<p>There are all kinds of threads like this for other schools, and while looking through threads I feel as though Brooks is a little overlooked. In any case I'd love to answer questions about my school or the process of applying to schools like Brooks. </p>
<p>A little bit about me:
I'm a tenth-grade female boarding student at Brooks School in North Andover. When I was applying to school I took the SSATs and was in the very high 90s percentile overall. Academically I am in the top ten in my class by GPA, while taking an AP and two honors classes (AP World History, Honors Chemistry, and Honors Algebra II). Athletically I play JV Basketball as well as row crew. </p>
<p>Anyway, as stated above, I'll happily answer questions about anything!</p>
<p>1) How are the college admission rates? Do you have statistical data, particularly percentages that were accepted to Ivy’s + extremely selective colleges?</p>
<p>2) In your opinion, which of these is most valued at Brooks: academics, athletics, or the arts?</p>
<p>3) How are the science facilities?</p>
<p>4) Did you apply and were you admitted as a ninth grader or as a tenth grader? Also, how many new tenth graders does Brooks take in each year?</p>
<p>2) I must say that academics and athletics are tied, and arts is lagging behind however they are greatly improving which is promising for students like me who do enjoy art. </p>
<p>3) They are absolutely stunning. The science wing is new, modern and an awesome place to have class. The classrooms are huge and equipped with any equipment you can imagine as well as being specialized for chemistry, biology, or physics. If you tour at Brooks you will certainly be able to see what I mean. </p>
<p>4) As a ninth-grader, this year however 26 new sophomores were admitted. This number is more than usual but there is a usually a solid influx of new students.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing your views and perspective on a school that does not get a lot of attention on this board! Could you comment on your academic experience at Brooks? From reading these threads, I’ve heard a lot of students dismiss any school outside the mythical “Top Ten” as being unacceptable to them academically. You obviously chose to walk a different path. So as someone in the top ten of your class with very high SSAT scores, how are you being challenged intellectually? Do you find yourself surrounded by like-minded peers? How good are your teachers? What would you say to someone who liked your school but was worried about going to a school where the entire population isn’t all academic super-achievers? (I’m not questioning because I doubt the strength of Brooks, but you could give a unique perspective.)</p>
<p>So as someone in the top ten of your class with very high SSAT scores, how are you being challenged intellectually?</p>
<p>At the moment I’m in two honors classes as well as an AP and I must say that my Algebra II class is the most difficult and challenging class I’ve ever taken and because this I want to succeed in it more than anything else. My teacher is known for his hard tests, which are hard because he makes you apply the tools you’ve learned to problems you’ve never seen before which in themselves are difficult. However when I talk to students who were previously in his class they are always remark how well his class has prepared them. My freshman Spanish teacher was also the type of teacher that challenged you and in a way forced you to succeed. While I may not have always gotten high grades on her quizzes or gotten perfect scores it has put me in a position where I can achieve that when I put in the work. My answer to this question has gotten far too long and has consisted of me babbling on about how much I enjoy some of the teachers, but I will close with one thing: I never truly unlocked what I could do until I came to Brooks, and that I believe is because Brooks is a place where many people do reach their potential because they want to. I’ve put so much work this year because I want to do my best, which in turn is reflected in my grades. I’m not sure I fully answered you’re question but I know at least that in virtually every classroom you’ll be challenged in some way. </p>
<p>*Do you find yourself surrounded by like-minded peers? *</p>
<p>There are many students at Brooks that I would consider like-minded peers, and in our classes we have great discussions. However I won’t deny that there aren’t students who aren’t as dedicated to academics, although they are the minority… a very small minority. </p>
<p>*How good are your teachers? *</p>
<p>As I talked about in my first answer most are absolutely fantastic. You really do form a bond with the teachers and I respect and admire many of them, I love having conversations with our dorm parents on saturday nights or with my previous Spanish teacher. This intimacy between students and teachers helps ensure that a student if comfortable asking for extra help or anything the student might need. </p>
<p>*What would you say to someone who liked your school but was worried about going to a school where the entire population isn’t all academic super-achievers? (I’m not questioning because I doubt the strength of Brooks, but you could give a unique perspective.) *</p>
<p>You’re right the entire population ISN’T academic super-achievers, but for those worried about it there is a majority of people who will achieve academic success. If you want to be challenged Brooks most certainly will challenge you, but it’s up to the student to decide that. Brooks will give you opportunities to succeed, and will help you want to succeed if you need it but it won’t overload you so you can barely breathe because of the pressure. There’s pressure and success like any prep school but it wants to help you too.</p>
<p>Thanks for your thoughtful responses! I know there are kids out there who will be relieved and excited by your responses.</p>
<p>It’s always been my experience (teaching at non ACRONYM schools as I do) that there are plenty of extremely bright, highly-motivated students out there, and plenty of life-changing teachers. Glad you are so well placed where you are.</p>
<p>If you get a chance, I’d love it if you could add your thoughts on your school to the “Hidden Gems” thread.</p>
<p>I’d also like to know how religious Brooks is? It seems great but I’m not religious and wouldn’t feel comfortable going to any mandatory religious service…</p>
<p>Are there any dances or socials
What is there to do on weekends for boarders
How are the girls lax and field hockey teams?
What is the english curriculum like?
Thank you!</p>