Here’s my advice…I’d pick 1-3 schools you are most interested and give it a go ASAP. You never know if they are going to have attrition (for whatever reasons) as the 2015-16 year comes to a close. And even if you don’t get a slot (or a slot that you can afford), you will have had experience with the process and can hit the ground running in next application cycle.
OK thanks. May do that. I sent the “Admissions Inquiry” a couple days ago. What is the next step? Do I call them? Email? Wait until they send an application?
Reading on CC, I am now intimidated. Here’s the thing. He is a super smart kid who loves learning and is naturally inquisitve. Taught himself several computer programming languages, aces all tests with minimal studying. I feel he is held back a bit from TRUE learning in public school. He’s had a hard time finding kids like him. He is super independent.
But I see how being brilliant doesn’t necessarily get you into the best colleges because boarding/prep schools have so many legacies, celebrities, and other smart kids. I was hoping he would fit in better in boarding school, where most kids want to learn. But perhaps pursuing his passions on his own, as he does now, gets him further since he is self motivated (and wouldn’t have time to pursue his computer passion in BS).
I also think he would need a break from the culture on weekends. Honestly, I’d prefer a day school but too far. He is introverted, so too much socializing is tiring for him. Also, are all rooms doubles in BS?
Thanks!
Could you live near Peddie? They are big into swimming.
No, Peddie is a bit further, probably >1hr. They are great at swimming! Thinking about applying there also. Don’t know too much about it yet. I did notice a lot of computer classes at Blair, hence the “fit”.
He’d be a superstar swimmer at Blair; would be below average at Peddie. He’s solid enough; but Peddie’s team is full of superstars.
So is Mercersburg, but I think it has limited open weekends. But, MBerg has a huge endowment and might be able to offer you aid if they have a spot. I have a friend whose DD got in to several 50 best BS in June. But they hired a consultant who searched around. One BS made a freshman spot for her when a sophomore decided not to return. So it can be done. Good luck!
Ahhh - yes - heard of Mercerberg! I will see how far it is, and talk to son about the whole thing. How far from home he feels comfortable with etc. I don’t really care what “Tier” the school is in – care more about the school having computer classes, my son finding kids with that type of interest, and swimming.
Btw, if he is a “tech whiz” (ie, has a portfolio and a paying job to show for it), is that a “hook” for a school trying to build the tech area? Blair does have on their website they are hiring a new Computer / Robotics teacher…so I thought that was promising (or maybe not if the other one left?).
Another question…we are upper middle class I suppose. But this is first of three kids (others will do public school), and they are all close in age (will all be in college at same time!). Living near NYC, housing is so expensive. We will not have tons of $, therefore need the scholarship but probably won’t qualify on paper, technically (FAFSA).
We consider ourselves pretty “regular”. I’m wondering if we (as parents) will fit in…or will it be socially stressful to be with the rich and famous? And will our son feel comfortable in this environment (he may not even notice). Any “regular” parents have insights on this?
Just looked up Mercersburg…beautiful aquatic center!!! But almost 4hrs!
You’ll do fine. People who send there kids to these schools tend to be kind and reasonable on the whole. Though, if your child is boarding, there won’t be all that much parental mixing going on.
You will find a mix of parents at prep schools… the rich and famous, the" regular" parents, some of whom drive old cars (like me)… and every other kind in between. 
Don’t worry about whether you will fit in. You will all share the same school spirit and attend events to support your kids. Just find the school that is the best fit for your child. Everything else will fall into place.
We looked at both Mburg and Blair. There are lots of kids from the NY/NJ area so you should fit right in. Mburg prides itself as being a kind place with great kids and facilities. Kid liked Blair better, I liked MB better. We’ll see M10 if either place liked us!
@VACAlover (love that name!)…Good luck, wow, the big day coming right up!
Mercerberg sounds so nice!
What did your kids like better about Blair? Will they be freshmen in the fall?
When I looked at Blair’s website (haven’t looked much at MB yet), I got a sense of “normalcy”. I like that!
I think Mercersburg is a much more laid back student body than Blair.
Lawrenceville puts freshman in singles. I can see how that makes sense, but also see a downside.
Deerfield used to put freshman in singles but I’m pretty sure they decided to move away from that setup with the past few years.
@sunnyschool I just liked the overall feel of MBurg, and the facilities were amazing. (But every school’s were) the admissions office was very welcoming and seemed genuinely happy we were there. I did not get the same vibe from Blair, but the tour guide was the best one we had at any school. Blair is in the boonies (but so is MB) but in our case MB is closer to home. Kid just loved Blair and before we even got in the car he said it was his favorite. But I don’t recall seeing anything too impressive about the math/science/robotics like we did at other schools. But honestly, most of the visits are a blur now…
Just realized I sent in a couple inquiry forms this week, the same timing as the big March 10 date.
Will my inquires even be noticed? What is the best way to follow up – and when?
As others have said, put Mburg on your list. Great school and swimming. For closer to home, George School has swimming and strong math/computer science.
Hi there! I’m in a similar situation, and sent out a few emails and inquiries to schools in the NY/CT area, hoping to apply late.
Generally what they said was that I’d be welcome to apply and would be considered, but that FA would be unlikely unless I really hustled. I’m guessing that would also be the case with you and your son, but I’d definitely ask!
The schools I looked into that are still entertaining applicants are:
The Gunnery
Kent
Millbrook
Loomis Chaffee
Marvelwood
Cheshire
Thanks! So I think I’ll email the schools tomorrow and see what they say. Does that mean, even if you are only hoping for a merit scholarship, that you need to submit the FA forms ASAP?
Also, are you doing the full applications now, including recommendations?