Boarding School Or Stay at Home?

<p>I'm in a bit of a Dilemma. I'm a sophomore this year, and its probably too late to apply to any boarding schools for next year. I'm wondering if it would be worth it to apply next year(for senior year)? </p>

<p>I don't think money is that big of an issue, although I wouldn't want my parents to pay 20,000 or whatever with out any fin. aid, and I've kind of wanted to experience boarding school life(corny huh?). </p>

<p>But I'm not sure if it would be worth leaving all my friends and family behind. </p>

<p>Also, coming in during senior year... Would that would seem a bit awkward? I mean, its the last year of school :).</p>

<p>My other option would be to go abroad via a study abroad program, I've been kinda interested in that too. </p>

<p>So my choices at the moment for senior year are: go to boarding school, stay at home, go abroad. Any suggestions?</p>

<p>In the first place, boarding school ends up coming o ut to about $35,000 if that is an issue.</p>

<p>Colleges like consistancy more than anything. Therefore, if they see school changes later on, they will consider that a hinderence. I'd recommend going abroad because it shows consistency, initiative, and the ability to cope to new environments. It's just the best of both worlds.</p>

<p>S entered a boarding school as a repeat junior this year because it is NOT advisable to go in as a senior. The school can not properly assess you and help you with the college admissions process. There are schools that still have openings for juniors, but not very many. If you are really interested, you could check online and look at Cushing, Northfield-Mt.Hermon and some of the others. There are lots of schools. Depends on your academic strengths and other interests, too.</p>

<p>I personally would stay home considering it is senior year and you've been throught three years already.</p>

<p>I don't even know if boarding school accept applications for the senior year. As a parent, I'd advise (for lack of a better word) my child to remain at the current school and apply those funds towards college. Time goes by so quickly, you'd be done with your senior year and off to college before you know it.</p>

<p>Many good schools offer a PG year for students between hs graduation and entering college. Our S chose to enjoy his public hs senior year with friends he has known since kindergarten. Next year he will do a PG year and gain a lot of valuable social and academic experiences away from home that will better prepare him for success in college the following year.</p>

<p>Creasmonkey- I sent you a PM.</p>

<p>Yeah, I figured that it probably wouldn't be a good idea. I'm mainly just doing it for the experience - I think I need some experience living on my own before going off to college :). </p>

<p>I'm pretty strong academically, and money won't be an issue, may it be 20k or 30k. I'm pretty sure I could cover half and my parents could cover the other half, if necessary. My main problem is leaving behind all my friends and family.</p>

<p>Anyways, I'll just see how it goes.</p>

<p>sentient89, here's my take on this matter. first, it would be very difficult if not impossible to enter as a senior. second, the cost is really 40k plus, when you add in books, travel, misc. third, as someone has already mentioned, put that money towards you college fund. Finally, if money is not an issue, spend some time before your freshman year in europe or other place and enjoy yourself. if you are very good in sports or other activity and you need the bs experience, consider a PG year. In conclusion, you'll be in college soon enough where you'll experience the boarding life, so hang on.</p>

<p>Assuming that you are serious about academics as well as the boarding experience, I would look at a United Word College. There is one in New Mexico and one, Lester B Pearson College of the Pacific, near Victoria British Columbia. There are also UWC's in Wales, Trieste and in India. They only recruit from sophomores and juniors and folow a strict IB academic program. They are very international and you might quite like them at your stage in your academic career. The best thing about them is that they are free. Check it out. As a fall back you might look at the Canadian School in Neuchatel which is also oriented towards juniors and seniors. Check it out</p>