<p>I'm just wondering about St. Paul's. I know it's a great school; I'm applying there because I think it is, but it seems to be considering in the elite four (AESD). What distinguishes it from other great schools like Hotchkiss, Groton, Taft, Choate, etc.?</p>
<p>Simply put, imo it's the best prep school in America. I guess I can say this without bias. I have never had a child attend SPS. I do however had a child at Middlesex and I wonder why this school seems to be a bit ignored as a great school. In fact it fits all the parameters of what seems important to the kids on CC. It always seems that matrics are important for CC students. Well MX finishes ahead of the majority of schools mentioned above. Maybe it's the lower endowment? Maybe you think it doesn't offer FA. Its FA average is second only to deerfield on a per person average. maybe in the past its been considered only for the rich? Not True!</p>
<p>I'm not applying to SPS; moreover, I think I'll apply to 2 or 3 schools which I like better (Andover, Choate, possibly Groton)</p>
<p>I know SPS had a scandal, but it is a very, very good school. You should look for fit; do they have a lot of classes you want in specific areas?</p>
<p>Yes, they do. I definitely want to apply to St. Paul's; my question was is there really anything that makes it "better" than the other prep schools like it, because it is so popular.</p>
<p>There approach to education is classical in nature. There signature humanities program. By the way, portsmouth Abbey also has a similar classical program.
Maybe someone can ask hazmat to post the article on BS. I will not without his permission but, I found it interesting in that it points out how some schools are offering many courses for the interest of students and producing students with "holes" in their education. This will not happen at schools like SPS and Portmouth Abbey for that matter. Actually this is also a benefit of small schools.</p>
<p>Prettyckitty, why apply to SPS? You will need to explore why besides its popularity that makes it right for you. By applying and maybe attending because it's popular may end up making for miserable 4 years. SPS is not for everybody, no school is for everybody.</p>
<p>On the downside, SPS is rather liberal when letting students figure out their own study hours. Now this may seem innocuous for many of you, it may spell disaster for the kid that needs more supervision. Smart kids do get off track.All of these bs can be none to kind for students who cannot keep up. For most of you, you will be shocked by the amount of work required in bs. Just the amount of writing required is intimidating for many.</p>
<p>We are not applying to SPS, but took a drive by the school today on the way home from Thanksgiving vacation in New Hampshire. This campus of this school is spectacular! The gothic architecture nestled among the beautiful trees and ponds are really something special. Not really knowing that much about the school ... we were impressed.</p>
<p>St. Paul's campus is stunning. I think I wrote up a summary of my interview there, if you're interested.</p>
<p>Edit: This is the thread which contains the summary: <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=227211&page=2&highlight=Interviews%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=227211&page=2&highlight=Interviews</a></p>
<p>We visited SPS last year. The campus is beautiful for sure. They did have considerable damage during the floods of last spring, unfortunately. But overall a great school.</p>