<p>Jk, actually Lowell may be a better place to stay for A and G</p>
<p>Thank you. :)</p>
<p>I second prepparent's opinion. Budget a day per school and tour the area a little bit. I think you overrate the importance of proximity to a metropolitan area. Groton, Deerfield, St. Paul's, Middlesex are worlds of their own. Exeter and Andover because of their size are probably less intimate and for my taste probably more competitive than the smaller schools. Nevertheless, my sense of things is that your instinct is likely right and that you would probably fit best at Andover. Give it your best shot but don't count on it. Remember that the acceptance rate at all these places--with or without money-- is in the realm of 20%.</p>
<p>I actually disagree with prepparent about the size issue. There are plenty of students who would feel comfortable at large or small schools, so that shouldn't really be a factor. Things like the quality of the academic program, class size, and opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities/athletics are all very important, but going to small or large school does not (in isolation) make one school better for any of those things. "Fit", of course, is important. At large schools, the sense of community may come with their house/dorm as opposed to their grade or the entire school (depending on the size). There are plenty of students who apply to Groton and Exeter or even at the college level, Williams, U Pennsylvania, and U Michigan. Fit should be determined by a visit when you actually get to decide whether or not you see yourself in a given educational enviroment. You certainly could feel just as at home at a large school and you do at a small one.</p>
<p>My son was uncertain about size of school when he first started looking. After he saw one or two of 350 and under, he realized that he wanted something larger. For most of the tour, we did 2 schools a day which seems to be the norm. If you schedule early, you can get the first of the morning interview and then the last (around 1pm). I think visiting 3 schools a day is a very bad idea. We did most of our touring around Columbus Day weekend and then Veterans Day weekend. These were long weekends at his old school but bs was still in session. Once winter sets in, a snow storm can ruin your plans. The down side to the long weekends we toured is that they were very busy in admissions. Once accepted, you will be invited back to a revisit day. This is the time to take a very thorough look at the school and surroundings.</p>
<p>Jonathan -- I re-read your post. I don't think Xmas break is a good idea because the schools will not be in session. I think it is very important to visit when school is in session.</p>
<p>The problem is I don't think I could get out of school for six days. I think I would feel better if I could visit two schools each day. I don't want to miss that much school.</p>
<p>Admissions may be closed during Xmas break. Call or email a few schools to verify that. Look at your school calendar and compare it to a typical bs calendar. Find dates that your school is closed but bs is still in session. You may only have to miss a few days.</p>
<p>Furthermore they (we) usually start xmas break early (internationals and etc)--last year was around the 14th or 15th. I know my sister was still in school for a while after that.</p>
<p>So I just got done talking to my dad on the phone. He said boarding school wasn't really worth $40,000 per year. He said I should go up there for school (which I really don't want to do that) or stay in Michigan. (which I also realy don't want to do)</p>
<p>I'm just so angry and sad right now... I don't know what to do.</p>
<p>JK, whereis up there? Canada? If this is truly how it went down with your father, don't give up yet. When our d approached us with bs, it was alot more adamant and we some how changed our mind. With your energy and persistence you'll need to come up with a plan from the heart. Good Luck JK</p>
<p>Yeah...Canada. Ottawa, Canada. </p>
<p>I would live with him, but honestly, I think I would be better off staying down here with my mom. I can't see him and I living together. We already argue enough as it is, but it hasn't been that bad lately until now.</p>
<p>Should I mention financial aid? If he's as poor as he says he is, maybe we'll get some. I don't want to get rejected just because I apply for aid, though. </p>
<p>ughh..</p>
<p>I'm sorry Jonathan. I hope that you and your father can work this out.</p>
<p>I hope so too.</p>
<p>I just want to go so badly. I really don't want to go to the local high school.</p>
<p>I just got an email from my dad. He said he could afford about $14,000 per year. My mom said she could afford $8,000.</p>
<p>I'm still about $15,000 short...</p>
<p>EDIT - Apparently I misunderstood, and he meant he could afford $14,000 if it was split with my mom, so really he could afford $7,000.</p>
<p>That means I'm $22,000 short.</p>
<p>This really sucks.</p>
<p>JK, Does that mean they would let you go if you/school come up with the rest? If so then I take it they are not saying no.......Just apply for the aid and see what happens. There are many schools that are need blind.</p>
<p>
[quote]
JK, Does that mean they would let you go if you/school come up with the rest?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Yes, they would let me go. It's just that the money isn't there. I could ask my grandmother, I know she has the money, but I really wouldn't feel comfortable doing that, and she would probably say it would be better spent on college, and she's probably right.</p>
<p>Could you give me a list of need-blind schools?</p>
<p>In your category..........MIDDLESEX and ST. PAUL'S</p>
<p>okay, thanks...</p>
<p>I don't know what to do!</p>
<p>JK, you appear to be well qualified, apply where you want and if you're what they want, they'll snag you.</p>