<p>I was overjoyed about my acceptances two days ago. But now I'm starting to get really really nervous about boarding school. I'd have to leave my family and move three hours away. I'd be leaving my younger siblings. It's not so much the fear that I won't be able to keep up with the academics as much as the fear of leaving my family.
Is anyone else experiencing this? Is it normal?</p>
<p>Yes! This is totally normal… I know a lot of people who didn’t end up enrolling at the boarding schools that they applied to because they were scared… of academic and social issues. If you have very cold feet, decide before you enroll, and prevent yourself from having a miserable time at a school without your family nearby. </p>
<p>Yes this is normal. The application process/timeline is a long one. Often, by the time acceptances arrive, the initial excitement has waned a little. This is a very good reason to attend re-visit days, especially for your top choice(s). It is a chance to get excited about going away, and gives you a way to see the school with a fresh look. Sometimes the concerns you have applying are not the same as the concerns you have once you are given the option to attend. Go to re-visit and address any worries there. You may find they magically disappear, but if they don’t then the re-visit has served another worthy purpose. Many kids were disappointed this year so be glad you have a place to go. Don’t feel you HAVE to go away if you realize you made a mistake, but at least base the decision on having seen the school(s) a second time. </p>
<p>Of course, boarding is not for everyone. But your feelings are very normal, and back when I was a prep school dorm parent, all the freshmen I talked to felt the same way… Whether or not they let it show. My daughter is a freshman now, and I miss her like crazy, we are very close. But in what she has gained from the experience already, it is worth it. We try to connect by phone or text just about every night, even if it’s just to say goodnight. She’s very independent, but misses me too. You and your siblings will cry when it’s time to go… But it will make your time together all the more special on school breaks. You are setting a great example for them to follow their dreams. Good luck!!</p>
<p>OT: Is your name Athena? </p>
<p>Thank you to all! I guess the revisit days are going to make it or break it.
And @Rellielou - Lol yeah for sure I’m Athena (but in all seriousness she’s my favorite goddess)</p>
<p>@greyeyedgoddess If I’m going to boarding school I’ll be continents away from my family haha :)</p>
<p>I’m having the same feelings too right now, especially since I live in Asia and I’ll have to go to the US for boarding school. 
</p>
<p>I identify so much with this thread it’s scary. ofc i was ecstatic when I read the acceptance letter,but now that it’s an actual option I’m starting to get second thoughts. it doesn’t help that while waiting for M10 i pretty much gave up and built up an appreciation for my current school (i’m a freshman now) and planned out the rest of my high school career :/</p>
<p>like @26postcards I live in Asia too and probably won’t be able to visit every break. also there’s the fear of losing touch with my country aaaaaaaah</p>
<p>Oh gosh I am so sorry you guys. I don’t think I’d be able to move to not only another country, but a new continent. Props to y’all for even considering it, it’s really brave.</p>
<p>@bmyfeyonce - I’m literally in the exact same situation (minus the Asia part). I’d be entering as a new sophomore as well. I’m worried that all the social groups will already be sorted out. I’m also getting nervous about the academics, since it’s probably harder entering as a new sophomore since you’re not as used to boarding school life.
I think the biggest thing is that I know what ahead of my at my current school. I know which friends I’ll have and which classes I’ll take. Boarding school is a big big question mark, you know?</p>
<p>I relate to this so much… I am still super happy about my acceptances but somehow the thought of going away, 16 hours by plane away from home… and facing everything…all the responsibilities and difficulties by myself without the warmth of my family is of course …dreadful and really worrying…
but look on the brighter side… the opportunity that is being offered to us, the change that it will make in our life… after all, i saw a video an exeter student had made about his life there, and he said it will be difficult but if you want to have a life changing experience you have to leave home… sure, it will be difficult but … i guess its some kind of process people have to go through at some point in their lives :P</p>
<p>I also plan on writing a letter for me to read only when i am feeling homesick 
XD dunno… might help </p>
<p>The letter is a really good idea!</p>
<p>i’m just gonna bump this</p>
<p>bump its a good threadd</p>