<p>Saint Mark's used to be a top elite BS until 1980 and 1990's, and they had a slump from later 1990's. However, they have been on the rise since they had a new school head. Its new students profile is already different from its three year's ago. They are getting a lot of excellent students and it is refelected on their college matriculation. They are reinforcing college counselling staffs as well. In every aspect, St. Mark's is coming back to its glory they used to enjoy in the past.</p>
<p>fun is fun: you have been missed! Welcome back.</p>
<p>And, I must agree with some of the criticism of the pro-Hotchkiss posters. Talking about the alumni network can be useful, and yes, there is no doubt Hotchkiss is a great school. But, what is it like for current students? I don't think that a Time magazine article from the 1950s is relevant.</p>
<p>As most regular readers know, I am an Andover parent, so I am happy to provide current information about our family's experience. Sure, I think that Andover is a great school, but there are dozens of other great schools in New England alone, not to mention other areas of the country. And is Andover the best school for YOU? For some, maybe yes, for others, maybe not. Of course, even I have things that I would change about it, as do the current students (see the last question "What is One thing you would change about Andover?" at this link: Phillips</a> Academy - Ask A Student) So, these "everything about Hotchkiss is wonderful" posts just get a bit annoying.</p>
<p>As for the original question of schools on the rise, I would have to second the notion of NMH.</p>
<p>Just my two cents.</p>
<p>I just read the first 5 of the student's profiles on the andover site. One thing that jumped out at me right away is that 2 had a legacy preference and 1 was a faculty child. So 3/5 have legacy type admission advantages. That's interesting that they chose them to put on there. Or is most of the student body connected?</p>
<p>Having an older sibling attend does NOT make you a legacy.</p>
<p>still a hook though, they want to keep siblings together</p>
<p>GemmaV: but my understanding is that it does give an admissions edge , is that false?</p>
<p>No, PARENTS want to keep their children (who are siblings) together.</p>
<p>SCHOOLS know that every child is different, and that just because your older brother or sister went to one school, it might not be the right school for YOU.</p>
<p>In addition, giving siblings preference is completely unfair to (a) ONLY children and (b) OLDEST children.</p>
<p>Being a younger sibling is NOT a significant hook, it just makes you more likely to matriculate.</p>
<p>Trust me, the HADES schools of the world can fill their entire entering classes with younger siblings. But they don't. Many <em>day</em> schools have sibling policies giving preference (especially day schools with lower and middle schools in addition to an upper school), but the most competitive boarding schools do not. At all.</p>
<p>Oh thanks GemmaV! That's actually good news for us since my s is the oldest and will be the first in our family to attend BS or even private hs for that matter.</p>
<p>wow all those people, well, majority, had a connection to the school. like sibling, parents, uncles. only a couple knew the school by looking at prep schools during the admission process</p>
<p>GemmaV - you are really nice to take the time that you do to offer advice on this site.</p>
<p>Parlabane, you are really nice to say that I am nice. :) Thank you and Happy New Year.</p>