onstage, waiting for Ms Darbus to announce to the crowd their choice of university. Everyone was nervous, especially Troy. He didn't know whether the University of Albuquerque had accepted him and he had not planned a second choice. Then, Ms Darbus started announcing them all.

'Kelsi Nielson. Permanent scholarship in Julliard School of the Arts.' Kelsi stepped forward and curtsied to rounds of applause from the crowd. Troy could feel his father's eyes on him, as if they were hoping that the University of Albuquerque had accepted him.

'Ryan Evans. Permanent scholarship in Julliard School of the Arts as well, the first exception of its kind.' A shocked and beaming Ryan bowed deeply to the same tumultuous applause.

'Taylor McKessie. Permanent scholarship in New York School of Law.' Taylor curtsied, her smile reflecting the emotions in her eyes. Troy shuffled a little, knowing he was next. He did hope that the U of A had accepted him...

'Gabriella Montez. I believe everyone knows that she is on a first-two-years scholarship in Leland Stanford University.' There was applause for Gabriella as she curtsied, but everyone was looking at Troy. He was staring at the opposite wall in shock. Why had Ms Darbus skipped him? His heart beat faster as he realized that the only possible thing was that he had been rejected...

'Sharpay Evans. Permanent scholarship to the School of Dance.' Sharpay smiled to applause. Troy realized that he was definitely rejected...

'And Jason Cross. You graduated.' The crowd roared with laughter at this little joke, but the laughter soon died down as the audience saw that Troy was the only one left.

'Troy Bolton. He was originally considered to be accepted into the University of Albuquerque, but they decided to drop him...' The crowd held their breaths and Troy kept his head down. He had a feeling he knew what was going to happen next. He had seen it happen before and now it was happening to him...

'...after their dean found out that a school even more prestigious than Leland Stanford University or the School of Dance had accepted him.' Troy heard whispers. Is this some kind of joke? Troy wondered. Because if it is, it's not funny.

Ms Darbus cleared her throat and said:

'East High and its entire faculty are pleased to announce that Troy Alexander Bolton has been accepted into the School of Aesthetics under the two main categories of Sports and Music. His sports record speaks for itself while the piece of music submitted was given only good reviews. In fact, to quote the letter, Troy has been welcomed 'with all humility'.'

Troy's head snapped up in shock while his expression mirrored that emotion. The School of Aesthetics had strict entry requirements and its motto, Only the Best of all, said everything about its students. However, he forced himself to bow and the crowd went ballistic. They were screaming and cheering for him. All of the seniors onstage were looking at him in shock and wonder.

While the principal gave a speech, the six of them went backstage with Ms Darbus.

'All right, any questions?' Ms Darbus asked.

'Just one question, Ms Darbus. I didn't sign for the School of Aesthetics, so why did they accept me?' Troy's head was spinning. Everything seemed so fast.

'Ah yes. I saw how comfortable you were with music, yet unwilling to give up basketball. You are too good for the University of California and the School of Aesthetics is the only other school that offers you these options.

'I know my sports record got me in for Sports, but what about Music?'

'Ah well. Maybe you would remember this piece?' The principal happened to finish his speech and walked backstage. Ms Darbus walked out and took the stage.

'Now let us hear the piece of music that got Troy Bolton into the School of Aesthetics. Surprisingly, this came as a flash of inspiration, inspired by his emotions without any planning at all. Since there is no title, we have titled it Scream. Enjoy.' With that, Ms Darbus walked backstage and inserted a CD into the player. After a few seconds, it started playing.

The day a door is closed

The echoes fill your soul

They won't say which way to go

Just trust your heart

To find what you're here for

Open another door

But I'm not sure anymore

It's just so hard

It hit Troy hard. Ms Darbus must have been following him around and recorded him singing.

'Of course. Why didn't I think of that?' Troy muttered to himself. However, in the quiet backstage practically everyone could hear him.

'Yes. By the way, I have just received word from the School of Aesthetics. Your song has been sent to a record company and should be out the day after tomorrow as a single.' Ms Darbus was smiling and Troy was utterly stunned. He never thought being a star meant that.

Whatever it is, Kelsi thought, Troy's in for the time of his life.