Feedback on Stats.

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>Hello, everyone. I've been looking around this forum for quite some time now, though I haven't posted much at all. I know it's pretty early in the process, but I'm interested in hearing how my extra-curriculars and statistics would be viewed in terms of applying for boarding school. </p>

<p>Currently, I'm looking at a local day school and Cranbrook (which has been sending me some info.), and quite possibly some east-coast boarding schools. I know that these raw stats probably won't be the deciding factor of being accepted or rejected, and that it's hard to determine results without SSAT scores, essays, and applications.</p>

<p>I'd like to hear some school suggestions, or an idea of what schools I have a chance of acceptance. </p>

<p>Gender: Female
Race: White
Region: Midwest (MI)
School History: Public School Gifted Program, grades 6-8
Applying for: 9th grade
Classes for 8th grade: (all core classes are basic school curriculum, with certain advancements for the gifted program, in addition to AGS II (Algebra, Geometry,and Statistics integrated... the eqivalent of 10th grade math in our public high school, three levels in all.)</p>

<p>As far as Elective Classes (we have two, if year-round):</p>

<p>I did a variety of (pointless) electives in addition to band in 6th grade...
Band - Alto Saxophone (5-8)
School Choir (7)
Spanish Class (8)</p>

<p>Extra-Curriculars (this is a full list, which I probably won't include everywhere... let me know if some activities sound too "fluffy". I'll elaborate on these activites in applications... this is just a raw list. 8th grade activities are either all ready scheduled for next school year or are being done this summer. Some activites done up to the seventh grade school year may be continued.)</p>

<p>-- Recreational Soccer (Grades 1-5)
-- Summer Day Camp Horse Lessons (3-7)
-- Introductory Fencing Course (8)
-- Scrapbooking Club (6,7)
-- School Math Club (6)
-- Babysitter Training Course (6)
-- School Newspaper; Writer and Co-Editor (7)
-- National Junior Honor Society (7,8, inducted at the end of 6)
-- 8th Grade Youth Leadership, 1 of 30 selected from school district (8)
-- Girl Scouts (currently a Cadette) (1-8)
-- School Yearbook Staff, 1 of 6 selected (8)
-- Solo & Enselmble Competition (performed a duet) (7)
-- Summer Computer Programming Course (8)
-- Supply (Sales) Manager in Band (7)</p>

<p>Anything on the list above ^, which is labeled as (8), I am already obligated to. If given the chance, I may also do the following next year:</p>

<p>-- School Debate Team
-- Class Representative (since I didn't win as school president...)
-- Lead/Help NET (religious group; my friend asked if I could help)
-- Local Writer (for the "Teen Writers" section of our local newspaper)
-- School Swim Team (and maybe track, but these would be in the spring)</p>

<p>I really don't have too many awards... there haven't been many opportunities around school, though I would have taken them if there were. Should I try to gain more recognition this year, or are awards unimportant?</p>

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<p>Once again, I know these are not the deciding factors, but, if anyone knows from experience, I would love to hear opinions/predictions on what schools may think. I know my extra-curriculars look like hodge-podge, but it's simply that I have a variety of interests... the problem being, I have no clear "Hook"-type talented. Will this hurt me significantly, considering I am not recruited-athlete material, a legacy, or a URM?</p>

<p>A few more questions... I have some special dietary issue (PM me if you'd like more detail). I know that at local schools I can pack a lunch and have no trouble, but a boarding school might pose to be more difficult. Does anyone have experience working with BS staff and cooks? Would this be something they would view as "unique" about me, or simply a complication?</p>

<p>Also, I was wondering about switching curriculum. If I continue AGS II as normal this year, I would (at our public school), complete AGS III in 9th grade, and then move on to more advanced math. Would this be a noteworthy question to ponder at interviews, or should I take an AGS III summer class next year to save me the trouble?</p>

<p>Right now, I'm waiting for my Princeton Review and Kaplan SSAT books to get here, and I'm practicing with the SSAT Preparing & Applying standard booklet. I've gotten basic information, without requesting it, from local day schools, Cranbrook, and Wayland Academy (which doesn't require SSAT scores, how strange). I'll probably apply to local day schools (one or two in the area), Cranbrook, and some east-coast schools. Does anyone know a very well-rounded, academically focused school that I might fit in at? Clearly, campus tours and personal feel will make the final decisions, but any suggestions are appriciated. I love the idea of discussion-based classes, rather than lectures. </p>

