<p>@mrnephew Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking? Because meeting you was pretty swag too \m/ </p>
<p>I suppose so! It was purty cool. </p>
<p>Andover is definitely my top choice. I’m a super competitive person, and I absolutely love their academics (I mean, who doesn’t, right) as well as their sense of community. I haven’t visited any of the schools, because I can’t, so my “sense of community” is all going off the website and the interview. (The interviewer was really great, too- it was actually him that told me to apply to Exeter and other top schools in case I didn’t get into Andover. He was a parent, and he seemed to love the school.) Overall, it’s been my dream school for more than a year now.</p>
<p>Hotchkiss is also one of my top choices, because of their quick and helpful response to me about queries I had, and the reviews, and a lot of other things, including the “feel”. (although I heard a rumor somewhere that it was an ‘athletic school’- is this true?)</p>
<p>Boarding school is actually my only high school option, unless I want to go to this not-so-good school here, so I have to be careful with the schools I apply to so I’ll definitely get in at least one. 
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<p>Deerfield is my top choice. It just felt like my perfect fit: for size (not to big no to small), people (my tour guide was so kind and every one I met were super nice and bubbly), music (the program fits my needs perfectly) and my Dad liked it also. However I really liked Choate and Groton as well, and would be happy to go to Middlesex.</p>
<p>My top is definitely Lawrenceville. I went on campus and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! It was so beautiful and amazing. I really want to go! My interview was great and I just loved the environment. It would be a dream to go. </p>
<p>Applicants who toured/interviewed during Nov-Dec: Which schools had the most impressive holiday decorations and holiday spirit? </p>
<p>When touring Exeter I didn’t really notice any big holiday decor, but they had some jaunty Christmas music playing in the admissions office which I thought was nice. I also saw a video that they had on their website of a choral group singing Let It Snow in their chapel, which was classically and cozily decorated. BS during the holiday season just seems so wonderful!</p>
<p>We toured and interviewed at the local private day school generally considered to be the best in the area this last week (not in New England, but with very much of a “New England Prep School” vibe to the campus). Not a single holiday decoration in sight.</p>
<p>Lawrenceville decorations were kinda bland, tbh. Upper had some wreaths on doors, Cleve and Hamill had luminaries, but that was pretty much it for the outside. Inside was a lot better though, Christmas trees and whatnot. </p>
<p>When we were touring, I remember some beautifully decorated BS Chapels. I also remember touring a campus that had just held a Holiday Decoration Contest for all the dorms the previous evening. The girl dorms swept the competition, I was told and I could see why. When we walked into the boy’s common room at one dorm it looked like a Dollar Store had exploded - but it sure looked like the boys had fun trying. 
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<p>Portsmouth Abbey is quite festive this time of year. Most of the students (girls anyway) put lights up in their rooms, Santa comes to the final assembly, dorm parties (secret Santa, tacky sweater and the like), and there is a gingerbread house contest. But the best part, is the competition between dorms where they all do an activity to raise money for clothing for disadvantaged kids. The activities can range from selling hot chocolate to doing a polar plunge in the bay. It is amazing how much this small community can raise in such a short time. Holiday fun, for sure!</p>
<p>Lol, we boys did try pretty hard. Nothing really clicked though. Our chapel was pretty too. </p>
<p>Aren’t most students on vacation for the holidays? So they are decorating at home if that is their tradition.</p>
<p>Yeah but it is tradition here to decorate before the holiday vacation. </p>
<p>I loved the beautiful campus at Hkiss! That one building with the gorgeous lake view… and also the spirit apparel. That Hotchkiss patagonia is calling my name!</p>
Gotta vote for Cate School: beautiful campus views, weather and friendly, “laidback” students. Also, hands down best tour - included class visit & access to many students and faculty in reception area for questions. Definitely felt like we got an authentic feel for the school.
I visited a few campuses but the one that “called me the most” was Exeter. The campus just seemed friendly, warm, and cozy, if that makes sense. I liked how the buildings were closer together and how it seemed more like a private school with a lot of buildings rather than a small university (this is the impression I had). The buildings were stunning and I liked how the roads were smaller and easy to cross (good for students).
I love these posts! Keep them coming!!
Not a boarding school, but I love how Columbia lights the trees along College Walk for the holidays.
I’m obsessed with every school I applied to, plus some. 
Although I am slightly more obsessed with some than others.