Pros and Cons at Top Boarding School

<p>I was just wondering what you guys think of the top New England boarding schools. I've heard a lot of pros, so I'm wondering what are the cons? Being the top schools in the nation, I've realized the cons aren't sizable. Also if you guys know anyone that goes to any of these schools, what do they think about them? I'm just wondering what these schools are ACTUALLY like, not what's shown on the site. </p>

<p>I’m not really an expert, so the only con I can think of right now is the competition at the schools, and how that might affect you a bit when it comes to applying for college. I mean, there are so many wonderful kids in your school, you might not seem amazing at a top prep school whereas you could possibly be a star at a local school.</p>

<p>If by “Top” you mean the usual suspects most mentioned here, I would say the cons have a lot more to do with the student than the school. In other words, if you’re not prepared - they’ll eat you alive. </p>

<p>^^ Just to clarify: I’m not just talking about being academically prepared. If you’re able to go the distance ( and finish ) at ANY BS, it will be one of your life’s biggest accomplishments. </p>

<p>I started a somewhat relevant discussion a while back. You may find some useful info from there. <a href=“Some thoughts on highly selective schools - Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums”>Some thoughts on highly selective schools - Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums; </p>

<p>@Benley, that is a GREAT thread! Thanks for mentioning it.</p>

<p>There is a dark side, too
<a href=“Families entering the BS world with eyes open: know the DOWN SIDE - Prep School Parents - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1406178-families-entering-the-bs-world-with-eyes-open-know-the-down-side-p1.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Yeah, one con would be the level of the kids there. For a student who has always been outstanding, it might be a little astonishing to see how normal they are.</p>