<p>In addition, I was wondering if anyone knows of any schools that allow you to "shadow" (follow a selected student) to their classes for a day. Usually, this is done before a vacation from school, so the visiting student and the guide will have little interruption. I've done this at some local private schools, and have found it a VERY enjoyable way to get to know a school and it's staff.</p>

<p>Haha... I've written so much! :) Anyways, I'd like to say in advance, that I appriciate all suggestions, tips, and comments by those of you on CC kind enough to respond. This is my only real link to the boarding school world, since none of my friends are considering it, and I would be a first-generation BS'er if I were accepted. I wouldn't neccesarily need financial aid, although a small amount would be nice. Is it worth putting yourself in the financial-aid pool if you think you'll be able to pull by on your own? Sorry if any of these questions are dumb, it's just that this experience is so new to all of us. Thanks again for your input!</p>

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2

<p>Cinnamon,</p>

<p>thanks for posting your stats. </p>

<p>for you EC's, i don't think it's necessary to tell the schools about too many things you no longer do like "Recreational Soccer (Grades 1-5)" and maybe some stuff in 6th grade unless they're especially important to you or what you think are really great achievements.</p>

<p>having no clear hook and not being a URM,athlete, or legacy might hurt you when applying. i had the same problem with my EC's last year because i liked to try new things... i guess it was because of my interest in art and the fact i was a URM that made it ok.</p>

<p>about your "dietary issue". i don't really know a lot about that but i'm sure the boarding school will be able to accomodate and no i don't think it will hurt your chances if that's what you were asking.</p>

<p>i don't think boarding schools usually give applicants the oppurtunity to do anything more than tour the school. yeah i also did that shadow thing with some local private schools. i think it's more of a day school thing.</p>

<p>i don't really think it's my place to tell you where to apply. are you looking at AESDCH schools or less competive second-tier ones? if you are looking at AESDCH schools then looking at your stats i think they're worth applying too. but it also depends on things like SSAT's, interveiw skills,etc.... i'm assuming you're not applying for FA because you didn't mention it?</p>

<p>i really have no idea about AGS but it doesn't seem necessary to me to take a course during the summer.... you should definitely bring it up during an interview.</p>

<p>this is definitely my longest post ever. anyway i think you should really try to find something to make yourself stand out more to the schools because right now you just seem like every other applicant. although it does help that you live in the midwest.</p>

3

<p>You should probably ask yourself some questions first about the kind of school you would like to attend:
1. Small, medium or large (in terms of student body)? There are benefits to each.
2. All girls or coed?
3. Urban, suburban or rural location?
4. Which classes or extra-curriculars do you want to make sure the school will provide?</p>

<p>and of course, in your particular case</p>

<ol>
<li> Will the school be able to accomodate my dietary needs?</li>
</ol>

<p>Then hit the web. Visit Petersons.com and boardingschoolreview.com and checkout some schools. You'll probably come up with a huge list of places to consider further. That's when you send away for the viewbooks and can look more in depth at the schools on your list and begin to eliminate some. </p>

<p>If you really want to get to boarding school, your goal should be to apply to between 6 and 9 schools (equal parts reach schools, match schools and safety schools). If, on the other hand, you are pretty happy with your options close to home, then you need only apply to the schools that you would leave home for.</p>

<p>And, just for the record, I would take exception to something Hopeful said in his/her post. Hopeful speaks of schools in terms of the "top" tier (the AESDCH type schools everyone talks about on this site) and the rest which are "less competitive second tier" schools. Honestly, this is not a particularly productive way to think about this process. The goal is to find yourself in a year and a half at a school that matches your interests, goals, personality, etc. That may or may not be and AESDCH -type school, and I don't think categorizing the world into "top tier" and "the rest" helps much in finding the place where you will be happy. It is a pitfall many of the kids on this site fall into and it can be very hard to resist. I would just like to encourage you to Be Strong! Don't get drawn into the group think on this one.</p>

