Brooks School vs. Andover

Does anyone know why someone might choose the Brooks School in North Andover rather than Phillips Academy? Thanks

Because they like Brooks better and find it a better fit.

No idea. Turning down Andover is like turning down Harvard or Stanford or Northwestern. It’s just not done.

@DWM1967 i really wouldn’t go so far as to say that… there are many people who have turned down andover, harvard, etc for their own reasons…

What @ChoatieMom said.

FWIW, I know two students currently at Brooks, and both they and their parents love the school.

Honestly, I can think of a hundred reasons why a kid might prefer Brooks to Andover. And I can also think of a hundred reasons why a different kid might prefer Andover. It’s all about fit.

I totally disagree that no one turns down andover. I know several who did this year (met them at revisit days this spring). It is all about fit when you have choices.

350 students vs. 1,100 students. For someone that wants a small intimate school, Brooks would be the better choice.

Hi, I applied to both the Brooks school and Andover along with others but ultimately chose Andover. Although it is likely that many would choose Andover over other boarding schools, one may find Brooks to be a more personal fit. In the end, it’s all up to the individual. To compare the two:

Andover - Located in northeastern part of MA with easy access to Boston. Non-denominational with no dress code. No Saturday classes. Large enrollment. Small class sizes. Has reputation as the most rigorous/prestigious high school.

Brooks - Also located in the same part of MA with the same access. Episcopal influence with formal dress code. Small enrollment. Small class sizes.

One could want the religious influence in a school or a small school environment such as Brooks. I chose Andover over Brooks because I wanted to be in a big school where I can make a lot of friends and still have small class sizes.

Turning down Andover/Harvard/Stanford/etc happens each and every year.

Could be as simple as getting a lot better financial offer from Brooks, or simply wanting a smaller school. Andover is big and competitive, you can easily lost there if it is not a good match. We know as many kids who loved it as the ones who did not. There is no one size that fits all, and it is often foolish to choose a school based on prestige alone.

Thank you everyone. This was helpful. Agreed it’s all about the right fit.

Brooks sent official email to financial aid family last October. If you apply with financial aid, you automatically go to the waitlist. Is there scholarships and the financial offer in Brooks? I think the school wants to pay for really wonderful students. Need base or Need blind?

@KathyAd Brooks is a gorgeous campus IMO.

Ours turned down Andover for Hotchkiss due to better varsity fit. Size and higher % of kids boarding were also factors.

So many people turn down Andover and Exeter and Choate and so many others. After all, many of these candidates are highly desirable and get multiple offers but can only attend one school. Also, kids and parents who are wise will chose the best fit over the perceived “best” school based on name alone.
I was recently at a BS athletic event and one school stood out and not in a good way. It was a name school and I was sincerely glad my kid said No to them last year. Their lack of sportsmanship spoke volumes about their school culture.