<p>Classicalmama- you’re right, but though the schools do not say this more FA will be given if you have three family members currently at their school then if you had family members at other schools. Also, it stands to reason that the schools that want all three of us would offer us more financial aid.</p>
<p>Maybe…I’m just suggesting that that might be counterbalanced by other factors, like the amount of tuition, and extra grants for books/supplies, computer, music lessons, etc.<br>
So a student could be offered a nearly identical grant at two schools and end up paying much less to attend School A than School B In that case, that tuition break for three at School B might amount to the same savings as having one student at School A and two at School B. </p>
<p>I’m also not at all sure that a school would offer you more aid if they had three of you. In fact, in the past, people have reported that they’ve been surprised when the aid offer at a school was lower for child number 2 than child number 1. Unless schools specifically offer discounts for multiple children (something I’ve seen at day schools, but not, so far, at boarding schools), I’d hesitate to make any assumptions about that cost saving. </p>
<p>Again, though, I’m curious to know what others have experienced…</p>
<p>You could be right. This is something my parents and several other people with children in prep schools have told me, but I’m sure that every situation is different and that it depends on the family and children etc. You do bring up some good points about the savings between schools A and B. Do you know if there is a large difference between the Exeter and Andover tuitions compared to other schools?</p>
<p>Willem,</p>
<p>Schools look at each child individually. So if you get into a boarding school there is no guarantee that will happen for a sibling. Several years ago we had several students who reported getting waitlisted or rejected from schools their siblings attended. On the other hand, many schools have siblings on campus at the same time. It just depends - on the students and the circumstances. So don’t hold back based on where your siblings might go. Try for the schools you like and make that decision once you see the acceptances.</p>
<p>As for Exeter and Andover - a good place to look-up tuition amounts quickly is </p>
<p>[Boarding</a> School Review - College-Prep & Jr. Boarding Schools](<a href=“http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/]Boarding”>http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/)</p>
<p>But tuition doesn’t tell the whole story. Schools determine how to allocate funds based on the budget available after they’ve funded existing student needs. So there is no hard and fast rule. Just do your best and tell your parents there are no guarantees for future children no matter what happens in your case.</p>
<p>Yes I see where you’re coming from. Actually, my parents have agreed to thin about looking at Andover and Exeter for me. They are bith almost 10,000 dollars less than some other schools I am looking at so it makes a lot of sense. However, I’m concerned about my chances in being accepted to either of the schools, both of their acceptance rates are in the teens. Do you think that I would have a valid chance of being accepted?</p>
<p>How important would you all say visits and on-site interviews are? Because I live really far from all the schools I’m applying to and wouldn’t be able to just drive up.</p>
<p>Willem, i am glad you are broadening your search to include Andover and Exeter. They are indeed both competitive schools but they still need to fill their classes. Even if you listed all your stats here (which I am not suggesting you do) no one can tell you for sure if you would get in or not. However, one thing is certain, if you do not apply then you will not get in. I think you should at least explore the option further since in addition to having lower tuitions both the aforementioned schools have among the highest financial aid statistics for boarding schools.</p>
<p>Right - @sonoratoo nailed it.</p>
<p>How about this. If you apply, then acceptance is a “maybe.” If you don’t apply it’s a definite “NO” right? What do you have to lose? No one can predict who will be accepted from one year to the next. It’s really based on what the current mix of returning students are and what traits are in the application pile that will round out the campus or the class.</p>
<p>Belief in self is the first line of defense. Go for it!</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you exie and sonoratoo! I hope you will both keep your fingers crossed for me! As to your question helloel, I believe that a campus visit is very important! I feel that my visits helped me to understand and feel the vibe and atmosphere at the school, and the visits will help you to know which schools are even worth applying to! However, if you really cannot get to the the schools for the interview, visiting all the schools you have been accepted to after march 10 is vital! That will help you to determine which school suits you best (though I strongly recommend that you at least try to visit two or three of your top choice schools for the interview and touyr if possible). Best of luck!</p>
<p>Willem, good luck to you and your family. I think it’s fairly rare for three siblings to be school-shopping at the same time, so please take care not to publish any more personal facts.</p>
<p>As a parent, if all three of my children were accepted to a good school, I would be very tempted to send them all to that school. If you apply to schools your siblings don’t apply to, you and your parents should take care to emphasize that your family is willing and able to cope with three children at two or three schools. Emphasize that in the interview, and in the parent and child essays.</p>
<p>Periwinkle- Thanks, I’ll make sure to do that!</p>
You seem very thorough on your comments. Can you give me some insight on Kent. School, Loomis Chaffee and Taft. Which one in your opinion is better, and finally is Kent considered as good as Taft?
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
@Happymom123 I get that you’re new, but you’ve already been told not to ask questions in old threads. This one is 4 years old; the people have moved on. Start a new discussion with the orange button to ask a new question. Closing thread.