<p>Otherwise I think Hopeful's advice was good. Although I'm not as "hopeful" as Hopeful that the schools will be able to accomodate your dietary restrictions. Not that they won't be able to, just that you should ask specifically and not assume since it could be a deal breaker for you. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>smile dog gives good advice.</p>

<p>Perhaps I read through your information too quickly, but I didn't see any mention of grades. Grades and class ranking will be important, and the most competitive schools tend to offer admission to the top 10%. Of course this will vary somewhat by the courses you take and the academic level of your school and other qualities you bring. </p>

<p>If you do a search under "Cranbrook" you will find a parent who sends his/her children there. You can pm this person for more information. </p>

<p>Most boarding schools will give you a placement test in math to determine which courses you should do in 9th grade. </p>

<p>Not knowing what your food requirements are, I think you should contact the schools you are interested in to discuss this with them in advance. </p>

<p>Shadow days are not usually offered by boarding schools. After acceptance, you will shadow someone during revisit. At this time, you can ask for more, and some schools will allow you to shadow and spend the night in a dorm. This varies by school. Some will even allow you to do this prior to acceptance. If this is important to you, you can discuss it with admissions.</p>

<p>After you select the schools you are interested in, think about the ec's they offer. Try to picture yourself at that school, and think about what you can contribute to the school. Make sure to present how you want to contribute in your interview and in your application. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the advice, everyone! It's really helpful to get advice from people who have experienced these situations before.</p>

<p>To all:</p>

<p>Thanks for your advice... it was right on-par with my thinking. Would it be any use at this point to try and make some of my extra-curriculars more of a "hook"? See, I never considered boarding school as even an option until a month or so ago, so I never really thought about devoting so much to one activity. Right now, I really like writing, photography, computer programming, and things of that nature... which is why I have done yearbook club, scrapbooking, and a programming class. Would you recommend for me to build on these skills, by maybe entering a contest or class, or should I leave it be? I have been frightened that my extra-curriculars will look ho-hum, because I enjoy a bit of everything. This will be something I need to focus on over the summer and through the school year.</p>

<p>My dietary restriction is fairly major, but nothing "deadly", like a peanut allergy, etc. I'll be sure to talk to the schools about it, since this is something fairly important, and even more so if I'm away from home. Should I bring this up during the interviews, or beforehand?</p>

<p>Smile Dog, thank you for your words of wisdom! I will certainly take all schools into consideration. I'll look at AESDCH schools, but I certainly won't limit myself to them! In terms of school suggestions, I was just looking for ideas of schools that could be an easy "match" school for me, preferrably on the east coast, so my family would only have to make one trip east, and a few local trips. Out of the 200 or so boarding schools, I'm just looking for positive suggestions, since I won't have time to do in-depth research of every school out there.</p>

<p>In terms of academics, I've had all A's throughout my education. I went to a Montessori school for preschool and kindergarten, a Charter school for elementary education, and our public school gifted program for middle school. In terms of school rank, I'm probably in the top 1-2% (top 10 of 800) of the school, and probably the same (top 5%) in class rank, at the top of most of my advanced classes. Most of our grades aren't inflated either... will this make a significant difference?</p>

<p>I'm pretty confident I can exceed 90th percentile on the SSAT, and hopefully surpass 95th, though I don't want to get too confident. I'm currently beginning the practice tests and getting comfortable with the format of the SSAT.</p>

<p>Overall, I'm a good test taker, and I think I'll do well. I'm not the greatest at interviews, but once I settle my nerves, I usually do very well. I've interviewed for a lot of the school/community opportunities I've had (Yeaerbook Staff, Youth Leadership, etc.) and all have had positive outcomes. Any suggestions on how to prepare for interviews? I've got a rough idea of the questions I'll be asked... should I practice aloud with my parents? Should I focus on the different styles (the 'friendly' interview, the 'grilling interview')?</p>

<p>Thanks again for the speedy responses! I'll try to create a list of schools that interst me (reaches, matches, & safties) and post them soon! :)</p>

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<p>It would be unusual for you to get a "grilling" interview. Most interviewers try to put the candidate at ease. Some interviewers might have an off day. When the interview schedule is very busy at a school, they might substitute faculty for admissions people, and faculty might not have the best interviewing skills. </p>

