I have been accepted to Peddie (Boarding) and PDS and I am so confused!!! But first, I want to thank everyone on CC for getting me through the admissions process this year! Anyways, one of my biggest end goals for high school is to get into a first tier college or Ivy Leagues. (It is not my only goal just a big priority)
I really need honest thoughts on Peddie, because my parents are paying full tuition which is hefty for the boarding school, so they need to make sure the money is worth it. PDS is a day school, however we would have to buy another house in Princeton, which is just as costly. I have also been accepted to a very rigorous medical science program in my local public school which I have less enthusiasm for, but it does not cost anything. My family and I have taken into consideration all the resources, experiences, and opportunities a private school can provide but we are unsure off the payoff.
My parents are worried that there are too many distractions for me at a boarding school, however I think I can handle it! Does anyone have any experience with these schools, their environment, and effectiveness for getting into top colleges? Thank you so much!
I will be attending revisit days soon!
@njgirl1218 We were deciding between PDS and Peddie two years ago. I will PM you.
@njgirl1218 Nevermind, I can’t seem to pm you. I think a big part of your decision should be the day school (public or private)v boarding school. The rhythm of the day is much different. We wanted a place where it was possible to play a sport, participate in orchestra, be in clubs and have time to meet academic demands including, if necessary, easy proximity for collaborative projects or hanging out w friends. We just couldn’t get that within the constraints of a day school. We also liked that everyone came in new as a 9th grader rather than some kids being together since pre-k. (Interesting aside - a number of PDS kids leave to go to Peddie or Lawrenceville for high school.)
BUT, we certainly see less of ds now so everyone would need to be ok with that. It took awhile to get used to not seeing ds for breakfast and dinner every day.
Regarding cost, yes Peddie is more though the difference diminishes a little when you add in a la cart item at PDS that are included at Peddie - the laptop (iPad at PDS), meals (lunch plan at PDS + groceries), Sat night activities (largely provided for at BS - ex: movie tickets, paintball, trips to performances and professional sports games, etc), transportation costs depending on your commute, etc.
All high schools have a lot of distractions, particularly for an interested, interesting kid. (Someone thought you were this type of kid or you wouldn’t have been admitted so I will assume you are!)
Ivy/top college admissions shouldn’t factor in the decision too much - you can get there or not get there from any of these schools - see many other threads on that topic.
I would also be very careful in comparing college matriculation lists. You don’t know about kids who are hooked. Either can get you there but neither is necessarily a fast track for an unhooked kid.
A lot of PDS kids are involved in things outside school (elite sports, tutoring, music, etc.) It could mean that as you move, you need to find those things as well. At Peddie, it’s more "one stop shopping ". Also, more diversity. As a newcomer, I think Peddie would offer an easier transition and better experience.
Thank you so much for the suggestion, I will definitely be keeping it in mind!
Can you share details about the free “very rigorous medical science program” to which you were accepted ?
Do you want to have a career in medicine ?
No I absolutely DO NOT want a field to do with anything in science, however I think it is important to have a base in science because it helps with critical thinking skills. (I hope to pursue a career in law, business) The program offers many AP courses starting freshman year (like AP Chem, Stats, and etc.) which is very impressive. It is also very convenient in regards to where I live but it is not what I had in mind for my high school expierience, and I am not as excited about it as Peddie or PDs. It does not cost anything and is very practical so it is still something to think about.
@njgirl1218 Let us know how your revisits go.
Yes! Of course thank you for all the info and advice