I know it might be a little too early for this, but since I will be applying to Andover and Exeter when school starts this year, I am wondering if it is possible to, on Saturdays, travel to NYC to attend my music school? Thanks!
Hi, I’m a recent Andover alum. Unfortunately I’d have to say no–it’s really not possible. It’d be a seven hour bus ride or 4-5 hour train ride, and Amtrak is often delayed. Additionally, you wouldn’t be allowed to stay in NYC overnight unless you had a family member, parent, or some other adult to stay with.
Also, we all did homework on the weekends. It’s the only time to catch up on sleep and really have a social life. Definitely don’t underestimate the workload at the schools you’re looking at. It’s harder than college.
If it’s absolutely vital for you to go to NYC on the weekends, I’d check out somewhere like Masters School. It’s closer to NYC and my friends there generally had more free time to dedicate a ton to an outside activity like music.
So yeah. I’m sorry, I know that must be disappointing, but I’d forget about traveling every Saturday to NYC. I visited my boyfriend at his uni and my parents (both near NYC) and I’d spend the whole weekend there because the trip was exhausting. Plus it’s important to have a life on campus! Don’t want to miss fun dances and such
@cassat : Oh, thanks… Well do you know if there are any other good music precollege programs near Andover or Exeter?
Actually I know a ton of people who traveled to the New England Conservatory on weekends! It’s a really great program, I’ve heard. And there are also lessons taught on campus, as well. But yeah, I think NEC is your best bet.
Certainly for Andover, the answer would be a no. Exeter, being even further away from NYC, would probably also be an issue. In addition to the travel time involved, you have the issue of Unaccompanied Minor on Amtrak.
Most boarding schools expect that their activities will trump everything else. So, logistics aside, if there were classes or a game on Saturday that required your attendance, going to CVS will be a challenge, never mind NYC.
As mentioned above, NEC is your best bet. Plus, both Andover and Exeter have excellent music programs.
Oh, and look at other schools other than Andover/Exeter since both are extremely hard to get into.