Groton vs St. Andrew's (DE) - very imp PLS help

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>Hi. This is really imp!!! I would really appreciate your help!</p>

<p>I was a late applicant to both of these really good schools, and have been given the privilege of choosing between them (both have hinted at an acceptance really strongly, but not directly; they are waiting for one last piece of the app, after which they will truly give their decisions). Now, one of them has asked me to basically give them a "yes" or a "no" (because they need to make special arrangements really soon to give me a yes, which will be binding).</p>

<p>So, a bit about me before I state my questions. I am an int'l (from a part of Asia, but one that is not very represented in prep-schools, though really really over-represented in American colleges). And a guy. Academically, I would say I am good - I got all A+ this term at a really prestigious int'l school (only person in a class of 350). I personally like a steep learning curve, but this is not as important as community/culture.
I am good at the piano and lots of other activities (both schools are at the same level activity-wise for me).
But here's the thing - I'm not really that athletic, and there will be a big culture
gap between me and the average student in the US. So, as you would know, this does get
socially pretty challenging. So, being a welcoming community is really important. </p>

<p>I'm currently boarding at a really prestigious int'l school not in my country, where the boarding community is just like 10% of the school (but I LOVE boarding). And I will be joining either of these schools this Fall.</p>

<p>Which one would you say is more welcoming? I seem to get this impression that Groton is very WASP-y and elitist, but only from this website. The campus visit was great (but since it's a late app, not during the school yr, so basically I didn't get to "feel" the place), and my tour guide was amazing.
I really like St. Andrew's, but is it academically "inferior" to Groton? Some say it is, some don't.</p>

<p>And, if you do have anything to say about the schools (not basic stats, more on the culture etc.), pls do!
Please don't say "go with your gut", because I didn't visit these schools during the school yr, and thus didn't get to feel their "vibe".</p>

<p>Sorry for keeping it so long, but I am really in a confused state!!! Thanks in advance!!</p>

2

<p>Well, I would definetely pick Groton because it’s more well- known, very prestigious, and it is more enhanced than St.Andrew’s academecially, the arts is also very big in Groton, and the community is extremely strong. So I would pick Groton</p>

3

<p>St. A, I heard it’s really great.
Groton is hell I’ve heard.</p>

4

<p>One way to get a “vibe” of the school is to search for videos the kids have put on youtube. It can give you an idea of the sense of humor, etc. </p>

<p>From what I understand, academics at both schools are outstanding. Our family has researched St. Andrew’s and we do really like it, but have decided that it is just a bit too far away (though we may still change our mind). </p>

<p>My son is looking at a range of schools and what we have discovered is that the differences in academics are not so much in the ceiling (I think one can go as far as one wants at nearly all the schools discussed on this board.), but on the range of abilities within the student body.</p>

<p>When my son toured and interviewed last fall, we did not find it snotty AT ALL. It may be perceived as elitist, but I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing when excellence is the standard. Think “elite soccer” or “elite gymnastics.” Why be ashamed of “elite academics?”</p>

<p>What grade will you be entering?</p>

5

<p>I would also definitely pick Groton, mainly for academic reasons. But it also has a very good music program, which seems to be important to you. And not being a huge athelete is fine there. No need to worry.</p>

6

<p>Both schools are great. The headmaster at St. Andrew’s is exceptional. Many students at SAS are the cream of the crop from the surrounding states. It is not in New England so it does not get much play on CC but those that really are familiar with the BS scene fully recognize SAS as a prominent and outstanding learning institution. SAS has a very diverse student body (more so than Groton) and offers financial assistance to almost half the students. To say that SAS is academically inferior to Groton is absurd or vice-versa for that matter. My Grandfather went to Groton and is a terrific school. St. Andrew’s just has something in the air that enables the faculty to really connect and bring out the best of the students. SAS does not go bonkers about athletics and believe it is more important about what is between the ears than the stick in the hand, Groton is the same. The Arts program and accompanying facilities at SAS are superb. I am familiar with both schools and it is a tough choice. A choice for that matter that not many get, especially this late in the game. From what you have posted I would go for St Andrew’s simply on the atmosphere and comradery of the entire student body and faculty that the school exemplifies throughout the entire school year. Good luck and let us know your decision.</p>

7

<p>I should say that what I have gathered most about SAS has been in this past year. My father in-law went there which put it on the radar screen for me for my first son 4 years ago. Since then have done a lot of home work on SAS and to be even more straight forward it was a choice of applying to Groton or St. Andrew’s for 2nd son. We went with SAS.</p>

8

<p>Both very impressive and both great schools<br>
that said there should be some reserve when reading the posts on this board I quite often grit my teeth at the posters that glibly write their opinions and pass them off as fact. Note: there are many inaccuracies on this board please read everything with a grain of salt do research other than this board to make such an important decision!
so with that in mind . …</p>

<p>Ops states : “. SAS has a very diverse student body (more so than Groton)”</p>

<p>when in FACT</p>

<p>Groton’s international student body 10%
St A’s international student body 10% </p>

<p>so … lets not say that St A is more diverse than Groton .
That is just not true.
and while I hate to delve into this Gray area of 2 very good schools the average SAT score at Groton is 2080 compared to 1999 at Saint A’s
acceptance rate at Groton is only 19% while st A accepts 30%
none of this really matters however as they are both exceptional schools .
location being very different though
*ps all info off the boarding school website, not always completely accurate either :-)</p>

9

<p>Groton’s music program is exceptional. Individual and group performances of the jazz ensemble and orchestra are incredible. The orchestra director is very talented and has a great relationship with his students. The jazz director also. Students are able to perform in recitals with professional accompaniment - alums and people from Boston. Importantly, the group is a great community itself with the school community.</p>

