Hi all… my son is in a huge predicament! Decision day is tomorrow and he is still deciding between Boston Conservatory and Peabody Conservatory. This comes after declining a handful of other prestigious music schools. He likes these two for very different reasons. Assuming the quality of faculty is comparable in his area of study, and financial packages are similar, I want to learn more about students’ experiences with student life and social aspects. BoCo had admitted student days, so he was able to get an idea of the students there and already connected with people both in and outside of his major. Peabody did not have admitted student days, so his experience is only based on the audition day and email exchanges with a couple students he was put in touch with. We live in Baltimore, so Peabody is a familiar setting, but my son doesn’t know what student life is like on campus. Of course going to Boston is more exciting, but he likes the idea of staying in his home town, too. Can anyone weigh in on student life experiences? Either from a student or parent perspective. What are the students like? What is there to do outside of classes? What’s the vibe? Formal? Eccentric? Conservative? Liberal? All opinions, experience, and ideas welcome!
I am going to weigh in generally – rather than about either specific school – and say that all other things being equal, I think going away to college (away from your hometown) is the better choice in terms of personal growth and independence. (That is with the STRONG caveat of all other things being equal, because obviously maturity, mental and physical health, and finances all play into things and might be a critical deciding factor. There is absolutely nothing “wrong” with opting to stay closer to home). But if neither school’s vibe and offerings are tipping the balance, I’d take the view that college is an important developmental milestone in which separation from family and home is a healthy part of the experience. That may be harder for us as parents than it is for our kids!
@CompMom21, Pohsmom knows a lot about BoCo. You may want to PM her.
I PM’ed you
My son decided on Peabody! Numerous reasons, but his program of study at Peabody would be more suited for his career goals, and the scholarship and financial package was the best, by far. We’re not sure what the student life will be like, but I’m hoping it will be a great experience. He’s not too keen on being close to home, and I’d also prefer that he takes on an adventure elsewhere, but Peabody was the best choice overall. Glad he has finally committed somewhere and can move on!
I’ll PM you too!