<p>Though my d goes to Deerfield, I believe that Taft would have been a perfect fit for her. I now see that academically, many schools are equal. What made the difference for us was how my d saw herself and what she wanted. </p>
<p>My d felt that Exeter/Andover were more like “little colleges”. She felt Lawerencevile was too casual (I loved it-for me I guess). She felt Bershire and Cushing were not challenging enough. She saw herself at Loomis, but they didnt feel the same way (I am happy that they knew what was best). She saw herself at Deerfield and Miss Porters. </p>
<p>My point is in the end it was where she felt “right”. Each kid is so different. We are from the midwest, big city, major urban environment, single mom, no siblings or cousins. She chose the most rural school, formal dress code and sit-down meals, and somewhat mid-size of 630. </p>
<p>Take the lead from your child and LISTEN!!!</p>
<p>I believe in “fit”, but believe that the child can “fit” at more than one school. (This is my feeling towards the college search). Show them different types of schools, size, location, and style of campus and classroom.</p>
<p>The one thing that is important about Listening - as Alexzmom says, is because EVERY boarding school results in a pretty tough few months of adjustment. It’s easier when the student loves the school and feels valued. </p>
<p>My D was learning that being a straight A student in public school was not going to translate to that on the first exam. That classes were harder, finding the right mix of friends was stressful, even surviving the “hundred mile” walk up the hill to the gym. But every time I said “Do you want to come home” she said “are you kidding? No way.”</p>
<p>Honestly - forget all the BS about top tier, middle tier, whose best, who’s an IVY feeder - it’s all bunk if your kid doesn’t fit. They’re all great academically and all prepared to help your child go where he/she needs to go. </p>
<p>Find a school(s) your child can fall in love with, then let the process proceed as it should. But look at a range. I had two schools in mind that I thought would be perfect. Then we drove up to the Taft campus and it was instant love from the first minute in the door, to the final minutes of the campus tour and interviews. Smaller, more intimate, more focus on each student’s needs. And treated the parents like they were part of the family (instead of potential donors.) From Alexzmom’s description, I think we’d have fallen in love with Deerfield too. </p>
<p>Look for schools the way you look for a life partner - because you’ll a part of them long after graduation.</p>
<p>Exie, your D goes to Taft, right? Do you, like Alexzmom, believe that Deerfield would have been a perfect fit for her? 'cause great minds often think alike. Jokes aside, it’s nice that people on CC get along.</p>
Jokes aside, it’s nice that people on CC get along.</p>