<p>So a couple days ago I received a letter from Hill commending me on my excellent SSAT scores(weren't that good by my standards) and how even though its only one part of the admissions process, it shows I am capable of handling the workload. just wondering if that means anything toward my admission process?</p>
<p>I would look at it as a positive. As in, no more worrying about my SSAT scores, because they are obviously good enough for the school. Instead, I would worry about or finish the other important parts of my application. </p>
<p>Obviously, this letter isn’t a hurt. Most likely, it’s beneficial to you, but you just don’t know how much.</p>
<p>Thank you I thought along the lines of that but wasn’t sure.</p>
<p>I had heard of the Hill School from a long time ago. I think James Baker (former secretary of state) went there. However, I lost some interest in the school after I read somewhere that it’s located in one of the rougher neighborhoods for a boarding school. Does anyone else have any perspective on this? Are my concerns unfounded?</p>
<p>Yes it is in a rougher neighborhood and I understand your lost of interest because of this. Your concerns are in no way unfounded. However Hill does take as many precautions as it can against this such as gated, guarded entry ways and stone walls to keep people from getting in or out without being checked in. I chose to overlook this because I was impressed with all that they did for students’ safety. Whether or not you overlook the roughness of the neighborhood depends on you.</p>
<p>My oldest son goes to Hill. Pottstown, in reality, is not so different from a lot of smaller, central PA towns. When it lost train service to Philly, it lost a more dynamic socio-economic base. The lower half of the town is definitely not thriving, but Hill is also surrounded by some of the prettier neighborhoods on the upper half of town. My son has always felt safe on campus, and really has no need to venture into town. For what it’s worth, he loves the school and is thriving there. There are also some major plans for a campus expansion in the works.</p>
<p>@paobs12
Hope you don’t mind my asking,but since your son goes to hill how does he like it? Has it made him grow or stretch himself in anyway? Why did he choose Hill over other schools?</p>
<p>My husband and his brother both went to The Hill, but the decision to go was left up to our son. At the revisit day, I think he just felt comfortable and at ease. He did have other choices, but after revisits at those, Hill seemed like the best fit. He loves it there, and has grown and matured in remarkable ways. He particularly loves the Humanities program, which has a reputation as one of the top in the country. It is not a pretentious school, although as at any boarding school, there are people with tons of money. This year in particular, he has fantastic teachers. The academics are rigorous, but help is always available, and he has a wonderful group of friends from all over the world…super brainy types, jocks, theater kids, and everything in between. Feel free to PM me for more info. So far, it has been a great experience.</p>
<p>Hello! I am currently at a student at the Hill School, and I <em>love</em> it here. Yes, the neighborhood isn’t exactly an Eden, but Hill actually does a lot of community outreach. For example, twice a month members of the fourth form (10th grade) serve in the local soup kitchen as a feed the hungry program. We also have a community service group and members of the public are always welcome into our chapel.
Academics, like Paobs12 said, can be rigorous. There are a handful of required courses, but even those you can tweak and pick so they are perfect for you. One thing I really adore about Hill is that teachers <em>want</em> you to succeed yet be independent. They don’t constantly ask if you did your homework, but if you tell them they need help, they are happy to work with you after school and even in their homes at almost any time.
Also like Paobs12 said, our Humanities and Classics programs are spectacular. My favorite teacher this year teaches Philosophy on a level that my parents can’t believe.
The Chinese program here is also something of a novelty, and is called a Confucius Classroom. Basically, that is an award/title given out to the best Chinese learning environments in the nation.
So in answer to the original question, it certainly can’t hurt to get that letter. My sister, who hopes to go here next year, got the same thing a couple of weeks ago, hand written by Mr. Bala (awesome guy and amazing dorm parent!).
I’d be happy to give you some more info or advice if you would like some. Feel free to respond here or send me a message!
Good luck!</p>
<p>Globalgeckos thanks so much! I would love some more info about the the school! I don’t have anything specific to ask, but anything you think would’ve been helpful to know before you chose Hill would be nice to know.</p>
<p>Before I chose Hill…hmmm. I guess I wish that I had applied on the normal app cycle and that I hadn’t thought about going somewhere else. I seriously love it here.
I also wish I had studied the course selections a little more seriously. You don’t have a ton of choice as a freshman, but sometimes I regret not taking Latin or photography. One great thing is that even seniors are allowed to take freshman level courses (Latin 1, etc) if they so choose.
I know that some of my friends did not put down very specific information for their roommate selection and although they liked the person they were put with, they aren’t rooming now.
When I got to Hill, I had no idea just how many clubs/arts/sports they offered, and I was lucky enough to find one (technical theater) that I fell in love with. If I had advice, it would to NOT be a dorm rat. You only get to go through high school once, so have fun with it!
Feel free to ask specific questions or anything else at <a href="mailto:mhenderson@thehill.org">mhenderson@thehill.org</a></p>