<p>Having been through the boarding school app process twice already and doing it again with child number 3 this year, I would like to say that the schools can change dramatically in even two years in terms of friendliness etc.</p>
<p>so we are going to visit a few schools for the third time!</p>
<p>EuNixD - I wouldn't cross Choate off your list just because a person called it "artsy." Yes, it has a great arts center--the Paul Mellon Arts Center, designed by I.M. Pei (who also created the Pyramids of the Louvre)--but it is as academically rigorous as the other schools on your list. I personally didn't have any interest in the arts, other than focusing on piano, but Choate's "artsiness" didn't deter me from applying in the least bit. Oh, and the drivers in Wallingford (where Choate is located) are actually pretty nice. Students wave at cars before they cross the streets, so it's somewhat of a signal-and-stop system.</p>
<p>And thanks for your advice about Model UN, xGods_Favoritex. I'll definitely look into as soon as I reach campus (September 8th!).</p>
<p>Try looking at Kent (where I go). They've got a pretty good program all around and if you're interested in crew this is DEFINITELY the place to be. Nice location and the people are pretty nice.</p>
<p>You have a list of wonderful schools. However, it is similar to the list that many talented and high-achieving students have. Because there are so many qualified students applying to these schools, they are not able to accept all of them. You will be competing with applicants like yourself, not like the general population. Please consider adding other schools with higher acceptance rates that offer what you want in the way of academics, ecs, sports and social life. If the top 10-25% of their classes routinely get into the colleges you think you want, then you will have a great chance of being with that group as long as you continue to be a high achiever.</p>
<p>Then what would be my "safe" schools?</p>
<p>I don't know the nyc schools. For boarding schools, go to <a href="http://www.boardingschoolreview.com%5B/url%5D">www.boardingschoolreview.com</a> and search for schools that offer the academics, ec's, sports and social life you want. If a school looks promising, take a look at where its graduates matriculate. If the top 10 - 25 % consistently go to the colleges you are interested in, then you should consider it, assuming you believe you can be part of that top group. Some of the numbers on the website are out of date, but overall it is a good reference. You can also search in <a href="http://www.petersons.com%5B/url%5D">www.petersons.com</a> and <a href="http://www.schools.com%5B/url%5D">www.schools.com</a> . Aside from academics, ec's, sports, social life, and college matriculation other factors you might consider are size of school, dress code, % boarders (you want this high), Sat. classes, and religious requirements or not. Some schools provide or arrange transportation to NYC for weekends which might be important to you. Some of your requirements will not be apparent to you until you visit a few schools and start to discover what you like or dislike. Because you live in NYC, you are fortunate to be somewhat close to a number of great boarding schools. Remember that a boarding school will become your home away from home, so you want to love being there -- more than the prestige it might confer. Good luck with your search!</p>