<p>A little practice is good. Your parents will be asked how they feel about their child leaving home, so they need to be able to answer this without hesitation. I think the first time I was asked this I looked like a deer frozen in headlights, at least that is how I felt inside. It's a good idea to start the interview process at the schools you are less interested in and save your top choices until after you have had one or two interviews.</p>

7

<p>For compiling your preliminary "Big List", I would recommend that you visit Boardingschoolreview.com. It's a good source for the information that will allow you to cut down your list from 200 to maybe 15 or 20. It doesn't have information on every single boarding school in the country (for instance, I know that Taft and Loomis do not participate), but it does have many of them and it allows you to do searches by location, size, acceptance rates, specific ECs, etc. </p>

<p>(I'm beginning to sound like a broken record, because I keep recommending the site to folks here on the Prep School forum, but it really is a helpful preliminary tool. Petersons.com is helpful too.)</p>

<p>Your record certainly looks very solid in terms of grades; scores probably will be too. Good for you! That means that you can consider all options and find the atmosphere that suits you best which is a wonderful position to be in.</p>

<p>As far as "hooking" your ECs, only do what you feel inspired to do. I honestly believe that the best way to get through this whole huge process it to stay true to yourself and your interests. Do what you want to do because you want to do it, and that will come through in your interview and application. Then next spring, when you're making your choice as to where you want to go, you will have some REAL options that match your style and interests. It seems to me that you are actually narrowing your focus somewhat anyway, and trying to create a hook is difficult. It's either there or it's not, and what is a hook for one school, won't be for another because of what the school is looking for that year (eg., you play the oboe; last year School X lost it's best oboe player to graduation but School Y got three freshman oboe players; great for you at School X, not so much at School Y). </p>

<p>Of course, you should present your ECs in a way that demonstrates your strong interest in photography, computer programming, etc., but because they interest you, not as a hook, per se. I certainly don't think you need to enter contests or whatever to show your motivation and devotion. That kind of things comes through anyway (or at least it does in your case - you have already presented yourself to us, the unknown CC contributors, as a motivated student with varied interests who would like to challenge herself by looking beyond the visible borders of her world to even consider boarding school). </p>

<p>As far as suggestions for specific schools, I (like Hopeful) feel like I wouldn't be able to make useful suggestions. At least not until I knew your answers to some of those preliminary questions (size, city vs. not, etc.). But do go to Boardingschoolreview.com and put together a list of some schools that look interesting. Then maybe we can make some further suggestions based on what appeals to you.</p>

8

<p>Many of the stats on boardingschoolreview are very out-of-date. Before ruling out a school based on stats from this site, double check on the school's website. <a href="http://www.petersons.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.petersons.com&lt;/a> has better stats info, but it is for the class that started school 2006-2007.</p>

9

<p>quite true about the stats. If one is starting from a point of "no information", it makes for a good first pass, at least in terms of general info about what activities you could pursue, size and make up of the student body. Although it is a good idea not to rule out a school because of things like avg. SSAT score or admission rate (those are the kinds of areas where I have found it to be most inaccurate).</p>

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<p>You look good. Write a creative essay (w/o trying too hard) and be congenial and witty (w/o trying too hard... just be an all-around pleasant kid to talk to) in the interview. And get 94++++ on the SSAT's (pref. 98/99). Don't be afraid to open up in the interviews.. but keep it pleasant. Don't let them worry about you. Apply to a few safeties. Don't worry too much. Send in all apps early (I only did this with Exeter.. all of the others were about a week late.. Tabor's was submitted 4 days before the deadline.. stupid, stupid, stupid). Be organized. Make sure all materials are in.. triple check (turns out my entire Andover app was lost in the mail.. only found out a week before the deadline.. stupid me). Keep them updated w/o stalking and be pleasantly persistent. G'luck.</p>

11

<p>RE: "i prefer discussion"</p>

<p>.. exeter has discussion-based (Harkness) classes in every subject (history, math, etc.) while andover, sps, lawrenceville, and maybe a few others have the harkness method only in humanities (english, history, etc.) classes).</p>

12

<p>Thanks for the advice, once again! My applications and interviews are going to go so much better, now that I have a better idea of what to do and how to prepare. :)</p>

