Hello guys,
I would just like to know what you guys think in terms of the comparison of these schools, as I am applying to possibly one of these. Thanks
The only comparison that matters is your comparison. Start by looking at each school’s general characteristics on boardingschoolreview.com and each of the school’s websites. These sites will tell you how the schools compare on measurable details like size, teacher-student ratios, diversity, test score averages, etc. Visit each school if you can, talk to students, attend a sporting event, eat in the dining hall, walk the grounds and observe. Whether or not you are able to visit, after you’ve done your general research, come back here and ask specific questions about each school that are still unanswered. But note that questions like “what’s the culture like?” or “are the students clique-y” cannot be answered meaningfully by Internet strangers. For every answer to subjective questions, you will get responses on both sides of the spectrum so, ultimately, you have to make your own comparison.
Because no one here knows you and you haven’t posted any details, no one here can tell you much about your re-application other than there are generally more slots available for 9th grade but you will also be paying for an additional year of school which is obvious and probably doesn’t help you much.
If you can be more specific, you will get better responses.
Apply to both. In fact, apply to several. As an international applicant, your chances are already difficult for top tier schools, so you will want to cast a wider net. IMO, XX vs. YY questions should only be asked by admitted applicants. Asking beforehand is moot because one or both schools may make the decision for you.
Regardless, they are totally different vibes. Tell us what you are looking for in a school, and tell us about you, and you will get better advice.
Additionally, don’t ask repetitive questions. You’ve already asked 9th vs. 10th in another thread. Since repetitive posts are not allowed, I’ve edited out that part of this post.
Just a quick question. Thinking of applying as an international (UK) applicant. (My son also holds a US passport) Why would applying as an international make is more difficult?
^it doesn’t, necessarily. But many schools have less FA for foreign students, or tons of students from one country. In those (common) cases, the applicant is in a very competitive pool. In your case, I would guess that coming from the UK with US citizenship will make him an interesting candidate.
“Difficult” was a euphemism for “your chances are cut in half.” The process itself is not more difficult (except for the visa), it’s just that most top tier schools have a hard of soft cap on the percentage of international students, making the competition more competitive.
And to be clear on definition, an international student is one that does not hold US citizenship or a green card. It does not, for admissions purposes, include dual/multiple nationals (where one citizenship is US) or US citizens living abroad.
@skieurope I have always lived in the US until 7th grade, I am a citizen, does that make me international as the school I go to is outside USA, when putting my school it makes me look like I am an international student
@badminton4life See my earlier response:
Thanks for the info!
TO THE OP: They are totally different schools. You should do your research and learn about the history. There are differences in size, courses offered, demographics, etc…I used to teach @ Concord - feel free to PM me…BTW, I have no skin in this game - I like both - but for different kids…Moreover, the best chicken pot pie can be found in Concord at the Colonial Inn. The best Indian Pudding can be found in Deerfield at the Deerfield Inn 
I was just at an alumni event at my son’s school and the kids attending Concord Academy all love it. Completely anecdotal, but you can’t fake happiness. No one went to Deerfield, so I don’t have a comparison for you.
OP: Check out both schools they are pretty much night and day in every respect. It’s unlikely you won’t have a preference. My kiddo ran out of one of the schools mentioned and basically said, I would NEVER, ever go there. The app was more than 3/4 completed, there were contacts we knew and the AO had a direct connection to the person who wrote my kiddos recommendation ( and had had several students come out of that group who were successful at the school). Even when the school called and asked if the app was going to be completed it was a huge no. I won’t bias anyone by stating which BS it is. It was a terrible fit for my kiddo. That happens. You have to visit, interview and do your homework to find a school that you like and that likes you ( and accepts you). In my opinion, if it’s definitely not a fit after the interview don’t even apply. Otherwise, you will be taking away a spot from someone who want to go there.
One is very traditional, preppy and in a relatively rural area… the other is near Boston and has a more creative and laid back “vibe”, even though it also offers superb academics. Few kids would feel equally at home in both 