<p>vanillacream – </p>
<p>1) How diverse would you say the student and faculty population is (race, socio-economic status, etc…)?</p>
<p>-- The student body is very diverse. There are some obscure countries that send single students here (like Bulgaria or Nigeria) and then the more heavily represented countries: Korea, Canada, China, etc. Socio-economic background varies quite heavily. Of course, it’s a prep school, so there are some really elite, ultra-wealthy kids, but sometimes you can’t identify them independent of someone telling you. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, there are very poor inner-city kids who come from impoverished family. Overall, however, it’s important to understand that nobody really talks about money that much here. There’s a lot more interesting things going on. </p>
<p>2) How preppy is the overall atmosphere at Taft?</p>
<p>-- Not overwhelming. I come from a family somewhere in between lower/middle class; my dad is actually unemployed. This, however, has not been detrimental to my experience at Taft. We don’t have jacket/tie which may reduce that “preppy” atmosphere. There are definitely the bubbly blonde girls from NJ or the white malds from NY who like to party. But hey, if they’re not your type of person then no big deal, just avoid them. Sometime they can be annoying, I suppose. </p>
<p>3) How is the transition, both socially and academically, for new sophomores at Taft?</p>
<p>-- Lots of new sophomores at Taft every year, the majority seem to assimilate quite well. The first week at Taft will be disorienting regardless of what grade you enter in, but if you can get through that you will be fine. Academically, they may be behind in science (Taft usually makes new sophomores take some level of Physics, while returning sophomores will go into chemistry) but none of that will matter by senior year. </p>
<p>4) Do you feel there is a socio-economic divide at Taft?</p>
<p>-- Nope. I feel like you are worried about what kind of role money plays at Taft. Something like 40% of our students are on financial aid. But once again, none of that matters. Are you a likable person? That’s really all that will count. Maybe like the furthest extent of a “socio-economic divide” would be the kids who go to Aspen during winter break, and then those who can’t afford it. But one you’re back at Taft those two groups of kids will be chilling in the same dorm together. </p>
<p>5) How would you describe the community at Taft? Particularly, what are the relationships between faculty and students like?</p>
<p>-- Great community, small enough that you’ll know the name of everyone in your class. I’ve had a great time with the faculty. My advisor is also my cross country coach and english teacher, and he is often in his office and lives on campus (as does like 80% of the faculty). He’s been great in helping me out. Kids often get lunch with their advisor (who you get to choose on a yearly basis). Besides advisors, students and faculty talk in hallways, and are always around for extra help (every teacher has their own office) . I’l even see the headmaster talking with groups of students in the hallways.</p>