<p>First I fell in love with Deerfield for the campus and the fact that it has such a greta reputation but I haven't visited St. George's yet ( my interview is in a few days, they're deadline is extended), and Andover and Lawrenceville I won't say are my safety schools but they're not my top choices. My one con with St. George's it that I feel like its not as prominent as the other boarding schools, I don't always hear about it and sometimes when I mention I'm applying there, my friend at Peddie and one of my friends at ethel walker said they never heard of it :( Everyone is huge fan of me possibly going to Deerfield. I'm not sure about my chances of getting into Deerfield also I don't know exactly what makes deerifeld such a standout compared to others?
I would be in orchestra, I'm interested in debate but have not had the opportunity to be on a debate team yet, I take college courses ( I got all As but then a C in my math course >,<), I volunteer and all that. but I love how st. george's has such a beautiful and different campus than the other new england schools. and from what I can see from the surface I think I like the people at georges more than deerfield as a whole</p>
<p>I don't only like a school for its name but I just feel as if george's is lacking a bit in reputation. I haven't even gotten my acceptance or rejection letters yet haha but I feel like I wouldn't even know where to start. Do you think I would slip through the cracks at DA? the thing with st george's is that I feel like with their orchestra and stuff that I would stand out but I don't want to be held back with my abilities... not to sound rude but that has happened a few times for me.</p>
<p>sorry this is a bit long winded. all answers are appreciated</p>
<p>St George’s is an excellent, well known school. I think that families who are only just discovering the world of boarding schools seem to have only heard of Andover, Exeter and Deerfield but those who have generational experience with this world are familiar with many other well known schools with excellent reputations such as St. George’s. Wait until March 10 to see what your options are, but go with your gut!</p>
<p>Of course, most people have a favorite by the end of interview season, and you should pick a school based on the right fit for you. It matters how well YOU will do at the school, and how well YOU will be able to take advantage of the many opportunities each school has to offer-- rather than exactly where the school is ranked or the exact list of offerings they have. On the other hand, keep a bit of an open mind at this point–especially when judging things like how well you like the people (especially since it sounds like you haven’t visited St. George’s yet?). On tours and interviews, you really don’t spend very long at each school or really get a feel for classes or activities. Hopefully, you’ll have some choices by revisit days, at which point you spend a whole day at each school, going to classes, eating with students, and going to activities. It’s a helpful way to judge “fit” and what other kids are like. My son is a freshman at DA. He was lucky, and got in everywhere he applied last year, but actually expected NOT to like the kids at DA so much. However, he ended up really liking his revisit day there-- and now is very happy he chose it: he finds the kids very friendly and nice (much more so than at his middle school). He, too, does orchestra (and chamber music) and has found that to be a particularly welcoming group of kids. He’s excited about the new concert hall they’re building, but really what he likes is the camaraderie, as well as the music they’ve been playing. I’m not sure what you mean when you say you’re worried you’ll slip through the cracks-- academically? Musically? Because of the school’s size? If it’s musically, the orchestra at DA has kids with a fairly wide range of ability, and that seems to work out fine. In chamber music, everyone is placed in groups with other players playing at a similar level, and given music which will be somewhat challenging for wherever they are, but which they’ll be able to play well in the end (so everyone has a chance to shine). Of course, you have to figure out what school is the best fit for you–and it may well be St. George’s–I’m just giving you a taste of my son’s DA experience (so far). If you do have any specific questions about DA (now or after March 10th), feel free to ask on this board or by PM. Good luck!</p>
<p>thank you so much for you answer that was very helpful! I have my fingers crossed for deerfield</p>
<p>“not as prominent…lacking a bit in reputation”</p>
<p>It’s these sorts of “reservations” about schools that drive me a bit batty every application cycle. Because what exactly are the benefits of “prominence” and “reputation” in the eyes of the applicants?</p>
<p>Believe me, people who know about boarding schools know St. George’s.</p>
<p>You cite your friend at Peddie who’s “never heard of it”. For that matter, how many people outside the state of New Jersey have every heard of Peddie?</p>
<p>IF - a big IF - you get into any of those schools, you can count it as a home run. I agree with 7Dad.</p>
<p>I just visited St. George’s and was very impressed by the campus and the students. The view from the hill that they are on over the ocean is stunning.</p>
<p>St. George’s is the Exeter of Rhode Island. Very prestigious, full of tradition and academic excellence. Hope you get in!</p>
<p>Let’s just wait till acceptance letters come out until we start discussing this. If you get into one of these schools, you should be happy.</p>
<p>These schools are not far out of my league. I got into Hotchkiss and Choate last year but neither were my top choices. Andover was my top and so I’m reapplying along with Deerfield etc.</p>
<p>Well even with that, it’s a crapshoot. Good luck.</p>