School is almost here...

Prep School Admissions
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<p>AND I'M SO EXCITED TO GO BACK.</p>

<p>You new kids have so much to look forward to. When you get to campus, overwhelmed by your school's beautiful landscaping, museums, and green quads, remember one thing: you have your whole boarding school career in front of you. It all starts then and there. You have so many friends to make, so many decisions to take, and so many records to break - records of how hard you've worked, records of your understanding of your fellow human beings' HUMANITY itself, and records of how much fun you've had during the journey. You have this all in front of you - and you should be more excited than you've ever been to start this new chapter in your life.</p>

<p>Take lots of pictures throughout. You will change almost beyond recognition in the way you think, analyze, and view your peers and your world. In the words of a cheesy college essay I know of, "the only thing you'll recognize from your old pictures is your smile." Hold onto that. You will grow up beyond belief, but you'll still be a kid - remember that too. Never take yourself too seriously. Try not to get too down about initial roadblocks you come across - they are all steps on the journey, and if you walk them with grace, you will be richly rewarded.</p>

<p>And, most importantly, think about your parents often - call them often and thank them just as much. Since I left home, I've appreciated my parents more than ever. Your parents do so much for you - and I know few parents who are entirely happy and worry-free in sending their kids away before age 18 - let alone 14. Thank the people who should be thanked. Your acceptance and attendance is down to them as well as you.</p>

<p>So, when you get to campus, take it all in - walk slowly and take in your surroundings. You are only new at your new school once. Remember the feeling. It's a very, very good one.</p>

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<p>Great post! thanks tomthecat :)</p>

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<p>You made me cry Tom…but thanks for reminding me why we’re doing this. :)</p>

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<p>Where’s the “LIKE” button? :-)</p>

<p>Thanks for all your thorough, thoughtful, and encouraging posts on this forum, Tom!</p>

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<p>This post is so inspiring! It reminds me of why I want to go to BS.</p>

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<p>I’ve been really nervous and kind of wishing I didn’t decide to go to BS, but after reading this, I feel a little better, oddly enough, thank youu. :)</p>

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<p>Good luck in your final yr. tcat.</p>

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<p>Thanks, maddog! Thanks to all of you. For the parents whose kids are headed off, don’t be bashful about calling them, either! I not so secretly loved getting calls from my mom just because she felt like talking to me. It’s hard being 4,000 miles away from my parents, so any contact I get with them is a real blessing. This year, in fact, I will see them once - Christmas. Tomorrow is my last day with my parents until Christmas. It’s a sad thought, so it’s a good thing they’re so good at keeping in touch with me despite the five-hour time difference. It must be a lot easier for domestic kids and especially those who live in New England, but still… So anyway, yeah… Call your kids :)</p>

<p>xGrad2012, never fear! I was worried too, but once you learn your way around the place (which happens FAST) you’re more than set. I was walking on sunshine from the day I arrived at Andover until maybe late November - quite a long honeymoon period. Maybe your case will be the same! Just think positive and put yourself out there. You won’t be alone - not by a long stretch. Get psyched :D</p>

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<p>@ Tom</p>

<p>Thank you for your beautiful post. You surely make your parents, school and boarding school students in general proud.</p>