10

<p>Steady, opinion and observation stated on my part only and not nonchalantly. I think very highly of Groton. Diversity was purely an observation over this past year. As for SAT scores when you’re talking 1999 vs 2080 from the websites and location/popularity with regards to acceptance rate, I feel (again my opinion only) it’s like comparing Lexus and BMW. Don’t grind too hard.</p>

11

<p>Both are phenomenal schools with many similarities. At Groton you will
work harder. That doesn’t necessarily mean
you will get a better educatin, but you
will work harder. You statistically are also
more likely to get into a better college from Groton, but it
is a fine line. Finally, you are going to be with more
Northeasterners there as opposed to
more (by no means all) mid-lantic and Southerners
at SAS. I don’t know if that makes any difference;
it is just the demographics. Good luck! You really
can’t lose with those choices.</p>

12

<p>Go Groton! It is most definetly not WASP-y. The community is extremely warm and welcoming and very tight knit. The academics, you’re right, are more difficult at Groton than at St. Andrews. Groton expects a lot from you academic wise, you’ll have to work a LOT.
I’m going to Groton next year and I want to revist day and stuff so I got the vibe and it isn’t WASP-y and I know it may seem like it, but it really isnt.</p>

<p>I think either way you go it’s a win-win situation, both are wondeful schools but I would go with Groton. I think it fits better to what you were asking for than St. Andrews. Groton has a phenomnal arts program and you don’t have to take a sport as long as you’re taking an art.</p>

13

<p>I had a friend recently tour SAS and the family was blown away. He said if SAS was in Mass or conn, it would be on everybody’s short list.</p>

14

<p>I guarantee that you will not regret your decision either way. However, I vote in favor of SAS. Actually, I’ll just tell you my story, maybe it’ll help you. I applied to 8 schools this past year: Choate, Deerfield, Hotchkiss, St. Andrew’s, Westminster, Lawrenceville, Peddie, and Taft. By some miracle, I was accepted everywhere. I chose SAS, and will be attending this fall. I must admit that I am biased, although I have visited Groton before. But my perception is that the community at SAS is unlike any other school I visited. This is the factor that really set SAS aside for me during the admissions process. Otherwise, both schools have outstanding academics, faculty, facilities, etc. Feel free to message me!</p>

15

<p>^^I’d say the same goes for Groton. It has a very tight-knit community between students, faculty, and staff that bigger boarding schools in the area don’t have. It’s one of a kind.</p>

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<p>St Andrews is where Dead Poets Society the movie was shot. In case that might impact your desicion. ;)</p>

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<p>fif had a chat today with a friend who’s D is headed to St. A’s. Their biggest concerm is that the Delaware school moght be too strenuous academically. Trust fif here when he says that St. Andrew’s compares to any school in the country when it comes to academics and college matriculation, including Grottie.</p>

1 Like
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<p>Here are the links to the college matriculation data for each of the two schools (not quite the same years, but close). You should decide about the results for yourself: <a href=“http://www.groton.org/home/content.asp?id=580;[/url]”>http://www.groton.org/home/content.asp?id=580;&lt;/a&gt; [St</a>. Andrew’s School: CC Academics College Counseling Matriculation List](<a href=“http://www.standrews-de.org/academics/cc/matriclist.cfm]St”>http://www.standrews-de.org/academics/cc/matriclist.cfm).</p>

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<p>Here’s a more direct link to Groton’s impressive matriculation list [Groton</a> School – private New England boarding school in Massachusetts<em>-</em>Academics / College Matriculation 2004 - 2008](<a href=“http://www.groton.org/home/content.asp?id=580&zZsec=academics&mid=580&mSec=academics]Groton”>http://www.groton.org/home/content.asp?id=580&zZsec=academics&mid=580&mSec=academics)</p>

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<p>Saint Andrew’s School in Delaware is a special school in almost every way. SAS is even smaller than Gorton (also a great school), and 100% boarding. With only 300 students who are lucky enough to attend, SAS is a tightknit community in a way that is not found anywhere else. Their facilities are uniquely stately and outstanding, sitting on 2,200 pristine acres of natural beauty, and nestled on their private 2.5 mile lake. The main dorms overlook the sloping front lawn and the lake, providing direct stunning views from many dorm rooms. It creates a unique environment for intellectual contemplation, as was well captured in ‘Dead Poets Society’ which was filmed there. With a strong focus on the Liberal Arts and the Classics, classes are small; Harkness is the primary method, and individual attention is the norm. Along with Phillips Academy at Andover, SAS is one of only two schools anywhere that has a truly “needs blind” admissions policy. SAS also seems to have a policy of non-hype, and you will not find the school heavily promoting itself anywhere. They keep a low profile. Although many SAS students go on to the Ivies, SAS is a primary feeder to the Little Lvies such as Williams College, and other top Liberal Arts colleges. Those who know, know. </p>

<p>SAS does not receive the hyped attention on this board for another reason: Because it is not a New England school. When parents arrange school visits for boarding schools, they try to hit multiple schools in one outing. All of the New England schools are within comfortable driving distance of each other. SAS is not in that driving corridor, so it is not on most parents short list for that practical reason. If SAS was located in New England, it would be one of the most hyped schools in America, by far. </p>

<p>Opinion: If you want the absolute best BIG boarding schools; Andover and Exeter certainly fit the bill. If, however, you are looking for a top school in a smaller and more intimate setting, both SAS and Gorton fit the bill. If you need financial aid, you have a better shot with SAS. </p>