<p>Mean and ugly? I think a bit overwrought. The mods do a good job of policing vs attacks on persons. Like most all those involved in education (even tangentially on a board like this) they are strict disciplinarians re political correctness on matters of race and diversity. Such threads were more vigorous in the past, but have essentially been banished to the archives, as most everyone concluded there is no longer a ‘debate.’</p>
<p>The only criticism I offer vs Andover is that its bookstore for gear and logo accessories has a terrible selection.</p>
<p>Thank you for your kindnesses on my behalf ^^^^, but I don’t mind people seeing my remarks. They are based on personal experience. If the parent association has a better gear store, I regret I missed it on my visit through the antiquated athletic center.</p>
<p>^^^ I don’t know about the shop in Washington Hall that you cite, but there is a “Pro Shop” noted on the Andover web site that you may not have known about:</p>
<p>“The Pro Shop at the Phillips Academy Ice Rinks is a full-service retail store offering a wide range of official PA sportswear as well as supplies and accessories for both figure skaters and hockey players. We have a large inventory of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more, and can special order just about anything for you. Our well-trained and qualified staff can even sharpen your skates while you wait. Or you can drop them off and pick them up later.”</p>
<p>The “Parents of Students of Phillips Academy (PSPA)” seem only to have an online store, and no mention is made of any presence they may have in “Washington Hall.”</p>
<p>I just note the above for your benefit so that when you, as a PA parent, visit PA in the future that you will not wander aimlessly looking for PA gear. The Ice Rinks have what you seek on campus. The downtown store is, I agree, a bit patchy. </p>
<p>When visiting, we enjoyed a pizza in the town and the pizzamaker assured us that he can deliver to Andover at any time of day or night. I think this feature is important for a competitive school, as pizza (especially those tangy anchovies!) fuels the all-nighters.</p>
<p>
Regarding late night snacks, it depends on dorms and advisors. DC had both good and bad experience. In one dorm the advisors weren’t that “considerate” at all and in another snacks are constantly (not every day though) provided during study hours. One thing to note is that the considerate dorm parents in this context were themselves parents of teenagers (and boys!) so they must know how easily the kids can get hungry! </p>
<p>@bsadvisor: I am all for a different voice on these forums especially if the purpose is to dispel misinformation about a certain school or boarding schools in general. And I also think it’s fair game to point out when some posters are defending or criticizing other posters using double standards to suppress different points of views and support just for the sake of supporting “one of their own”. That IS “mean and ugly”. But, to characterize the “place” as mean and ugly is too much. The prep school forum is very small so a certain “culture” has been developed here, which is - let’s say - not for everyone. I hope you can stay here for the long haul, but to do so you want to tone it down a notch… </p>
<p>I personally believe that bigger schools do not necessarily mean more competition. Sure, Andover has a bigger student body than Groton, but does that mean that it’s more competitive? NO! The competition in smaller, “first-tier” schools may even be stiffer in many respects. Groton, for example, only accepts a select amount of applicants each year, and those they accept are all very talented because they only have a limited amount of space in each grade. Moreover, BS is NOT just about getting into an Ivy. It’s about the experience, the stimulation. Being in a competitive school can even widen your horizons and motivate you to do more. Read up on each individual school before April 10th, and weigh the pros and cons. Make sure you’ll be comfortable in whichever school you choose. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Who said it was sink or swim? </p>
<p><a href=“https://twitter.com/earthpix/status/445926614950764544”>https://twitter.com/earthpix/status/445926614950764544</a></p>
<p>^^^like</p>