What are the biggest difference between the West Coast and the East Coast? I am starting at Phillips Exeter Academy this fall, and I’m currently from Vancouver, Canada. What should I look forward to? What should I be wary of?
The biggest difference is the currency is the US dollar
There is definitely a different atmosphere in New England than in other regions. I’m in the Mid-Atlantic area and really felt a difference. I hope someone with more experience in both the regions you mention can comment. I actually don’t think that geographical differences in culture get discussed enough, perhaps because both most boarding schools and most applicants are in New England.
@merpalercious - Congratulations on PEA! You must be very excited.
GMCkid went in the opposite direction (NYC - SoCal). Although she definitely experienced some “cultural differences”, I’m not sure if they would be the same for you. I’m not familiar with the atmosphere in Vancouver for example, and how that’s different from the Santa Barbara area etc. Regardless, and VERY generally, she felt that the kids that she has met at Cate are definitely more laid-back than her peers at home. Less drama & competitiveness, and less of an “establishment”. She didn’t like this at first, because she was worried that they weren’t as serious academically. However, she was in for a very rude awakening when the first grades came in, because these laid-back kids did better than she did 
They are VERY smart and VERY driven, but they express that differently than what she was used to.
The West Coast is also less formal and tradition-bound than the East Coast, which has been great for GMCkid to experience. On the other hand, I think that coming from the other side of Canada, you will really enjoy the New England traditions and prep school atmosphere. To have the opportunity to experience a different culture is a gift, and not an easy one, but it will pay off for you. Keep an open mind when you arrive, and remember that everyone is in the same boat, trying out something new and finding their place. Be patient, and you will do well, regardless of any perceived differences in atmosphere. After the first couple of months it probably won’t seem all that “different” to you!
Also, remember to give yourself some credit for an adventurous spirit! It’s hard to be so far away from home, but I truly believe that it will pay off for you in the long run.
Also, maybe @mrnephew has some insight - I think that he went from CA to NJ (do I have that right?)
@GMC2918 yeah, that’s right.
Although California to NJ was a really big change. The weather, for one, and just the entire East Coast culture in general. Most people here just wear jeans and a t-shirt, people in the East wear quarter zips, boots, khakis, chinos, etc.
@twinsmama I’m getting totally off-topic here, but can you describe the differences between NE and Mid-Atlantic?
How about the non-metric system? Temperatures in 50s… not Celsius… things measured in ounces/oz, quarts, feet, and miles, must be hard to get used to. 
When I was little I measured distance in minutes.
Yea, and I used to weigh objects in ohms. Because it was cool to say. 
Well people here are starting to use metric measurements in school.
@stargirl3 Here is the nanosecond 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eyFDBPk4Yw
@stargirl3 , Some aspects of New England formality would read as pretensious around here. Some New England reserve would read as brusqueness or coldness. And of course, everything looks different because of the regional architectural style.
@mrnephew, my daughter tells me I should correct your description of what people wear. You’re getting a very narrow slice of life in Lawrenceville, which is by no means a typical town.
I’m one of those people who greets strangers. English teacher said I should go to the Midwest to find my homies.
@twinsmama your daughter is probably right. There is a dress code, however lax.