<p>Looking for general impressions from actual students and parents about their experiences at either school. Little is available on the boards and I'm curious about the reality versus the recruitment images.</p>
<p>My experience with Governor’s is that there was little in the way of arts. The facilities were not spectacular for theatre and dance, and the art seemed cramped. My daughter felt that the school’s main focus was on kids who took more of an interest in athletics. My son has many friends who are extremely happy there because of just that focus. Lots of school spirit! For the first 2 years (fresh and soph) there is no choice for the students BUT to participate in a team sport all 3 terms (dance counted but is not offered in the spring term) - so this was a deal breaker for us when my daughter considered applying there.</p>
<p>Taft is one of the best schools we visited. We liked it so much we visited twice. The have very good facilities, infrastructure and their academic program is top of the notch. Taft was my kids first choice and still prefers to attend Taft over any other BS school.</p>
<p>You cannot go wrong with Taft. This years application far exceeded schools expectations.</p>
<p>Yeah, Taft was def my #1 choice before I got rejected (:(). </p>
<p>The campus is gorgeous and the people nice. The sports seemed good, especially on the ice. In fact I might consider applying twice ;)</p>
<p>newebs, I know you were leaning to Hotchkiss. How does Taft compare with Hotchkiss?</p>
<p>Taft and Hotchkiss are very very similar schools.
Both have an excellent program and assume facilities.
Hotchkiss is a rural setting vs. Taft is in a suburban setting.
Taft Gothic buildings are connected, so it is easy to move from one class to another during winter too.
If you kids like dance and music, both the schools have very good programs.
Taft has higher no. of AP courses too.
Taft is a good all round school. similar to Hotchkiss.
We fell in love with Taft. Taft is our first choice compared to all the BS in New England.
Felt Taft was the right fit.
Personally I feel it is a better school compared to some of the BSs that seem to have all the hype.
Are you willing to trade seats :))</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing your impression. The school looks ordinary “on paper”, but it may be a good fit for your kid. Good luck!</p>
<p>We visited Taft but not Governor’s.</p>
<p>The kids at Taft seemed to be a very happy bunch. One thing that I noticed about the school was that they offered several levels in each subject (reg, hons, AP) and I think that is especially good for a student with marked strengths and non-strengths. I wouldn’t call them weaknesses because I’m sure the reg level courses are more rigorous than honors courses in many public schools. I asked about it at the interview and was told rather matter of factly that it was a form of tracking.</p>
<p>Son did not apply. Actually, as soon as we got in the car he looked at me and said “meh” (exact words). Since my condition for his final list was that he be excited about the school, it was crossed off. There was nothing specific that he didn’t like, just nothing that jumped out at him. </p>
<p>I thought it was beautiful. I thought he could get a great education there without as much pressure since he would have some latitude in instructional level. I thought it looked like a fun place with great facilities…but I wasn’t applying. Maybe my daughter will like it?</p>
<p>By the way, Exie, there was a thread last year titled “resource list of current parents and students” that list usernames by school. You might find more direct experience there. I wish I could give you more than just my two hour impressions. (They had the best coffee if that counts for anything 
)</p>
<p>You gals/guys are the best.</p>
<p>Did I ever tell the joke about the business person who dies and goes to Heaven? </p>
<p>Was met at the gate by St. Peters who said “Gee, we’ve never had someone like you make it this far. Not sure where to put you.” He looks at his list and then says “You get to choose - Heaven or Hell?” To which the business person replies “Heaven of course.”</p>
<p>St. Peters says, “Not to fast. You have to spend a day in each place. Where do you want to go first?”</p>
<p>So the business person says “I’ll go to Hell and get it out of the way.”</p>
<p>So down she goes. Once there it’s like a country club. The air is clean, many of her friends are there. She has a massage, is wined and dined on lobster, plays a round of golf. She even meets the devil and he’s a good looking guy.</p>
<p>“I thought it would be horrible,” she says.</p>
<p>“Well, if everyone knew how nice it was, they’d all want to come here,” the devil replies. “Hope you’ll choose us. We’d love to have you.” And with that, he sends her back up to Heaven.</p>
<p>“So how did it go?” St. Peters asks.</p>
<p>“It was fabulous,” the woman says. “I think I’ll stick with that. The devil was pretty cute.”</p>
<p>“Nope. Have to finish the bargain and hang out in Heaven for the day.”</p>
<p>So the woman puts on her white robe, floats on a cloud, hangs out with angels and is the most relaxed she’s ever been. The music is - well - heavenly. At the end of the day, she goes back to the gate.</p>
<p>“You know - this is everything I’ve always wanted. I’m relaxed, I feel good. But I think Hell is more my style.”</p>
<p>“Suit yourself,” replies St. Peter as he sends her back to Hell on a one way ticket.</p>
<p>Once there, the woman finds a different landscape. It’s hot, the people are miserable. There’s no food or water and the devil is uglier than stories described. People howl in terror as they toil endlessly at their miserable tasks. There is no joy (or lobster or golf) to be found anywhere.</p>
<p>“What happened?” asked the woman. “Yesterday this place was a paradise!”</p>
<p>“Yes,” said the devil. “But yesterday we were recruiting.”</p>
<p>:-) ----- Actually I like the schools that chose my daughter very much but really felt like I needed to know if the recruitment matched the reality. I’m a peek behind the curtains kind of gal. And all your candid posts are very helpful. Thank you!</p>
<p>ExisMit…</p>
<p>Good idea to visit a school the day before the revisit, if time permits. For example we went on a Saturday & Sunday prior to revisit that was scheduled for Monday. My kid spent all the time with host and other BS kids, eating brunch, dinner, playing games, watching TV shows in the doms and making friends and visiting dorms, student common (union), library etc. She also attended the Saturday dance that was organized for the students. Monday morning was the official revisit day that started at 7:30AM. By then my kid was already very comfortable with the school. On the revisit day, experienced attending classes, and few more things. </p>
<p>Going prior to the revisit made all the difference. So if you get a change, visit a day or two before actual revisit day if time permits. We asked the school if we can come earlier and the school seems to be very open in a potential student exploring the school on a weekend. As a parent, I spent time meeting some of the faculty at the school library, dinning hall, visiting and exploring the neighborhood & towns, when my kids was making friends egttung famalier with the school…</p>
<p>Goal is let your kid spend time and get a good feel for the school, to make the right decision.</p>
<p>Has anyone had their Taft revisit?</p>
<p>Thanks - this is helpful and such great ideas. She’s in the middle of revisits. Then we’ll have a family pow-wow with her having the final say on where she is placed. I would love to have been able to do the weekend. That’s a great concept.</p>
<p>She’s torn - so I think choosing is harder on her than it will be on us.</p>
<p>Devon:
we went for second visit at Taft and it was wonderful. Well structured for both students and parents. Likely will select another school due to FA issues, though.</p>
<p>Travel</p>
<p>If you like Taft or a specific school your kid got accepted, you can try to negotiate the FA. The Dean of FA is the the decision maker. They are always willing to consider if partial FA has already been awarded. No harm in trying. Best of Luck.</p>
<p>What was really helpful for us - for both my children - was for us to go during the winter to a non-admissions thing. We went to a sporting event at one school, an arts event at one. To a tournament event for another. A good opportunity to see coaches, students, etc. interacting when not on a “stage.”<br>
Obviously, too late for this year, but it is good to spend as much time on campus as you can.</p>