<p>Below, I've posted a preliminary list. After looking at boardingschoolreview.com, petersons.com, and a bunch of boarding school websites over the past few days, I sent away for a couple of information packets. I might add a school or two on to the list below, but I think it's mostly decided. I put down a variety of boarding schools, and hopefully the information packets can help me narrow down my selection to a reasonable, 6-9 school application list. I included a few local schools, and I tried to make sure I had some matches, safties, and reaches (though I'll probably end up eliminating a reach or two... I've got too many highly competitive schools on my list). </p>

<p>(in no particular order...)</p>

<p>Exeter
Middlesex
Hotchkiss
Mercersburg
Choate
Cranbrook (as a day student)
St. Paul's
Emma Willard
Andover
Northfield Mount Hermon
Detroit Country Day (day school)
Greenhills (day school)</p>

<p>Should I add more safties? I don't know if I should apply to such selective schools... I know I can do well with my essays and interviews, it's just difficult, knowing I'll be up against such wonderful students. If there's anywhere my list is lacking, let me know!</p>

<p>Good luck to all the other CC '08-'09 boarding school applicants!</p>

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13

<p>Having lived in SE Michigan for a number of years, I would say with your stats, all 3 of the day schools you listed would serve as safety schools as long as FA is not a concern, if your aim is to only leave home for an upgrade.</p>

<p>With your NE list, NMH is a safety and you probably have a couple matches (MX and Mercersberg), with the rest (all AESDCH schools are always a reach) being a reach. You may want to add a NE safety if you find that NMH is not to your likings. Are you planning an early trip east to get a feel for these schools?</p>

<p>If you are looking for other suggestions perhaps you can give the folks here a better idea of what you might like and dislike about schools (large - 1000 vs small 300 students, rural vs urban vs suburban, religious vs secular, etc.) Your current list is a bit ecclectic with no common theme (small, rural, etc), so I wouldn't know what to suggest.</p>

<p>As to your question about dietary restriction, a quick email to the school should generate an answer as to how they might be able to accommodate you. You might use this answer to narrow the field (I don't know your restriction). You'd be surprised though how accommodating schools can be. I know my D's school buys non-caged chicken eggs, free range beef, and a whole lot of other organics and other stuff. They've been trans fat free for a few years. And it is a relatively small school. Of course the person in charge of the cafeteria is a vegan, so he can identify with many food requests.</p>

<p>Good luck with the search.</p>

14

<p>so helping you narrow this down.........</p>

<p>what are you looking for in a school, as far as location and size?</p>

<p>some schools are in areas a little more rural than others like hotchkiss.:)</p>

15

<p>Someone called "Jonathan1" who used to be a frequent poster will go to Greenhills next year. If you want to, you can ask him questions about it. If you don't know now about school size and location (rural, suburban, etc), a few visits should help you realize your preferences. </p>

<p>If you stay with your current school list, you might fly into Boston and visit your New England schools. Then, drive down visiting Emma Willard and Mercersburg departing from Washington DC. </p>

<p>I don't think you need to add more safeties unless you decide that you only want boarding and don't want the day schools. And if you need financial aid. </p>

<p>As you read the viewbooks and review websites, take a look at which schools require sports. Some schools will require you to participate on a competitive sports team at least 2 if not 3 times a year. Looking over your stats, I concluded that sports were not very important to you, so you may not like schools with this requirement.</p>

<p>A complication that applying to both boarding and day schools presents is that many day schools have an earlier acceptance date and contract signing date. Boarding schools are unified with a March 10h acceptance and contract signing gernerally around April 7th. If you find that this is the case, you can discuss it with your parents and the schools. Some will extend an offer of acceptance to the boarding schedule. Usually day schools ask for the ISEE but will accept the SSAT. You just need to be sure that they will accept the SSAT.</p>

