<p>So I'm considering attending a boarding school for my sophomore year and up. I have so many questions though! Like, what's the most affordable? My parents aren't too keen on me going and their main reason is that they don't want to dish out 30 grand for my high school years. So any affordable schools that aren't extremely religious with preferably casual attire. Also, whats's the party situation at most boarding schools? At my current public school, there is literally no partying whatsoever. So just curious. Lastly, what have been your experiences? Are the classes hard, is it easy to make friends? Just stuff like that:) Thanks!!</p>
<p>I entered as a sophomore this year. I can’t really give you advice on a cheaper school, especially if you’re coming for academic purposes. A few schools guarantee full scholarships for families who make less than a $75,000 a year, but they look at absolutely everything, including your parent’s retirement fund balance. Going for financial aid, which it looks like you want, is a challenge. That being said, I would look at the “Sucker’s Bet” thread, which discusses the money vs. the education.</p>
<p>I’m just going to give a brief description on what my experience has been:</p>
<p>Partying: Not really. There’s almost no time for it, and if there was, it’s a boarding school. Adults would always be there. Almost all the kids who go to these schools come to learn and study, not party. Sorry if that sounds cold…</p>
<p>Experiences: It’s definitely harder coming as a sophomore. Your class has already molded itself how it wants, and you need to see where you fit in with it. I actually hung out with mostly freshmen at the beginning.</p>
<p>As a school, the atmosphere is what I came for. I decided west coast over the east coast to avoid the materialistic, “preppy”, and often cut-throat ambiance while still being in a place where everyone cares about their futures and genuinely wants to learn. Instead of that “race to Cum Laude” of the east we all just take on each other’s classes in unison. But, as is the case of all of the hardcore prep-schools, don’t expect to keep that perfect 4.0 GPA. Almost no one does.</p>
<p>It’s been amazing, and I highly recommend applying to at least one of the two well-known ones on this side of the US (but east coast as well. It’s good to get a feel for both).</p>
<p>But if you really enjoy your current school and feel at least reasonably challenged, stay. I loathed my old school for several reasons, and I think my boarding school attendance was best for me. But, it’s a lot of money. In my opinion it is well spent, but it’s certainly debatable.</p>
<p>If you have any more questions about the new sophomore experience, feel free to ask.</p>
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<p>The top BS’s cost about 50 grand a year, and that’s not even counting additional expenses for travel, clothes, hotel for interviews & parent weekends.</p>
<p>The good news is that many schools offer generous FA. It is difficult to determine up front which school is the “most affordable” until you apply, get accepted, and see how much each school can offer you in FA. The amount of aid can vary quite bit from school to school.</p>
<p>At the top schools, there are opportunities to have fun, but you will be working your butt off so hard in studying & playing sports that constant partying isn’t going to happen. The kids that do party too much, don’t last very long…</p>