<p>No, I’d think you’d need extra long sheets - or the bottom one won’t fit. Doesn’t SPS have a linen service so you don’t have to worry about this?</p>
<p>Boynton, a regular twin fitted sheet will not fit in an xl twin (I learned the hard way!) a flat twin sheet can work (just!)</p>
<p>How many kids these days know how to do “hospital corners” on a flat sheet?</p>
<p>Don’t worry, in a few months Target and WalMart will have their whole “Dorm 2011” promotions and there will be plenty of XL Twin sets to be had.</p>
<p>SPS mailed out language placement tests last week with a four day window for completion. Thankfully the test only takes one hour.</p>
<p>Is there an available map of the trails on/near campus?</p>
<p>Hey, I’m a to-be student in the class of 2015 at SPS, and have a few questions - hopefully someone here can answer them.
- Laptops in class – I know it’s allowed, but does anyone do so? It’d be kinda awkward to be the only one…
- how bad is the work? I’ve heard mixed reviews: some say it’s horrible, others claim it’s not that bad. As background, I’m currently in one of the top Upper East Side schools, so I’m no stranger to lots of work.
- Getting up in the mornings. Basically, at home I’ve kinda always had trouble waking up to alarms with less than 8 hours sleep, which I’m sure will be common at BS. I’m a very deep sleeper… Any advice?
- I’ve heard that taking more than one language is kinda suicidal in terms of time management… is this so?
- Things to do as a new student? How to get the most out of it right away? Becoming popular among your class/dorm mates right away?
- What to bring?
- Bikes/means of transport?
- Any other random advice? All is appreciated.</p>
<p>For #5, you can start with giving away candy etc and slowly ramp it up to include a variety of sweet treats. In winter you can try hot chocolate with mint or spices. This should work. :D</p>
<p>If you’re a sound sleeper, get a Sonic Boom alarm clock. Not only is it loud as heck, but it also shakes your bed. In fact, the bed shaker is so good that my son doesn’t need the noise alarm. It works, very, very well and is reasonably priced at $35 or so.
[Sonic</a> Boom SB300SS Alarm Clock with Shaker for Hearing Impaired](<a href=“Google Shopping - Product not found”>Google Shopping - Product not found)</p>
<p>4) More than one language is challenging and they discourage it, however, if you want to do it sign up now and you can always drop it. If you try to add the class later it is more difficult and they probably will not allow it.</p>
<p>7) You can bring a bike or borrow one. Helmets are required.</p>
<p>Welcome to SPS!
- Laptops in class – Not everyone uses a laptop in class but you won’t be the only one.<br>
- how bad is the work? If you are coming from a rigorous academic environment already, you probably won’t find a significant adjustment. Also, the workload ramps up over the years. 3rd formers start off easier, especially at the beginning of the year. As long as you manage your time well, things should be reasonable. Things get more challenging as an upper former.
- I’ve heard that taking more than one language is kinda suicidal in terms of time management… is this so? It usually isn’t recommended to take any extra course your first year as there is a lot to adjust to in general. Second year, you can think about adding another language if you like. It’s not unusual for students to take an extra course, whether its more languages, arts, science, etc.
- Things to do as a new student? How to get the most out of it right away? Becoming popular among your class/dorm mates right away? Get involved. Join clubs. Be nice to everyone and be friendly. Don’t make snap judgements about people. Make friends outside your dorm.
- What to bring? I highly recommend a featherbed or other mattress pad to make your bed more comfy.
- Bikes/means of transport? Most kids just walk everywhere but you can bring a bike if you wish.</p>
<p>I believe I read somewhere that students are allowed to have a boat, such as a kayak, canoe, rowboat, etc. Is that true?</p>
<p>Cool, thx for all the advice, guys</p>
<p>Srry guys, one more question (sorry there are sooo many)…
What’s the dress code. I mean, I’ve seen the official one, but de facto?</p>
<p>sneakers? is it truly formal, or just casual with a collared shirt?</p>
<p>does SPS use apple or PC computers or ipads or stuff like that</p>
<p>both mac and windows are supported.</p>
<p>My S will be attending SPS as a third form in the next fall. He is currently 9th grade and taking physics and honor geometry in his high school. He is a year younger and will be repeating third form. As he is spending significant amount of time in several extracurricular activities, we are a little careful in having a good balance between academics and extracurricular activities, yet having fun in the campus. </p>
<p>So far, the science teacher recommeds him to take regular chemistry instead of accelerated one, but he is kind of challenging-himself-kid, so he thinks he might be able to take accelerated one. We are inclined to taking science teacher’s advice. But as a parent, naturally we are also thinking ahead of college placement (Please don’t blame me, I believe 100% of parents think that way) and which might be more beneficial in college placement four years later.</p>
<p>Any thought and advice?</p>
<p>@AHockeyDad: We had a similar question. D is going to be a very young Fourth Former and will also take a chemistry class TBD. I learned that chemistry is offered every block, so moving up or down would not be disruptive to the rest of the schedule. Honors Alg II is a more difficult course than Honors Geo in my opinion, so you may want to weigh which is more important for your son if Alg II is next for him. If your son is taking up a new language that would also add to the overall academic degree of difficulty which is really what I’m trying to help D to monitor. Also, if your son is new to boarding, he may have a transitional period as he learns to manage his workload without the accustomed oversight.</p>
<p>^^^I agree with kraordrawoh regarding not putting too much on one’s plate, so to speak, if one is new to boarding. Also, although you are indeed correct that college’s look for rigorous course loads, they also want to see the student succeed at every level. My older daughter just went through the college application process, and the rigor of the school, along with course choices and grades, are all part of the package. The regional admissions counsellors for most colleges will be well aware of the challenge level of various course loads at SPS. </p>
<p>I would follow the professor’s advice, and if your son needs to be moved into a different/more challenging class, trust that the teacher will move him. This flexibility of course choices would be one of the benefits of repeating 9th grade, I think. My daughter will also be a repeat III Former next year - see you in September!</p>