<p>I beg to differ, about playing D1. SPS definitely has a few kids this year who could go D1 in soccer.</p>
<p>I know in basketball places like Exeter send kids to the Ivies (D1)...and it's kinda unheard of to NOT play AAU(club) bball and get anywhere.</p>
<p>Highly unlikely to go D1 in soccer if you just play for your school....I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's the exception for certain. You do see some kids going and these are generally PG's. If you look at their history they were big time for their club, often regional or national ODP, and for whatever reason, didn't get picked up as juniors. The prep schools don't get that many looks, except for some local schools. It is particularly difficult with the advent of the US Soccer Development Academy last year. If you take a look at D1 rosters, you will note the majority of them do not list where the athlete played his high school soccer; it is the club that is noted.
Basketball is amazing and high level at some of the preps, particularly New Hampton, Brewster, NMH, Worcester, and Winchendon. They send all their starters to D1 schools yearly, and not just Ivies, but some top basketball schools. Of course these kids all play hoops year round, but the prep school really helps.</p>
<p>I posted this on a thread about economy too, but there is an informative article about SPS's recent trustee meeting on the school website. Go to sps.edu and click on news and events to read about how SPS is dealing with economic downturn. Budget is down and financial aid is up. I don't think tuition increase has been announced yet.</p>
<p>I am really impressed with the leadership at St. Paul's, the rector voluntarily reducing his salary, increasing financial aid and increasing the salaries of its lowest paid staff really speaks to the selflessness of the leadership of the school.</p>
<p>I agree. I can't resist saying, however, that I believe their Rector makes a LOT of money, cut or no cut!</p>
<p>I, too, was impressed with Bill Matthews voluntary 10% pay cut. Headmasters/rectors at these top schools do make a hamdsome salary but it is well earned. I am amazed at the hours both he and his wife work. They are everywhere on campus, attending so many events, constantly entertaining at their house, on the road, etc. Considering his wife does this without pay, too...like the first lady. You are getting 2 for the salary of 1.</p>
<p>And when you discuss salaries, make certain you are discussing Bill Matthews, NOT Bishop Anderson. The Bishop's compensation is past history. Since then governance has changed, the board was revamped, controls have been improved and the compensation package is not NEARLY what it was. Bill is not at the top of the boarding school peer comparisons. And he is worth every penny he is paid. We are lucky to have such a talented and dedicated man at the helm.</p>
<p>Not to mention that Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are two of the kindest people I've ever met. Him and his wife seem to personally know every student at the school. In addition they're the school's cutest couple!</p>
<p>I have a bunch of questions for current or former SPS students (or whoever who knows the answer ;)) and would be really grateful if you replied.
SPS is claimed to be one of more liberal prep schools, am I right?
So basically the question is, why?
I know that students at SPS have no study hall, but what else makes this school liberal?
What about alcohol/smoking? I know that students are not allowed to drink or smoke on campus, but do they tend to bend these rules often? If you get caught, are you expelled or are there also some lighter punishments?
What time do you have to be in your dorm on weekends?
Do you have to have a permission to spend a weekend off campus?
And what about Concord? It's a capital city of NH so I think it shouldn't be such a dull town, but I heard it actually is.</p>
<p>SPS is claimed to be one of more liberal prep schools, am I right? So basically the question is, why? Not sure I would say liberal. But clearly the whole concept of Freedom with Responsibility permeates a lot of the atmosphere. The parents want the responsibility part and the teens need the freedom portion. It is a balance that every teen needs to find as they become adults. No different than home. It works.</p>
<p>I know that students at SPS have no study hall, but what else makes this school liberal? I think it is over blown. The faculty has a normal blend of personalities. My sonâs new Humanities teacher this year is a Major in the Marines and just came this fall from the Naval Academy. Does that sound liberal? People are people. Creationism is not taught. Is that liberal? Coats and ties not required, other than seated meals. But there is a dress code. Study Hall? They used to have it a LONG time ago. Most of the SPS students are very bright, very motivated and they need to learn to plan their own work (take responsibility). Far better to learn it there (and maybe screw up a few times) than to learn it the hard way in college! Plus required study hall doesnât mean you get the work done.</p>
<p>What about alcohol/smoking? Prohibited. But then it gets complicated (Student Handbook has 32 pages of expectations and the disciplinary system). Turning someone in that has a problem is encouraged (Sanctuary) and the person can be protected by the process. Lying is a major problem. Best answer is do NOT drink or smoke, it can open a host of problems for you! But the school will try to help you not arrest you.</p>
<p>I know that students are not allowed to drink or smoke on campus, but do they tend to bend these rules often? Unfortunately, kids do get caught all the time. SPS is not a âone strike schoolâ for all but major offences (like violence, hazing, harassment & laws). They try to give kids a chance. Teens make bad choices. But repeat offences will be dealt with increasing punishments. They can require drug testing (or you can leave). And yes a number have been expelled this year (and every year). </p>
<p>If you get caught, are you expelled or are there also some lighter punishments? You will be âDcedâ (meaning you go before the Disciplinary Committee). On Restrictions or On Bounds are the steps short of expulsion. These limit when you have to be in the dorm, whether you can compete in sports, whether you can go to town, whether you can take a weekend etc. etc.</p>
<p>What time do you have to be in your dorm on weekends? [/color] It varies by term and by Form. At one extreme 9th graders have to be in their dorms at 9pm (fall & winter) and 11pm on Saturdays. At the other extreme Seniors have to be in by 10:30pm (spring) and Midnight on Saturdays. It varies in between. But in your dorm is not in your room or lights out. That is your responsibility.
