<p>For those of you who remember me, I was a relatively active member of the Prep School forum last admissions session. Unfortunately, I applied to ten boarding schools and didn't receive admission to any of them, primarily because of my relatively low academic achievement and standardized test scores. However, I still yearned for the "Prep School" experience. Therefore, this summer, I attended Phillips Exeter Academy. While I certainly understand that the curriculum and structure of the school during the summer is far different from the regular school year, I recognized that I prefer a personalized, discussion-based learning environment in comparison to a traditional, public school. As a secondary school student, I was able to take courses in Philosophy, Political Science/Economics, and African Studies-- which I much prefer to the banal, generic courses that everyone is forced to take at my current school. All three of my courses were intellectually stimulating, engaging, and really fostered my interests. I wasn't engaging in busy work, nor were my teachers "politically-right" bigots who saw me as too "ideological". For the first time, I encountered a teacher that was supportive, politically-left (We're both Socialists), Afro-centric, educationally progressive, and really wanted to assist me in advancing myself in academia. </p>
<p>I've now decided to reapply to a few schools and return to the "Prep School" forum. I was wondering if any of the veterans that remember me, could give me a few suggestions as to which schools to apply to.</p>
<p>Hi there! You probably don’t know me (I didn’t actually get a College Confidential account until March 10) but I remember reading your posts during the admissions madness. I think that you should definitely apply to Exeter! I seriously considered Exeter (although in the end I decided to go to Andover), and I liked it a lot. Most people at Exeter are really open-minded, and you would probably enjoy the Harkness method since it’s pretty much as discussion-based as it gets. Although I can’t accurately judge whether or not Exeter would be a good fit since I don’t know you, it seems like it would be exactly what you’re looking for. I hope that was helpful!</p>
<p>I remember you, Starkali! I was impressed with your poise and eloquence. I think you’ll bring a lot to a school. I suggest that you look at Westtown and George School. They’re Quaker boarding schools in Pennsylvania and have a nice variety of kids and very dedicated teachers.</p>
<p>Berkshire, Kent, Cranbrook, and Blair, from what I know about you, seem to be the best fit. They all have great facilities and academics, and several students attend Ivies (or the college of their choice, if you don’t enjoy the pressure). They’re not elite, but they are exceptional schools, make no mistake. They will make you work for admission, like all schools, but I think you could get in if you tried hard enough.</p>
<p>starkali - </p>
<p>Welcome back! I’d second the vote for George and Westtown . . . they are two of my favorite schools. I think you’d find the Quaker persona, with its focus on service (especially international service), to be a really good fit for you.</p>
<p>But I’d counsel staying away from Exeter . . . even if you could get your test scores up to where you’d be admissible, I don’t see that highly competitive environment as being a place you’d be happy.</p>
<p>Holderness in New Hampshire might be a possibility. Don’t know how “liberal” it is, but it has some really interesting, innovative programs.</p>
<p>I’d also strongly recommend looking at some schools outside of New England and the mid-Atlantic. Asheville (in North Carolina) might be too conservative for you, but it’s a worth a look. And how about the schools in Colorado - Colorado Rocky Mountain School and Fountain Valley?</p>
<p>starkali, I recall you mentioned having LD. There are some very good schools which may suit your needs and profile. Schools such as Brewster Academy, Kents Hill, etc. might be good fit. Search on boardingschool review and find some options. I would be happy to discuss offline if you desire. Good luck.</p>
<p>I’m back as well! I really appreciated your posts during the last application round. For those of you who don’t know/remember me, I applied for 9th grade last year, but was only accepted at Blair Academy, and unfortunately, they could not offer me enough financial aid for me to attend. I’m at a very tricky spot financial aid-wise, because on paper, it looks like my family has enough money to afford up to $20,000, but in reality, we can’t afford that. Up until now, I was planning on not reapplying, but I decided randomly to flip through some of the boarding school catalogues I saved from last year, and I remembered why I wanted to go so badly. I’m applying for 10th grade, and I’m considering reapplying to Blair, as well as Deerfield, St. George’s, and Middlesex, all of which waitlisted me last year. I’m adding Andover and either Hotchkiss or Choate.</p>
<p>This year, I hope my application will be stronger - I’m putting more of a focus on my passion for dance, I’m getting a Duke of Edinburgh award, and I’m currently writing a book about growing up in a very wealthy area without a lot of money. I also received a lot of awards for Latin after the last applications were submitted, and I’m joining more clubs.</p>
<p>I know that the chances of me getting enough financial aid are slim. Last year, my parents constantly reminded me of that, but I brushed them off, certain that I would get in somewhere. Now, I realize that regardless of how strong my application is, there is still a great chance that I won’t be able to attend. I’m prepared for that. However, I want this too badly to not even try.</p>
<p>Starkali - I hope that both you and I have better luck this year! :)</p>
<p>Choose Hotchkiss. I’ve visited Choate twice and both times they were just so…cold.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice, ThisOneKid. I think I’ll visit both then decide which one’s a better fit. I visited Lawrenceville last year and strongly disliked it, feeling a very cold vibe come across, but one of my friends fell in love with it and is attending this year. I appreciate your input, though! I’ll keep it in mind :)</p>
<p>hey starkali! 
i remember you! which grade are you applying to this year? also hi ballerina22 !! </p>
<p>i was also an applicant of 2012 (GOOD TIMES, GUYS!) but didn’t get in to the few schools i applied to lol!! may be trying again for next fall and if so, i’ll be applying as a junior. 
looking at choate (wl for this fall) / emma / episcopal / nmh so far :)</p>
<p>Westtown is a great school. Went there many moons ago and visited recently. My child opted for a prep school closer to home but hoping my younger ones will consider Westtown. Give it look…George School too!
T</p>
<p>@ThisOneKid - maybe you had a bad experience? because when i visited choate it wasn’t cold, if anything hotchkiss was more formal and proper.</p>
<p>@starkali - Oh yay! If you need anything - absolutely anything - PM me! Maybe I could help you with the essays or something? You and @ballerina22 have so much willpower and drive :)</p>
<p>I guess I wouldn’t call it bad, exactly. The interviewers were nice, but it seemed like the only good person having a good time was my tour guide, and he was kind of forcing it, if you know what I mean. The kids didn’t look unhappy per se, but more unenthusiastic and…somber, I guess. I’m not denying it’s a great school, but the experience itself seemed iffy. Hotchkiss, (through a personal look, not a tour) seemed more upbeat. But, if I’m wrong i’m wrong, so by all means, everyone should give it a shot!</p>
<p>Hey guys, is this a 2012 application round reunion? 'Cause I’m in! :D</p>
<p>@starkali & ballerina22; Give yourselves a pat on the back for trying again! It really CAN return positive results - it did for me! I will be moving into my Lawrenceville house in 3 days, and I couldn’t be happier. And the weird thing is I didn’t even consider Lawrenceville during the 2011 admission season - so definitely broaden your selection of schools, it can help! I wish you guys the best of luck with your applications this year and I hope you both get into your dream schools.</p>
<p>Welcome back, starkali. Glad to hear about your good experience at Exeter this summer. I wish you all the best this application round!</p>