<p>A) Wait four months to talk to your parents again. It seems counter-intuitive, but by giving them some time to cool down, you have a blank slate to work with come October. Then, sit them down. This part will be hard (I know; I'm on the same plan to shut up and then discuss) because you'll have to tell them that they can't interrupt while you give your little spiel. Talk about finaid (give them a folder of stats to peruse later), education opportunities (for this, I recommend shiny brochures and more stats in another folder--parents really do want the best for their kids, and they'll be just as impressed as you were by the shiny auditorium and international debate team), and then, your personal reasons for wanting to go. This is where you get emotional about your maturity level and reaching the end of your education rope. End by saying that you love them both (your sibs too, if you have any) and that you've heard on this "great forum, College Confidential..." that boarding school can actually better parent-child relationships. Don't let them talk at this meeting, but arrange to discuss all the information and their worries in a week.</p>
<p>A week later, they'll have gone over all the stats and spent at least one night on this very forum, searching through the Prep School Admissions archives and looking on school websites. They might not admit it, but you'll have gotten them seriously interested. Allow them to ask you all sorts of crazy questions, which I predict will fall into two categories: money and "Is this <em>really</em> what you want? Is there <em>no way</em> to be happy at home?" Don't let them guilt you into anything--you CAN get that finaid, but you have to actually apply. Yes, you can be happy at home, but you can't be entirely fulfilled and intellectually sated. (When I pull this card, I plan on talking about this "nerd camp" I went to and how I'd never felt more at home, like learning and friends were a natural combination. Corny, but hey...) Don't be totally dry during this part, but make sure not to let them get your guard down. Tell them you're nervous about the prospect of leaving them and everything you know but that you're prepared to make that adjustment for your future. </p>
<p>A week later, have yet another discussion--this one should be emotional, all the "I'll miss you!'s" but also the practical, like where you'll apply and how to get there. Get the ball rolling on applications (if everything's gone well.... If not, fill out the apps to the best of your ability, photocopy them, and give your parents the photocopy to complete. You'll have a copy in case they "lose them.")</p>
<p>Good luck on that part!</p>
<p>B) You can be happy at your current school. I promise. I'm in a pretty similar situation, but I've found that you're more likely to be taken seriously if you don't hinge your life on boarding school. Be successful <em>without</em> it, and then you'll prove that you've outgrown your public school system and need more. Begging while constantly whining about your current school only serves to annoy and disappoint your parents and to bring your attitude down. Find that one teacher you love and talk to him or her frequently; find that one club that makes you love every Tuesday afternoon. Be happy where you are, because it's possible. Making the best of your situation doesn't make you less of a boarding school candidate but more so, because a positive attitude will carry you in any situation (the corny screenplay writer in me comes out at 12:30 am, sorry). You'll have to put down a few roots to be happy, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to leave if boarding school becomes an option. It just means you're a successful, happy, functioning human.</p>