<p>I thought it might be interesting to get parents' and kids' impressions after they do their revisits. </p>
<p>What impressed or didn't impress you?
What was different than you thought it would be?
Did the application materials match what you saw?
How was it different viewing the school no longer as a wanna-be but as an accepted candidate?
Has the day changed your opinion of that school? Or has it cemented it? Why?
Did you make an enrollment decision? Did you do it while you were there?</p>
<p>Harkness method is cool - I think it will serve me well in the long run.</p>
<p>What was different than you thought it would be?</p>
<p>It is not academic pressure cooker - I think I will have some fun along the way.</p>
<p>Did the application materials match what you saw?</p>
<p>can’t answer this.</p>
<p>How was it different viewing the school no longer as a wanna-be but as an accepted candidate?</p>
<p>I can’t say in one visit how great or not a school is. For that matter, I never visited my current public high school - I can although draw inferences from experience as a middle school student though.</p>
<p>Has the day changed your opinion of that school? Or has it cemented it? Why?</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say it cemented it, but I am more inclined than before. Reasons: Harkness, teachers I had during revisit, students I met, etc.</p>
<p>Did you make an enrollment decision? Did you do it while you were there?</p>
<p>I went to two revisits. The first one was extremely discouraging. The people were shy, awkward, and we all sat there silently. A lot of the people I talked with asked me what other schools I got into, and when I told them they said I should definitely go there instead. I tried not to make my mind up, but after I ended up sitting alone with one other girl eating soggy pizza, I realized I could never go here. The next school revisit I was dreading a little. I had such a bad time at the first one, who knew what would happen this time. but I actually found my dream school, and my family already bought school sweatshirts for my aunts and uncles!! I can’t wait to go there this fall, and revisits definitely do help you decide.</p>
<p>I ended up choosing St Marks School. And I guess it was basically the sense of community. The fact that your accepted, no matter where your from or what you look like. I might not know anyone around me, but I could still contribute, and be a part of it. I visited History, which is my least favorite subject at my school now, yet I was able to take part in the conversation, and actually make sense of everything. Everything just seemed perfect, and I think that’s the feeling you should get when you find the right school. I honestly hope everyone can find that one school.</p>
<p>@girl28
We were there today too and were not sure what to expect above and beyond what we had seen on our tour a couple months ago. We enjoyed that first visit very much and were hoping that the Revisit Day today would be equally as impressive.</p>
<p>It wasn’t. It was FAR MORE IMPRESSIVE! </p>
<p>The entire day was just remarkable and every person who spoke was just amazing! Their stories were real and they were touching to us. Our family felt each one added something significant and reminded us why we felt so strongly about St. Mark’s in the first place. The quality of young people, teachers and other faculty that make up their school is truly impressive and the confidence these students showed in the classroom was so wonderful to see. Everyone was so genuine from the parents, to the students to the teachers. And it may sound corny but we were blown away by the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone we met- again, so genuine. </p>
<p>What impressed us most was that every student we encountered was happy to answer questions. Not just the tour guides. And all seemed so excited to be there. It was exactly the school we were hoping to find and we are so thrilled our son was accepted. I’m pretty sure we stayed later than anyone and our two tour guides couldn’t have been kinder in staying late to show us everything we wanted to see again, as a follow up to our original visit. It felt like family and the community spirit was something you just couldn’t miss. The incredible musical performances, touching speakers and yummy food were all just an added bonus.</p>
<p>Sounds like you had the same impression, girl28, seeing that you mentioned you felt you found your dream school. Glad to hear it. Congratulations to you. Our son can’t wait to go back tomorrow and get his sweatshirt at the bookstore! Go St. Mark’s!!</p>
<p>@Etondad
Thanks so much for starting this thread. And for your words about this school. They were spot on! What we heard today was more than music to our ears. This school is impressive on so many levels and the fact that it is still considered a hidden gem makes it that much more appealing to us. The warmth is there, the classes are thought provoking and challenging, the faculty and admin caring and dedicated…and the students we encountered: curious, polite, talented, bright and well spoken. But most important to us- they also seemed very happy. Genuinely cheerful and friendly. That’s what I call a dream school. </p>
<p>So, thanks again for your fabulous incite. We’ll be getting to know Boston very well next year.</p>
<p>@goforprep
I wonder if I saw you there!
Hope I’ll get to meet your son next year, and congrats on the acceptance! It’s definitely an amazing school.</p>
