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I'm a freshman, and would be applying for JUNIOR year. Some of this stuff may change though during my sophomore year. Anyways, I made a 1290 on the SAT I (660 math and 630 verbal). I'm in all gifted classes (which is the highest at my school) and making straight A's. Last time I checked, my rank was 8th out of 800. My GPA is 4.5 (That's what it says on my transcript, would that be the weighted one?)

My ECs include:
dance-11 years
chorus-6 years at school and this year I started at church(I've also participated in the Georgia All State Chorus for the past 2 years if that counts for anything)
piano-6 years
Clubs: FCA, Class Cabinet (not active in that though), and I started a community service club but we didn't really do alot, and next year I'm joining FBLA and maybe more

Oh, and I've also participated in the Duke TIP program for the past 2 years and am going again this summer.

I'm kind of starting my search early, so I can look into as many boarding schools as possible. Please give me your input on what boarding schools would be good for me, that would be challenging, but where I wouldn't be like making C's at. And also, any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

By Ambitiousyokel (Ambitiousyokel) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 09:56 pm: Edit

Northern or Southern? I'm a fellow Georgian, and I looked at the McCallie School and the Baylor School in Chattanooga for high school - I ended up staying public and local. (All-male) McCallie's sister school is GPS, Girls Preparatory School. As far as the rest of the school, Asheville School, NC, Virginia Episcopal, VA...check out http://www.boardingschoolreview.com

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Sunday, May 02, 2004 - 10:06 pm: Edit

The stupidest move is to apply to boarding school for the 11th grade. If you really want to go to boarding school repeat 10th grade. You did not really start early, most people apply to 9th or 10th grade. Junior year will be a very tough transition. First, it is the most important year of high school in regard to colleges. Second, you're going to have to make friends with a whole new group of people who have been together in their cliques for one or two years already. Third, boarding school is completely different from a day school, you gain a lot of independence. You can shoot for junior year, but if 10th grade is highly advisable. The competition in junior is also more fierce than before. There is less space and most of them are already established in something, top athletes or crazy smart kids with national/regional awards. How many 10th graders do you know that are almost olympic level?

By Enzom (Enzom) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 01:36 pm: Edit

What area of the country would you prefer? Also, a bit more about your personality traits would help in providing suggestions. All respected boarding schools provide a rigorous education but the "feel" of the schools can vary greatly.

By Jem04 (Jem04) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Don't go to boarding school for junior year. It makes no sense. Go freshman or sophmore year or don't go at all.

Do you want a big or small school?

If you are going to go to barding school go in New England, otherwise their is no point.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 03:46 pm: Edit

Don't listen to Jem04. I went to prep school for my last two years and it was the best decision I ever made. I know many, many other alumni who went for two years and it changed their lives forever. Our biggest benefactor, by far, spent two years at my prep school and he widely credits his two years there as the basis for all of his success.
As far as geographic issues, there are many fine prep schools outside of New England as well. Don't listen to the negative posts of those who likely have no direct experience to begin with.

By Cubfan (Cubfan) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 04:30 pm: Edit

Enzom, where did you go?

By Enzom (Enzom) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 05:09 pm: Edit

Blair Academy (N.J.)

By Mmhome (Mmhome) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 05:30 pm: Edit

Look into Thomas Jefferson in St. Louis, Missouri

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 06:42 pm: Edit

Is Blair better than Peddie?

By Queenrosie17 (Queenrosie17) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 06:45 pm: Edit

yes

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 06:46 pm: Edit

Is Blair better than Lawrenceville?

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 08:55 pm: Edit

I wish I could go to boarding school for 10th grade, but I'm a freshman now and it's a bit late to apply I think.

Though I'm sure there are great prep schools outside of New England, I think that area would be the ideal place. