<p>Now, I know what you think: Can't you figure that out by looking at their published tuition and fees? Yes I can, but I am talking about the "hidden cost" (other than tuition, room & board, standard technology & health fees) - say, there is a SIMILAR summer program, an out-of-state field trip or a competition you need stay overnight at a hotel, would either school subsidize and you end up paying less? What about laundry, books & supplies, general allowance spending, are they different at both schools? I am trying to come up with a budge. I am hoping to get some info from the parents whose children are attending either of these schools, but knowing that no one can be in both schools I think it may not be realistic to have a good comparison? Anyway, I'd appreciate some/any input.</p>
<p>Sent you a pm...</p>
<p>I know you sent watertester a PM on this, but I'd like to know what you think.. by pm if you prefer. I think it will make the ultimate difference in where <em>D</em> goes.</p>
<p>Hi catndog, see a later thread on BS costs started by Watertester -- there was a great deal of information on the types of items that students spend money on in addition to tuition: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/667320-attention-current-bs-parents-where-how-do-you-spend-your-bs-student.html?highlight=watertester%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/667320-attention-current-bs-parents-where-how-do-you-spend-your-bs-student.html?highlight=watertester</a>. I'd imagine that "extras" (meals out, books, laundry service, participating in pre-season training programs), is basically the same no matter where a student attends school. This also depends on the individual student. Weekends are spent on campus with movies and dances virtually every weekend at no additional cost to the student. I'll send you a pm with a few more specifics. But for the most part, I would think costs between these schools would be on par.</p>
<p>Son did spent some money at book store, at the beginning of school year, around $800 or so and last week, he bought another book $120. We bought extra math and science book at home so when he come back for long break (Thanksgiving, X’mas and Spring Break), if he needs extra study, he has the books. This is our first year at BS, we will try to have the ISBN for next year books and purchase on-line. Try to save some money.</p>
<p>Laundry service cost $600. Not very good quality, white towels became gray in just one month.</p>
<p>flying, is son in Andover or Choate? And is the $920 he has spent so far on books for a term or for a year?</p>