<p>I feel like I start so many threads, but there really aren't any ones that I can add on to...
Anyway I live pretty far from all the schools I'm applying to, so I would love if someone could give me their input on my list of schools, your experiences, visits, etc. I just really want to get a feel for what the schools are like and how they compare to each other. Also, I want to be able to eliminate about two from my list before I apply. I know this depends on fit for me, but I want to know your opinions and observations of the schools. Here's my list:</p>
<p>Middlesex
Peddie
Andover
Deerfield
Berkshire
Shawnigan Lake(In BC)
Taft</p>
<p>Helloel: I would also advise using the search tool to find older threads about the schools in which you are interested. I found that most users (including myself) tend to scan only the first few pages within any sub forum.</p>
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<p>It’s not about adding on to existing threads . . . it’s about reading them!</p>
<p>As SevenDad suggested, use the search tool - I prefer “advanced search” myself - to find threads and posts about the topics you’re interested in. In most cases, you’ll find that your questions have been both asked and answered several times already! So don’t just repeat the same old questions . . . read the answers that have already been posted.</p>
<p>As for “adding on” to an existing thread . . . if it is a current thread, treat it like an actual conversation. Don’t jump in with your query unless it actually adds something to the conversation. Interrupting with an off-topic question or comment can be perceived as rude.</p>
<p>All of the schools on your list (with the exception of Shawnigan Lake) have been discussed extensively in this forum . . . if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, then you’re just not looking!</p>
<p>Yeah I’ve done a lot of searches. I probably spend a little too much time searching on here. There really aren’t any threads comparing all these schools side by side. A lot of people start threads based on the schools they’re interested in, I saw them. Like someone’s was Middlesex, Andover, Exeter, Lawrenceville, Choate. And that doesn’t really help me because it doesn’t compare the schools that I am interested in, just features one. I see what you mean though, I guess I’ll just keep looking for them individually.</p>
<p>It pains me to say this as an engineer but it’s not really possible to compare them side by side and get a true picture of where you fit. Truly. We’ve tried when my D was looking. They’re all just too different in size, scope, personality. So we focused on fit - start with who has good academics, a good campus life that fit my D’s specific extracurricular interests, and then chose a range of very large, medium and one small school. </p>
<p>Final decisions were made after revisit days but the impressions were first made during campus visits. I could tell when she was cordial and polite and when she was fired up and inspired. But also - she ended up at the school where the students and faculty went out of the way to acknowledge her in the hallway during interviews. My DH reported that during the revisit students came up to meet her after seeing her name tag and the fact she was coming the next year as a Sophomore. One said “hey you’re going to be one of us”, and whisked her and her tour guide away. That was all it took. </p>
<p>Results may vary for you. But trying to figure it all on a spreadsheet will be extremely hard. So if you do it - let it just be a starting place. Microsoft Excel is a good place to try it and keep interview notes afterwards.</p>
<p>My suggestion if you can’t visit? Look at the viewbooks and any formal digital media created by the schools. You’ll find concert and sports clips online. Then go see if you can find any student driven videos on YouTube. The spoofs are my favorite. This is one for the school D ended up choosing:</p>
<p>[Taftie</a> Partay - YouTube](<a href=“Taftie Partay - YouTube”>Taftie Partay - YouTube)</p>
<p>(note: this is a spoof - the kids aren’t really like this … much 
)</p>
<p>@helloel: What you are looking for, while it would be convenient, does not exist. This is because every kid is going to have a different set of schools under consideration. And even if they do have a few in common with your shortlist, they are bringing their own sensibilities to the comparisons they voice here.</p>
<p>My advice is to make your own offline comparison matrix using the schools on you list on one axis and the things that are important to you on the other. Then find and read threads on the individual schools, ask questions if you have them, and fill in your matrix with the info you extract from the threads…at the end of the process you should be able to make the comparisons you’re looking for.</p>
<p>I agreed with SevenDad. That’s what I did - without a matrix though - just in my mind. It helped me compare schools based on what is important to me, and not to someone else.</p>