<p>I read "Prep" and it is one of the most awful books I've ever read. </p>
<p>First of all, the writing is terrible, and it saddens me that the author went to one of the boarding schools I'm applying to. She based the fictional Ault School on hers, and wow did she make a bad impression on her school. For anyone that has visited the school the author attended, it is obvious that the book is based on the school. Not simply based on the school, but EXACTLY like the school, and I wonder what the alumni thought after reading it. </p>
<p>Secondly, it is downright disgusting and absolutely not appropriate for anyone applying for prep school, to which this book is appealing. It really scared me about one of my top schools.</p>
<p>Dear pinkheart23, I am personally acquainted with the alumni who was at Groton in the early 90's with the author who wrote the book. hahahaha according to this person, she was sorta the quiet, sketchy, weirdish type of girl who really did have a terrible experience at her school!! But it shouldn't sadden you in anyway. It's just one person's account on the boarding school, and you don't even know if you are actually gonna end up going there. Don't let a fiction novel get in your way in judging any school that you've never truly had a first-person experience with. At the same time, however, I admit that I've found some truths in the novel that I could empathize with. I'd encourage any prospective student to read it, because it will really WARN you about some stuff that you will face when you attend boarding schools, but do so only lightheartedly. It's a book.</p>
<p>Okay, so to prevent myself from all sorts of bias I'm refraining from reading everyone elses brutally honest, and absolute lovely accounts of boarding school.</p>
<p>It's amazing and amazingly hard. Like, I had no idea what the A-F grading scale meant because I of course always got A's, and the one or two times I ever got a C I hadn't done my homework and was fine with it. Here at Exeter trying, I have a C+ average. Honestly, I brag about how busy I am and feel like there is an awesome right of passage from knowing you start classes at 8, get done at 6, and having to be back to study at 8 or you are in trouble. I absolutely adore the people. Like, they all want to have fun as much as they know they have to work, so you are constantly joking around with people who understand your humor, and to be frank, are equally smart. I've missed home quite a few times in the first 2 months because I had a TON of friends, and was loved by everyone. Now, I have a TON of friends at Exeter and miss them on breaks. Going to Grill is just an everyday thing that is highly amusing. I love checking PO even though I'm lucky when it's not empty. Dorm life is so hilarious. The people that you get to chill with is cool, especially when you are a family of friends, so you rarely fight. I honestly could never go back to my old public school after the fantastic discussions I've had around Harkness and the hours of laughing with friends at the library. The work is tough, but the reward is so great.</p>
<p>Now to read everyone elses response! Hoped that gave you a real view and pepped you up.</p>
<p>Thank you sportin!! Really nice post....nice mix of positives and negatives and something respectable. Wow your trying and your averaging a C+...that sucks. I'm pretty smart and my schools a hard IB school, no matter where I am my parents won't understand a C+</p>
<p>Do you think your getting distracted or its just that hard?</p>
<p>Hahah, way to make me feel good 'C+...that sucks.' =)</p>
<p>Well, as more insight, I came from a public school where I once turned in a paper a month late and didn't get a point off because that was just how it was (AND got an A). Now, it a whole different world. I think it's a mix of it being hard in comparison to what I had been used to and me being highly distracted. I spent 3 hours of my study hours (so I had none for homework) one night looking up Obama's thoughts on abortion. Like, seriously, not necessary and I now am aware of that. But also, I've asked for teacher's help on papers and still only received C's on them due to the fact no one ever explained to me what a thesis was in middle school. I am guilty of always just listing the 3 points I would address in the last line and carry on my merry way. </p>
<p>It's totally possible and realistic to get good grades, I went into the year pessimistic though. It really is tough at times, especially with time management and stuff, but I know my game plan for next term and I think I can get A/B's only.</p>
<p>I really don't think you have to worry though about whether you'll sink or float (plus, has anyone heard of just swimming to shore?). It might be difficult for people who constantly have procrastinated in their past and never were forced into a environment where work is the predominant thing though.</p>
<p>I will make sure to let you know how next term goes though so you get a better idea, I can only imagine how much I wish people would of told me what to reasonably expect at Exeter and just boarding schools in general.</p>
<p>O ok, makes me feel a little better. My schools pretty hard but I'm concerened about jumping into junior yr thats why I'm thinking of repeating. I can handle all the arts (english history etc) because thats my strong point. But I'm not 15 levels ahead in math like most people that go there and I'm not AMAZING at science. I tend to work hard in those subjects for awhile then just slack off and barely pull off by B+ and be happy with it. Im sure that's going to have to change</p>
<p>Ya I'm sure you'll adjust alot more for next term, let us know how it goes.</p>
<p>I personally think that the mottos for all (good,lol) boarding schools should be "work hard, play hard"
I mean I am having to put the most effort in my work, and I am learning the most I have ever but at the same time I am meeting the greatest friends and having wonderful fun times with them.
And concerning grades to me it seems that most parents know that it is going to be hard (I mean isn't the point of going to BS is to be challenged) so they soften up a bit. Kids who are usually straight A students may get a few B's in their first term but most parents seem to understand that, and they just expect you to bring those grades up by the end of the year</p>
<p>Can anyone help me learn more about prep school sports? I am writing a paper. I need to interview some athletes at New England prep schools. If you want to help, let me know. I have a little budget to pay for your time if you can help. Thanks! Claudia</p>
<p>This sounds totally shallow when I actually say it…
But are the girls at schools like Taft, Hotchkiss, NMH, etc. pretty/hot? And the guys?
I figure it would be like normal school where its just a mix of everyone, but I don’t know!</p>
<p>Also, are the girls really clique-y (ie. one group of ‘popular’ girls in each grade) or not?</p>