I’ve started the application process for Andover. However, I have started to think about everything I have to do to apply, being away from home, the competition at the school, the fact I would have little time to teach myself subjects, etc. I am slightly regretting starting the application, and I’m doubting going to boarding school. I’m a little concerned/scared about what I’ve gotten myself into. Don’t get me wrong, I still think it is a possibility. I have looked at other schools. I just thought I’d start with applying to one. Stupid descision, I know. I am kind of backing out here. And now I have to go all the way to Massachusetts to do an interview, I have to take the SSAT, and I have to get reccomendation from teachers who I think despise me. And this is all to try to get somewhere where I’ll be 14 hours away from the comfort of my family, I’ll have no free time to read, and I will be stuck at if an emergency occurs. And I have no other choice. My school is incredibly lacking in basic classes and clubs. The only non-denominational BS in my state is a military academy. The nearest good boarding school is over 3 hours away. I don’t know what to do. I’m sorry for any grammatical errors, I’m writing this quickly. Oh god.
My advice is to apply. When you see what your options are in March, you can see how you feel about the next step.
If you are thinking you really want to go to BS, by all means, apply to more than 1 or 2 schools and pick ones that are a good fit.
If you are feeling afraid of being rejected, think of it as being in the same place as if you had never applied.
Dear @Thinkaholic : There are a lot of folks on CC to support you and encourage you. Like @gardenstategal says just apply and then see what your options may be later. Think about the hundreds of students on CC who have done just what you are facing. You can do it! Try thinking about this process in a positive way like “ I get to go to Massachusetts and visit this amazing school!” Just visiting Andover will add a jolt of inspiration. Regarding essays, also try to think of it as a great opportunity to “showing what you feel” or “ telling people who surround themselves with kids what your opinions are on a subject - have your say! Think of the many possibilities for thinking of this experience in a positive way :-* You are fortunate to have parents or a family to support you in applying.
@Thinkaholic I dost think you are thinking too much! I completely agree with @Golfgr8! Turn your thoughts into positive ones. And who said you won’t be able to read? Who says you won’t stay connected to your family? Who says you’ll be stuck in an emergency? Why won’t you be able to teach yourself new things? DS is at a competitive BS…he FaceTimes us at least 5 times per week, was pulled out of his dorm for a snowball fight by his teammates, has gone on shopping excursions to Target, etc…has had time to make playlists based on mood, current occurrences (when it rained all week, he made a playlist of “rain” songs)…he has kept up with all NHL stats to date and he continues to do very well in his classes. I think if you take the time to research and apply to the right schools --by right…I mean right for you, not necessarily right for everyone else-- you will find the one where you can be who you want to be and do the things dear to you. Going to BS is not prison! You’ll still get to be involved in the things that matter to you and make you who you are!
The “love of learning” topic is interesting. Back in 2010 when our oldest started Choate, the headmaster asked parents how many were sending their son/daughter to Choate to get into an ivy college versus instill a “love of learning.”
Now, 2 children and 2 Choate commencements later, I can definitely say, parents are their children’s first teachers, and they share their love of learning with their children. If you’re waiting for 9th grade to instill a love of learning, I’d say you missed the boat. I could be wrong, but I don’t think parents are looking to boarding schools to infuse a love of learning.
Most kids who end up at boarding school have a natural and sometimes insatiable curiosity and genuine desire to learn. I don’t think it hurts to mention how much you love learning, but of course, you should probably “show” your love more than “tell.”
Agree 100%. My child’s school identified a love of learning as a common denominator that it seeks and hopes that all of its students have. But I don’t think saying you have it will help. It should show from the activities you pursue out of class, your demonstrated dedication to those activities, how you approach your classes (as evidenced by your teacher reviews), etc.
@Thinkaholic I would also apply to the BS that is 3hr away in your state. That is a lot closer than 14hr.
Also, maybe Andover is not the right school for you. Do you realize a lot of these schools are not pressure cookers, like Andover and Exeter? Some schools believe in qualify of life for these young smart and well rounded kids. My son has time to read, go into town on weekends, relax, listen to music, play guitar, read, play games with friends, and do a sport. He is learning a lot and the work is much more interesting than at public school (Common Core has made learning so boring and all about the assessment of learning, not learning for learning’s sake).
I do think you should apply, but consider a range of schools. Or, just try for a couple this year; if you don’t get in then re-assess after 9th grade, and focus 9th on getting ducks in row for an excellent application. But, note, it is probably easier to get in for 9th then 10th.