Hello all,
I was so grateful that on March 10th, I received acceptances from the following schools: The Hill, Choate, Deerfield, and St.Paul’s. It took a lot of effort and hard work to get in, but now I also feel there is almost an equal amount of effort in deciding between these 4 spectacular schools. I’ve looked at it all: sports, academics, the arts, programs, and so much more. I’m not looking for people with biased opinions to tell me which one to go to, but which one specializes in a specific course. For instance, I’ve heard that Deerfield is known for the science/math, while St.Paul’s is known for the Humanities. I’m asking alumni, parents, and current students, or just CCers interested in boarding schools to please help me in deciding. I’m interested in track/field, theatre, science, community service, and opportunities for internship. Oh, and one last things please answer the following questions:
- When do placement tests begin in these schools? (I’ve heard they start in May)
- What might be reasons a Boarding School will revoke admission?
- What transcripts do the BS require, finals or all of second semester?
- What colleges do students from these school schools graduate from?
- For students who attended the following school, what should I do for 9th grade to get ahead?
- For students on the waitlist, when do they notify an opening, after the date of enrollment or before?
Thanks everyone.
P.S. I might create another thread for what my EC’s were and my GPA that helped me get into these schools as well 
They’re all awesome schools… you can’t really go wrong with any of them academically. Anyone with good grades at any of these schools can easily get into a top tier college. However I think The Hill could be considered the weakest (though still a great school).
I have a very close friend @ Deerfield… she loves it but is definitely of the super pretentious, old money, MA family. I am pretty sure this is common there, and thus if preppy and pretentious isn’t your thing, or is, that could be a factor. Also, Greenfield MA is a complete dump, but the campus itself is very pretty.
I live about an hour and a half from St. Pauls. It’s also a great school, despite the recent sex scandal. I don’t know much about the student profile but I think Deerfield is definitely the snobbiest.
I’ve heard the worst across the board about Choate, and I’ve heard it’s campus isn’t as pretty as well.
St. Paul’s School is outstanding as is Deerfield Academy.
" For instance, I’ve heard that Deerfield is known for the science/math, while St.Paul’s is known for the Humanities."
I’ve never heard this about either school and have gets that were accepted at both and attended one. Both schools will prepare you well in sciences, math, and humanities. SPS, as a an example, has very strong programs in engineering and robotics.
I’d be very careful about making a decision on second hand hearsay and stereotypes.
I hope you will have an opportunity to attend accepted student days at at least your top 2 or 3.
As far as you questions:
- When do placement tests begin in these schools? (I've heard they start in May)
Ask the schools.
- What might be reasons a Boarding School will revoke admission?
A significant drop in one or more grades or a major disciplinary action.
- What transcripts do the BS require, finals or all of second semester?
The schools will let you know.
- What colleges do students from these school schools graduate from?
Go to the college counseling pages or look for the College Profile for each school on their websites. Here's SPS' for example: https://sps.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/36/download/download_2073231.pdf
- For students who attended the following school, what should I do for 9th grade to get ahead?
Enjoy your summer, spend time with your family, read a lot. The school you choose may send you a summer reading list or summer prep work.
- For students on the waitlist, when do they notify an opening, after the date of enrollment or before?
You've been accepted to 4 great schools, right? Why worry about waitlist procedures, which will vary by school anyway.
@emidog56 , @Publisher, and especially @doschicos thanks for the responses. It means a lot.
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
I have closed this thread as the OP opened a second account to ask the question, which is not allowed.