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<p>I have no personal knowledge of this, but I’d guess that it would be easier . . . just because people are going to get to know you quicker in a smaller community.</p>
<p>At Westtown, you’d still be the “new kid,” but the fact that your entire class is living in the dorms should also make it quicker and easier to get to know people and become a part of the community.</p>
<p>I’d strongly suggest, though, that you direct this question to the AO’s at the schools you’re looking at - use their experience to guide you. (Great selection of schools, by the way! :))</p>
<p>Adjusting to ANY boarding school the first few months is tougher than most students realize. So just be warned that a school perceived as less competitive (i.e. less of a pressure cooker) is still likely to be a tough landing.</p>
<p>I see both @Pelican’s point and @Dodgersmoms.</p>
<p>Here’s my perspective - I’m a three year alum. First year was tough, but fascinating. Second year I settled into a groove and enjoyed it. By third year I was thinking “been there done that” and looking for a new challenge. Because I took a tough course load all along, I graduated a semester early and was ready to be off the treadmill. Didn’t mean it wasn’t fun, though. It was just my personality. For others, doing a full 4 years is fun and ideal. </p>
<p>So the answer is - what year someone enters depends on the student and the rationale behind why they are applying. If it is to “get into a good college” then, probably not a good use of time unless they’re stunning students coming in and already on track. If it’s to get exposure to a better education, or test your feet in a new environment, or because you’ve exhausted classes and options in your home school - it’s worth it, if only for two years. From a college interview perspective, I’d still be impressed with a student who came from a weak district and was able to keep up at a boarding school (any boarding school) because of the hurdles that will have represented. If you matriculate and flounder, well…it will tell me the college experience may be a hurdle as well.</p>
<p>Also, yes-- it’s tough to come in and make new friends when many relationships are already established. But that is true of almost every student at every grade. </p>
<p>So to each his/her own. College is but one stop on the journey. Students who do best look at the bigger picture since nothing in life is guaranteed. What I do know, however, is there are very few 11th grade spots. But on the other hand, there are comparatively fewer students applying for them compared to lower grades.</p>