<p>I've seen in some threads the past week people talking about being new sophomores. Most of the responses are like "you'll be fine," and I know I will be, but I'm really nervous for what the first week or so will be like, how the returning sophomores will react to the new ones, etc. Anyone have any experience with this, particularly at Pomfret and/or Choate? (All responses appreciated from experiences with any school, though). </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Seriously, you’ll be fine. The 10th grade at these schools are ~30% larger than the 9th grade class at many boarding schools, and higher at places like DA and NMH that are taking in a lot of junior boarding school kids.</p>
<p>I cannot speak to your 2 choices specifically, but I am sure ChoatieMom will weigh in. I doubt that my school is any different than those 2. As I indicated above, you will be far from the only new student, so you will be in good company. All the schools do a good job orienting the students and getting them up to speed. The returning 10th graders love the new blood. Yes, we have already formed our bonds, but we will welcome you into our group, and you will feel a part of us in no time.</p>
<p>There is plenty of opportunity to join clubs and eventually achieve leadership positions. So you really have to get the concept of “new” out of your mind. Some outside the community like to parse the student body: new/returning, day/boarding, etc. To the kids, we are students at XYZ school.</p>
<p>Oh, and it’s still only March. Don’t obsess over this for the nest 5 months.</p>
<p>Many schools have all new students (in any grade) go to orientation before returning students arrive. That gives you a chance to meet other new kids and see the campus before classes start. </p>
<p>Thanks, and I won’t obsess over it haha. Just something to think about @skieurope</p>
<p>Many schools will pair new students with a returning student to help ease the process of getting settled in. Returning students will be eager to make new friends. Other new students are looking to meet people and are often very friendly and outgoing. And finally, you will be so so so very busy that you won’t have time to fret! </p>
<p>I’d like to weigh in, but I can’t as I don’t have any experience with incoming sophomores. All I can say is that Choate is a warm, welcoming place and, as skieurope says, the school adds many new sophomores each year, so you will not be alone. Just be friendly and outgoing yourself, and you’ll be fine. I might suggest attending the clubs fair during opening days as a way to meet kids with similar interests. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks @Pops2017 - I will probably get pretty busy pretty quickly, but that’s not a bad thing 
</p>
<p>@ChoatieMom - thanks as well! Hopefully all goes well on visit back day!</p>
<p>I know that last year, Exeter overenrolled its prep class. Due to this, the amount of incoming lowers is probably less. How will this affect my transition in as a new lower at Exeter?</p>
<p>My daughter was a new sophomore at DA a few years ago. She admits that at first it was “hard” for about 2 days</p>
<p>Is it hard socially or academically? I’m quite worried about not being able to fit in, as I’ve never been the new kid before</p>
<p>I’ve actually been a new kid the last two years, and it’ll be three years in a row for me next year. Last year, I was the only new kid (8th grader at a pre-k - 8 private school). This year, I was among a few other new kids (9th grader at a pre-k - 12 private school) and next year I will be among a few others as well. The academics fall into place for me every time; teachers ease into things not just for you but for everyone, as it’s a new year and everybody has to get back on track. Socially, I worry more. Sometimes you have to work kinda hard to get initiated with all the kids. Last year went well for me in that regard; the kids were really eager to meet me and get to know me. I was fairly well liked and the adjustment was really easy. This year it was a little different; I had to work harder. Not as fond of the kids in my grade and school, but I got a good group of friends and we’re really close now.</p>
<p>Now boarding school…socially adjusting, I feel like it’ll be totally different…I’ll be a new sophomore as well… (I started the thread…haha).
@biancastarflare</p>
<p>I’ve moved schools seven times since I was a kid, so I know a little something about fitting in. </p>
<p>I’m also an incoming sophomore, but I know these schools are going to be pretty easy to fit into, especially if you have a roommate you’re going to get to know very well.</p>
<p>I’m going to be a new sophomore too, and I was just a new freshman at my current school this year. I feel like roommates and dorms will help with bonding and friend groups (like mrnephew said). If you’re still worried, my advice from being new many times is get involved. Join sports and clubs. It’s the easiest way to meet people.</p>