Do you have to have a permission to spend a weekend off campus? Yes. You can take short or long weekends, but need parental permission (and your advisor) and you canât be screwing up academically or disciplinarily.</p>
<p>And what about Concord? It's a capital city of NH so I think it shouldn't be such a dull town, but I heard it actually is. Depends on the comparison. Every store you would expect. Nice mall, decent restaurant assortment. My son goes in town for Brunch/lunch/dinner on free time or most places deliver to the dorms. But hey, Boston is better. </p>
<p>Others? </p>
<p>SPS is known for having lots of legacies...</p>
<p>Absolutely no fair!</p>
<p>benevolent - your info is false and not based on fact. Here are some facts I posted on another thread:
One of my pet peeves w/ CC is when folks post info that is incorrect people take it as the gospel. </p>
<p>From the SPS website re: 2008 admissions:
Of the 148 new students expected in the fall, 77 are boys and 71 girls. The students hail from 24 states and 12 countries. Included in those numbers are 21 new students of color and 24 students with an alumni or sibling relationship with the School. </p>
<p>So that is 16% legacies for SPS based on BOTH alumni and sibling relationship, and the same percentage applied for 2007 admissions. Just want to correct bad info.</p>
<p>Creative1-I think the perception that SPS is legacy friendly comes from information such as that below. There may only be 24 students with legacy relationships enrolled for 2008, but it seems they certainly had an advantage over the non-legacy population. </p>
<p>This is from a Board of Directors meeting. The relevant excerpt, from page five says:</p>
<p>"The St. Paul's Admissions Office had a record 1,100 applicants for the 2007-08 school year, and accepted 22%. Of those accepted, 69% have decided to enroll in the fall, the highest yield in the school's history. Sixty-three percent of students with alumni family relationships -"legacies"-were admitted. "</p>
<p>Just because legacies are admitted does not mean they are any less qualified. I know of a HUGE number for classmates whose children were rejected! Yes, my son is there, but his SSAT's were 99% and his GPA at his prior (highly competitive) day school was over 100% (yes, over)! There are a lot of bright alums with bright children who choose a school they know and love. There is nothing sinister or unfair. Believe me I know a lot of alums who wish SPS would accept their children. Yes, in a tie they MAY win, but at Today's SPS they absolutely positively must be able to handle the work.</p>
<p>Conversely, at another highly competitive school (the only other he applied to) the admissions questions included âHow active is your father at SPS?â and âWouldnât you go to SPS if they admitted you?â My son was waitlisted by that school. But it helped their âacceptanceâ numbers. So being a legacy can also hurt you, I suspect. Is THAT fair?</p>
<p>Keep a few things in mind when you start tossing around numbers:
- Legacies are more likely to matriculate
- Legacies tend to have high scores/grades
- A higher percent come from private schools
- 30% of the students are âstudents of colorâ
- 11% are international (from 23 countries)
- 13% are siblings
- Finally, alums love SPS and try to encourage their children to apply</p>
<p>As an aside: Andover reported: âOther statistics from the admissions season just completed: Alumni admit rate = 52% parental legacy, and 29% "other" legacy, as compared to 17% admit rate for those with no alumni connection. 19% blended admissions rate for all applications.â</p>
<p>I did not state or imply that legacies are unqualified or sub-par. The information from the SPS newspaper and the Andover info. only confirms that being a legacy is a major hook. Do I think it is unfair, no, since my d is a URM, ostensibly something she had no control over, but it is also considered a hook.</p>
<p>SPS's average SSAT is 88%. Isn't that a bit low for such a good school? I only got an 87%, but it sounds like the majority of SPS applicants have a 90+. Just wondering...</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>There not all about numbers...if you care only about numbers stay in the school your in. It has been stated multiple times that if your in the 80's or something your perfectly fine. So I don't see whats wrong with 88% average ssat. And I don't know what source you got that from either.</p>
<p>Many, many applicants score 90+. 88 is not low. Anything in the 80's is fine. Intelligence is not a "hook" at these schools.</p>
<p>The 88% average is correct and speaks to the fact that SPS weighs a lot of other criteria other than SSAT scores. It looks for kids that are well-rounded or bring specific passions and who will be contributing members to a tight knit community. </p>
<p>Interestingly, SPS has one of the highest average SAT scores so they are obviously doing things well in educating their students over a 3-4 year timeframe.</p>