<p>Wow. You all seem so jaded about prep school. My oldest child just started prep school. I'm sending her there because she is bright and will have many opportunities to have small classes with high-caliber classmates, the chance to become a critical thinker and writer, and still have a high-school experience (football games, plays, concerts.) I'd like her to spend her teens reading, talking, thinking, trying out things--not prepapring for an Ivy. Am I already out of step with the prep culture?</p>
<p>I think much of what you're reading is tongue-in-cheek. Seriously, who wants acne again? And feeling awkward. And relationship-melodrama? And bumming rides? And no money to your name? They're all rites of passage...and they're important milestones. But you want to move on, progress, grow, expand your horizons (and your bank account...and independence). I think the growing is the part you've focused on. And you're right. I don't think anyone here would argue that BS is a great way to navigate those rocky shoals of the teen years. The sentiment I'm hearing is that nobody would really want to make those perilous waters their home port forever and ever. Would you? (That's rhetorical.)</p>
<p>wow. I myself am a high schooler and would jump at the chance to attend BS.</p>
<p>I pleaded with my parents for quite some time. Told them all about the endless research I did both about top boarding schools in the UK and US. Both my parents did not take me seriously, but I was adamant.</p>
<p>One day my mum spoke to a friend of hers who she knows takes alot of interest in educational matters etc. This friend told her she was thinking of sending her son [who is my age] to BS. </p>
<p>My mum then started considering it, and I must say that the moment she told me she was considering it, my attitude suddenly changed towards the whole issue.</p>
<p>I was less pushy and the weight of going away from home suddenly hit me harder than ever before. But I still wanted to go. I can only imagine what it is like the week before actually going. And considering I live in Asia, the situation can only be worse.</p>
<p>If given the chance now, I would still want to go, but my mum finally told me her reasons for not wanting to send me off now. It has to do with the number of years I'll be away from home if I do go abroad for Uni etc.</p>
<p>So yeah...I see just what you mean, but just make sure yo make a decision and don't regret it. BS is a chance of a lifetime, but to some people other things matter more.</p>
<p>It's an individual choice.</p>