<p>Hey Everyone! I'm new to this.
On March 10th, I was notified that I have gotten into Middlesex and Concord Academy, with the exact same financial aid offer, so both are possible. I would be a day student at both, and I live in Fitchburg, which is about a 40 minute drive to Middlesex, and 30 to Concord. I could also take the train to Concord, which would be MUCH more convenient. </p>
<p>I am having a really hard time deciding which school I will go to. I am going to both revisit days. Can anyone give me their opinion/feedback on what school I should attend and why? ASAP responses would be appreciated because I have to make my decision by April 10th. Thanks! </p>
<p>Although similar in size, they’re fairly different schools, so it kind of depends on what you’re looking for. Middlesex is a more traditional boarding school, whereas Concord is a less traditional boarding/day school. My kids were day students at Concord and loved it, and one kid had a close friend who went to Middlesex as a day student and also loved it. </p>
<p>Middlesex is stronger in sports (though if you’re not a great athlete, you may enjoy sports more at Concord). Concord is significantly stronger in performing and visual arts. </p>
<p>Concord is 50/50 boarding/day and has a strong emphasis on parity between the two groups, whereas Middlesex is 70% boarding and has somewhat less of an emphasis. Concord is more likely to shut down classes for a snow day due to the larger number of commuting students. As a day student at Concord, your family will have the opportunity to be a host family for a boarding student.</p>
<p>Concord is a no-awards school and does not have honors, class-rank, or special awards for top students, whereas I believe that Middlesex has all of those. Concord has accelerated and advanced classes instead of honors and AP classes.</p>
<p>Middlesex has a fairly set curriculum, while Concord is more elective-based. Concord has just moved to an all-electives history program (with distribution requirements), all its junior and senior English classes are electives, and it has more electives and options in science. </p>
<p>Your driving times are optimistic. It’s probably going to take longer than that to get to either school in the morning due to the traffic at the Concord rotary. Travel-wise, Concord gives you and your parents more flexibility with the option of the train. Also, it’s easier to do homework on the train than in the car.</p>
<p>Thank you for your feedback photodad. Although Middlesex is further, my parents and I found a shortcut that would avoid all traffic at the Concord rotary.
I have also just learned that Cushing is willing to match both school’s offers, and Cushing is 10 minutes away from my house, which is a huge incentive. I know that Middlesex and Concord are much better schools, but I have 6 or 7 friends already going to Cushing. What are your thoughts on this?</p>
<p>Thank you for your feedback photodad. Although Middlesex is further, my parents and I found a shortcut that would avoid all traffic at the Concord rotary.
I have also just learned that Cushing is willing to match both school’s offers, and Cushing is 10 minutes away from my house, which is a huge incentive. I know that Middlesex and Concord are much better schools, but I have 6 or 7 friends already going to Cushing. What are your thoughts on this?</p>
<p>Thank you for your feedback photodad. Although Middlesex is further, my parents and I found a shortcut that would avoid all traffic at the Concord rotary.
I have also just learned that Cushing is willing to match both school’s offers, and Cushing is 10 minutes away from my house, which is a huge incentive. I know that Middlesex and Concord are much better schools, but I have 6 or 7 friends already going to Cushing. What are your thoughts on this?</p>