<p>I'm not exactly having second thoughts about boarding school, but I never sunk in what a big deal boarding school is... Anyone feeling a little scared?</p>
<p>buuuuump…</p>
<p>Don’t worry - you’ll have a ball 
I bet everyone is nervous at first.</p>
<p>Congrats on your hundredth post! It sure seems scary, but so many others are going through the exact same thing, that you won’t feel alone. I’m sure at Choate there are plenty of friendly people eager to help!</p>
<p>I’m a bit nervous as well… Andover’s as big as my current high school, and every day I see someone who I didn’t even know existed. Honestly, I’m really worried about the social aspect of boarding school. I know I’m prepared for the intensity of the academics, although I’m still a bit nervous for that, too.</p>
<p>But the excitement outweighs the fear, at least!</p>
<p>For me, I’m more nervous about being away from home than I am about being in a new environment and having to make all new friends (if that makes sense at all). I’ve never been away from home longer than a week at a time, so I don’t even know what it’s like to be homesick. I’m also extremely close to my parents, so the transition will be a little tough. As much as he bothers me, I’m quite thankful that my younger brother will be accompanying me to school in September!</p>
<p>These second thoughts are so common. I went through the same thing last year at this time… I was so successful at my old school that I felt that leaving would just ruin everything and I’d have to start building up a new reputation all from scratch. No one wants to leave the safety and familiarity of home and friends, but I can assure you that boarding school is an amazing experience and just an all-around chance to grow as a person. If you decide not to go, you’ll always end up wondering how everything would’ve panned out if you had gone instead, and the thing is you’ll never be satisfied. Take the chance and just go for it. There will be tough times and times that make you want to rip your hair out, but trust me, it will be entirely worth it. </p>
<p>If there are any worries you have specifically about Choate (workload, social scene, etc.), feel free to PM me!</p>
<p>cassat, I know tons of friendly, current 9th graders at Andover. I also know tons of means ones as well. You’ll just need to find your group! If you have any questions about the current students there, I know a little bit about them since I visit my best friends who go there once a month!</p>
<p>I’m not nervous enough to not go! I would never abandon this opportunity. I’m just worried a bit about being homesick and transition from an extremely easy public school, to a demanding, rigorous environment. Just a lot of minor things. Like how would a Latino, full financial aid student would fit in…</p>
<p>There are going to be many others who are also struggling to find their “niche” in the school during their first year but be open to making friends and just be nice to everyone you meet. You won’t be alone in the transition since you are going in as a new freshman. There are going to be other Latino students, other full FA students and other Latino/FA students. Many people will be having the same concerns that you are having. Don’t worry!</p>
<p>Thanks guys, I really do feel a lot better! I’m ready to take on Choate head on :D</p>
<p>BronxKid–I just started reading Deval Patrick’s book A Reason to Believe and highly recommend it, especially the chapter on his experience at Milton, coming from the southside of Chicago. His observations range from the funny: “The graduates never really die; they just turn into buildings” to making the observation that “Authenticity is a matter of values. Know those and be true to them, and you can comfortably navigate the uneven terrain of life.” Teachers and a few close friends got him through (and he’s sent his children to Milton). That was thirty-five years ago, and things have changed quite a bit in the schools. I do recommend that you give a lot of thought to any summer assignments. Your voice is an important one for teachers and other students to hear.</p>
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<p>OMG - that is so funny (and so true of many boarding schools).</p>
<p>looking back at this thread… im actually more excited than ever and want to leave already!</p>
<p>I can’t wait for this next year… (If I actually get in haha).</p>
<p>I know right! Me too. I want to leave, and I’m never going to look back.</p>
<p>gahh i leave so soon! it seems like just yesterday i was entering the 8th grade and now im leaving to one of the best prep schools in the nation!</p>
<p>Yup! It’s not just high school…it’s CHOATE!!!</p>
<p>GO CHOATE ahh so close… i feel like if im gonna wake up one day and it was all a dream…</p>
<p>I hope we all feel excited. We did it! We managed to finagle your way through admissions process, SSATs, and countless hours on applications. So congrats! We should all be very proud.</p>