<p>I didn’t really like Berkshire all that much. It seemed too ‘clean’ for me. The new building was overdone and their dorms were a bleak grey with their own uniformed maid and punch coded AND key card doors! The other parts of the campus seemed along that same note. It seemed like they couldn’t care less about the ‘history’ or whatever of the school. Which is something I like to see.</p>
<p>Why wouldn’t you be able to play hockey at Berkshire? They have one of the strongest hockey programs in New England and beautiful facilities (2 rinks). Yes, it’s true you might not be able to play varsity, but they have really good JV and Thirds team that compete in the Founders League - one of the top leagues for hockey. Hockey games are really fun to watch as well - the school spirit is very strong. There lax program is also really good. I disagreed with Rad, the campus is beautiful and the new buildings are really nice. A lot of schools use key card for doors. I think you will find strong history departments at both schools.</p>
<p>I also disagree with rad, no offense, the campus was amazing right on a mountain. The dorms can be nicer but that does not matter to me. And what i meant by not playing hockey i meant not starting on varsity. And other schools use key cards, and that is a plus too me so kids cant just walk in and steal your stuff, which happens at all schools.</p>
<p>when i was talking abt the key cards and stuff I meant it was a bit extensive to have BOTH a card and a code, y’know. The mountain and their lil field thing in the middle there were really the only parts of the campus I liked. The buildings were just tooooooo clean cutand grey and didn’t feel like the school was really lived in. I guess that’s just my personal preference I guess, but I just like more of a ‘homey/academic/you can see the history’ feel.</p>
<p>Does anyone have something about Kent or Hill</p>
<p>Pat, congrats on all 4 acceptances! Our son looked at all 4 of those schools and applied to Kent and Berkshire - didn’t apply to Blair and Hill mainly due to distance (we live in CT). Our son was accepted at both Kent and Berkshire and we went to those revisit days and chose Kent. Per Rad’s point, to us Kent felt more “traditional” and “academic” but that is entirely personal preference. Also, Kent is affiliated with the Episcopal Church (as are St. Paul’s, Groton, St. George’s, etc.) which gives it a more traditional feel. There are kids from all religions, but chapel is required as it is at SPS, Groton, St. George’s. We actually liked both Berkshire and Kent’s campuses for different reasons and YOU need to like the “feel” of the campus and the type of STUDENTS (it is not all about buildings) there as you will be spending several years there. </p>
<p>In terms of hockey, Kent won the Founders League title this year and finished the season with 21 Wins - 5 Losses. Both Kent and Berkshire have strong hockey programs and we met many enthusiastic hockey families at both Kent and Berkshire revisit days. Per other posts, why would a strong hockey program deter you? You have a chance to learn from great fellow players/coaches and maybe not be varsity your first year, but down the road? </p>
<p>On geography, depending on where your family lives you obviously realize Blair and Hill are “Mid-Atlantic” schools so all of your sporting competition will be in the PA/NJ area like L’Ville, Hun, M’Berg while Kent and Berkshire are in New England, so most of your sporting competition will be in CT/MA area against Hotchkiss, Choate, Taft, Deerfield…could be a factor if you would like your family to attend sporting events both home and away games.</p>
<p>All 4 schools are excellent and sought after schools and the nice thing for you is that you have choice in what was a really competitive application season. Happy to provide more views on Kent or Berkshire if you would like.</p>
<p>Thank everyone so much for help I think I made my mind up with Berkshire, thanks again</p>
<p>does berkshire have good academics?</p>