<p>So I applied to 4 schools in the west coast, or more specifically California because I live in California. The 4 schools are Cate, Thacher, Stevenson, and Webb. I am leaning towards Cate, but I'm wondering about the opinions of you guys on this forum. I actually live less than 30 minutes away from Webb, and 2 hours or so from Cate and Thacher. Stevenson is a bit far north, so I'm not sure the distance by road. Which school do you think is the best academically, or has the best EC's?</p>
<p>I’m also from California (I’m not too far away from the capitol). Out of all the schools that you mentioned, Thacher and Cate are the most discussed on this board. In fact, I would even argue that, academically, they rival some of the HADES schools (Hotchkiss, Andover, Deerfield, Exeter, and SPS). Both schools are very selective and competitive and offer a vast selection of courses. Thacher has an extensive horseback riding program, if that’s something you are interested in. They also have a competitive rock climbing team. I’m not going to say that they have the “best” or “worst” EC’s, because the question itself, is very subjective. However, I will say, that they do have a variety of opportunities for extracurriculars. Good luck! Please stick around the board and keep us posted! :)</p>
<p>Thanks for replying :). Yeah, because I applied to boarding school in the east, and I have picked out some of my favorites there, but I really want to go to school in the west since it’s closer to my family. I loved Cate when I went there, and to be honest, I’m not very interested in horses. Webb is VERY close, so I could even become a day student, but I applied as boarding. I loved all of these schools, but I seriously am having indecision between them. Any thoughts on which you thought were better/worse? In any way possible, not just academically.</p>
<p>At this point, you might want to wait until March 10, see what your options are then, and plan to go to revisits.</p>
<p>I guess :P, but still curious on other’s opinions, because there aren’t that many posts about west coast schools in general</p>
<p>Like I previously said, the question of “which school is better or worse” is very subjective. I would say that is more beneficial and effective to, do the research on all four schools, and see which one appeals to you the most. Personally, I don’t really care for Webb or Cate. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t like them. What are your current interests? I think your decision should really be catered around, which school is going to provide a lot of opportunities for your current interest. I understand that you don’t like horseback riding. Is there something else that you are really passionate about? Thacher has an excellent lacrosse team. Therefore, if you are interested in lacrosse, Thacher may be the “right” fit. You should also look at the “culture” of the school. I had the opportunity to Skype with an admissions officer at the St. Andrews School. Initially, I really liked the school and wanted to apply. I could tell, solely from the conversation I had with the AO, that it wasn’t going to be the right fit FOR ME. St. Andrews is very traditional and even somewhat conservative. I know for a fact, that I won’t do very well, in that sort of environment. Do you see where I’m coming from? Try to gauge which school is to be the right for you, rather than “which school is better”…</p>
<p>That’s what I’ve been thinking! Not one WC school is included in those “classic” acronyms such as HADES and GLADCHEMMS. I live like 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours from Webb, too! I know some people from debate who are applying there as a day school, which is quite a smart idea. I agree with starkali, Cate and Thacher are probably the most “prestigious” out of the four you mentioned. I didn’t apply to any CA schools because I want to venture out, but if I have to reapply next year I probably will! :D</p>
<p>Thanks, I do see what you’re saying. I’m not much of a sportsy person, but I am interested in Tennis and Football. I’m mostly looking for the best “academically” but I do believe that it’s tied between Cate and Thacher. I guess i’ll just go off gut feeling because I feel as if i’ve done enough research on all of the schools except perhaps Stevenson. Thanks for replying, and I guess i’ll just wait for acceptance/rejection letters to come before thinking too hard about it.</p>
<p>That’s exactly my point. Thacher and Cate are not the “best”, academically. Out of the schools you mentioned, they are the most prestigious, highly regarded, and selective. They also have a more rigorous curriculum. However, in no way does that equate them being “better” schools. </p>
<p>Also, I agree with the previous poster. I would wait to see which schools you have been admitted to, before you decide which school is “best”. </p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>I also think you should wait and see, because then you won’t get your heart set on one school and then get waitlisted or denied. But, in my opinion, I personally like Cate best. However, that is just one person’s opinion, and I am in no way implying that the other schools are worse.</p>
<p>I honestly don’t know the CA boarding schools enough to discuss them, but I stumbled upon an interesting article by someone at Cate (AO or Head, can’t recall) talking about what questions he <em>wished</em> people would ask during visits…what he thinks are important…like, “will the school really know my kid?”. It impressed me and it reflected well on the school to have this guy representing them. I’m sure it could be googled.</p>