<p>good luck!</p>

16

<p>Hello again, everyone! It's been two weeks since my last post, and I've received most of the viewbooks I requested. As many people on the CC told me, the viewbooks would help narrow my selection. I was also surprised to find that, by looking at a variety of
different schools, I was able to answer the broad questions of "What do you want in a boarding school?" better.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Student body size, smaller---
This is a difficult question to answer, since there really are so many pros and cons to each. My trouble is caused by contradicting facts: I really like the feel of smaller schools best, but I have some extra-curricular interests that may not be met if I chose a smaller school, like fencing, languages, and sports. All in all, I think I'm leaning towards small to small-medium schools in general, but I'm not ruling out large schools entirely… my public high school option has +3,000 students, so any of these schools are "small" to me.</p></li>
<li><p>Co-ed schools---
I requested info from Emma Willard, and I've also visited a local all-girls school. Both schools were nice, but I feel that a co-ed school would be best for me. </p></li>
<li><p>Small town or rural communities---
Of all the schools I'm seriously considering, most appear to be in either a rural or small town area. I'm currently in a suburban area, but the relaxed environment of a smaller community is really what I'm looking for (unless you consider my day school options, which are suburban and urban).</p></li>
<li><p>Extra-curriculars/other aspects---</p>

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<br></li>
</ol>

<p>I've gotten information, or at least a “We’ll send more at a later date”-notice from all of the schools below, except Exeter, St. Paul's, and Greenhills... if my list of schools changes because of new materials, I'll let you know.</p>

<p>My initial list consisted of:</p>

<p>Andover, Choate, Exeter, Emma Willard, Hotchkiss, Mercersburg, Middlesex, Northfield Mount Hermon, and St. Paul's, with Cranbrook, Detroit Country Day, and Greenhills as day schools… a very eclectic list, I know.</p>

<p>Now my list is:</p>

<p>Exeter, Hotchkiss, Mercersburg, Middlesex, and one or two day schools.</p>

<p>Schools I might add to the list: Groton, Andover, or another match… or any great schools that I can be convinced about. :)</p>

<p>I’ve realized that my private and public school options close to home are great, so I’ll focus on matches and reaches. I’d really enjoy the boarding school experience, but I’ve decided not to apply to schools that would give me similar academics as I could get near home. I know my ambitions are high, but I’m willing to try my hardest.</p>

<p>I did my first real practice test of the SSAT today, and I got in the mid-upper 90th percentiles… hopefully I can improve this and bring it to a 98-99 with some practice. My study books are ’06-’07… will these be outdated, or are they fine?</p>

<p>Oh, and just out of curiosity… are boarding schools like colleges in the respect that they tend to be either liberal or conservative politically? If so, are there any schools that stand out by having a strong political leaning? I wouldn’t be affected by this, but it seems interesting that it’s rarely mentioned on the CC.</p>

<p>*** Regarding FA… my family will need some financial assistance, but not a huge amount. We’re in that slightly uncomfortable middle-income area… not poor enough to guarantee financial aid, but not wealthy enough to easily pay full tuition. Do your chances improve if you only need, say, 15-30% financial aid, rather than 75-50%? By the way, does anyone have the link to the online financial aid calculator? If so, I would really appreciate having the link.</p>

<p>TO SUMMARIZE THIS HUGE POST:
---I’ve received viewbooks.
---I’ve narrowed my school list to a reasonable amount, mostly matches/reaches, since I’m content with my local schools.
---I’ve began to take practice tests.
---I asked a few boarding school questions.
---Our family will need minimal financial aid.</p>

<p>If you made it this far, then you’re either a really caring person, or someone who has a little too much time on their hands. Either way, thanks so much for helping, and I hope I can continue to enjoy the CC all through the boarding school process.</p>

<p>If anyone attends/ has children who attend the schools on my list, or want to promote any small, friendly schools with a good variety of classes/sports, please send me a PM or post here. Thank you! </p>

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17

<p>You might want to consider St. Andrews Delaware. I've been admiring this school from a distance. We didn't look at it for a variety of reasons. This school has a very fine reputation, an outstanding endowment per student, and offers most the things you want. Because you are visiting Mercersburg, you can probably fit it in.</p>

<p>Another school you can consider is Blair Academy. It offers a beautiful campus, friendly & happy students, strong Mandarin & crew, many community service opportunities, a rural setting but with a small shopping area to visit right at the bottom of the hill, good college matriculations and more. No fencing that I know of. I know this school best because my son goes there. From Hotchkiss, you could get on Rt. 84 and take that to Blair in Blairstown, NJ. This way, you will bypass Rt. 95 and all its traffic as you make your way to Mercersburg. </p>

