<p>just out of curiosity, I was wondering what really is drawing people into liking the HADES schools so much. Sure, they are prestigious but not oh-so much more than Choate, L'Ville, Taft, Loomis...</p>
<p>I was wondering what they have, that you wouldn't necessarily find at one of the other schools, or what makes you think you would be happier there. For example, there is a certain (and the only) HADES school that I am applying to, but it is my last choice, and if I get into that and others, I will probably not go to the HADES. This is because I don't really see myself being happy there, and yes it may be a very good school, but so are the others that I am applying to. </p>
<p>So pretty much, everyone here applying to almost every HADES school, can you actually see yourself LOVING it there, or are you applying more for the "bragging right" so to say.
Is there anything that is REALLY pulling you in that you can't find at ANY other school?</p>
<p>For myself, and I presume many others, it's financial aid.</p>
<p>As an international student, the available FA isn't as plentiful as it is at Exeter and Andover - where I'm applying.</p>
<p>I browsed and was thoroughly interested in others, but as soon as I saw that they don't give FA to intl. students, or that it is 'very limited to a select few', I moved on.</p>
<p>mmoynan gave a very good answer. I, too, am an international student and the HADES schools seem more concerned with diversity and generosity than the other schools. Choate actually is an exception in that it does have a good financial aid program, but it is simply not as good a school as the HADES schools and was not worth the effort of driving from the Boston area where we were staying to have a tour and interview.</p>
<p>Financial aid! Plus, I am applying to Choate, and it really is up there with HADES, btw.
I didn't research this lower tier schools as much, either. Size was also a HUGE factor for me. HADES typically has larger student bodies, and that's important to me.</p>
<p>and there's only so much that can draw you to a school. Idk why every thinks its so hard to actually be drawn to a HADES school. I kind of wonder why people love to small random school sooo much. Other than "nurturing environment". I just think most reasons for likeing a place are superficial so why not go with your gut.</p>