<p>@miamiu as a current freshman boarding at westover, i can 100% say all girls is the way to go! i was accepted to millbrook as well, and i went to both revisit days and was shocked by difference in the students at the schools. The girls at westover were (and are) so kind, warm, and passionate about academics, sports, and arts, while the kids at millbrook just seemed very board and in my opinion did not appear terribly interested in their studies or extra curriculars. Another thing I noticed at Millbrook was that there was very little diversity at the school (both racial and economical) while at westover more than half the students are on FA. So personally I would go all girls (I go to dances all the time at boys and girls schools and emma willard girls are always there, so don’t worry you still see boys). I did and I’m so glad I did. Every morning I wake up and roll out of bed because I don’t have to impress anyone and even though I have always been confident in the classroom, since coming to westover my confidence in class has gone through the roof.</p>
<p>I know that this is a hidden gens thread and I don’t want to hijack it-- but to augment a point stated above-- </p>
<p>Reed has a program which students earn a license (only school in the nation to offer this inc MIT/Cal Tech) to run a nuclear reactor. It also has a program where a student can transfer to CalTech if qualified and desires to do so…</p>
<p>Williams came in 10th in North America in the Putnam and beat all Ivies but Harvard last year. It has just produced two Watson scholars out its graduating class of 450–and other LACs can say the same for their STEM programs–LAC does not have to mean art history–although Williams does have an outstanding Art History program…</p>
<p>Just as one should open the aperture in looking at bs one should do the same when it comes time for colleges–</p>
<p>Ok–back to the topic of the thread.</p>
<p>XC prep, I have a few questions for you! My daughter was accepted to Emma Willard, Porter’s, Millbrook, Berkshire, Gunnery and Westover. Westover was a late addition to our list but we loved the school, and she has pretty much decided that’s where she wants to be. I am shocked that she is choosing a girls’ school, but I am also very pleased! Of all the girls’ schools we visited, it seemed the most “real”, the most warm and friendly. Music is her passion, and I know there are a lot of vocal groups there (we came to the concert recently), but are there opportunities for, say, a guitarist/singer/songwriter?
I’ve heard that there is a school uniform, but when we were there the dress code seemed pretty relaxed, is there actually a uniform? And how often do you get together with students at boys’ schools? Do you include them in events like your prom?</p>
<p>Thanks for this SMS insight. I really like SMS but had a concern about college admissions.</p>
<p>Is anyone else going to a Hidden Gem?</p>
<p>can I say I wish families would stop fretting about college stats. You don’t know the “whys” and “what’s” behind those numbers. </p>
<p>Here’s my take - for what it’s worth. If your child is capable of getting into a competitive college he/she will get there no matter what school they attend. Schools provide enhancements for students - but they aren’t the “magic potion.” Your student is the magic. Good thing to remember when they set foot on campus the first day.</p>
<p>@flatbrook, I spent four years at Kents Hill and wouldn’t trade it for anything. It is unbelievable how close knit the community is, the support system and caliber of teachers is outstanding. I have so much love for the school, it will always be home. It is in the middle of nowhere, but going to school in the middle of the Maine woods certainly has its benefits and can be an amazing experience. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.</p>
<p>I’m late to this party, but …
^^^ Ummm … yeah.
My son attends Vermont Academy, and I have just as much love. It’s been a delight watching him thrive there after struggling at a large (but otherwise excellent) public high school.</p>
<p>accepted to hill too!</p>