<p>Groton gets mixed reviews. It may be just the right school for you, but proceed with caution.</p>

<p>When you do your tours, see if you can get a navigation system with your rental. Make sure that you have the correct street addresses for your schools. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

18

<p>First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your approach to the process of finding a secondary school for yourself. I think you're doing a terrific job!</p>

<p>Second, I would like to mention a school that I'VE been admiring from afar, which is St. George's. It was a bit too conservative for the Smile Pups in that it has a specific affiliation with the Episcopal church, but it seems like such a marvelous school: nice size, challenging academics, a breadth of opportunities and you can't beat the location (right in Newport, RI on the beach).</p>

19

<p>On a cautionary note, like you, the elder Smile Pup responded very positively to both Hotchkiss and Exeter when considered through the lens of the viewbook. They both of them seemed like incredible places to spend four years learning and challenging yourself, which of course they are. But they also both seemed very warm and nurturing which they are not. I don't mean in any way to criticize either institution but I do believe that they are both meant for students who are looking for a significant amount of independence in their pursuit of an education. Upon visiting, the atmosphere at both schools seemed more like a college campus than a prep school campus, so I would strongly encourage you to visit both before making any final decisions.
You may find that it's just what you are looking for, or you may find that the atmosphere of a school like Middlesex is more to your liking. It is a very personal choice.</p>

20

<p>Hello again, CC! Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions! I'll make sure to reference what you've said if I run into trouble. I've decided to put down my reasons for considering each prep school, to help myself and others understand what I'm looking at.</p>

<p>The schools I'm sure to consider are still Exeter, Middlesex, Hotchkiss, and Mercersburg.</p>

<p>If I could visit/apply to all of my favorite schools, I would apply to Exeter, Middlesex, Hotchkiss, Mercersburg, and probably Andover, St. George's, and Blair. I looked into Brooks and St. Andrew's... they both looked fabulous, but I didn't feel as much of a connection as I did with the others. I've gotten some encouraging PMs about Andover, too, and I might still consider it after all. I've concluded that Groton shouldn't be on my list, as it didn't fit me as well as others. My judgement for Blair and St. George's are purely from their websites... should I order viewbooks or not?</p>

<p>My trouble would be that my "extended list" would include seven schools, in addition to a day school or two. I don't really want to strain myself and my family with all of the applications and visits, so I probably need to eliminate schools. It's a difficult balance, isn't it, trying to find a good number of places to consider!</p>

<p>Exeter</p>

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<p>Middlesex</p>

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<p>Hotchkiss</p>

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<p>Mercersburg</p>

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<p>Andover, St. George's, and Blair might get more opinions later, once I can figure out which will stay and which will go. Feel free to try and persuade me... I need specific reasons why one school is better than another (refer to the specifics in my last post). </p>

<p>In terms of travel, we will probably drive (maybe fly?) to the Boston area, where I could visit Midddlesex, Exeter, and maybe Andover and St. George's easily. We could drive 150 miles to visit Hotchkiss from there, but Blair could prove to be more of a problem (65 miles from NYC, but 300 miles from Boston, according to Mapquest). Mercersburg could be an individual trip, or we could go through the area while going to Boston. I don't have the specifics, but this is my rough plan, give or take a school. </p>

<p>Also, is there any way I can interest my parents in the process a bit more? They've accepted the idea a bit, but it's such a foreign concept to us all that it's hard to really connect with them. My dad's really into the college process... just a month ago we went out of town and we toured a top school, but going to boarding school, in his words, would be "a suprise". I don't know if he's trying to prevent me from getting my hopes up, or if he's against the idea. My mom's more interested, always asking me what I'm looking at and why I like certain schools, but they both seem genuinely concerned about FA, since we're in that "not-poor-not-rich" zone... squarely in the middle to upper-middle class. My dad might send me to a boarding school, but would strongly encourage me to take a slightly less expensive day school, even with decent boarding financial aid. I'm sure I'm reading too much into things and overreacting, but I want this whole process to go smoothly, and I want to succeed without burdening them. I really want to work as a team... any advice?</p>

<p>Some quick notes:</p>

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<p>Thanks to all,</p>

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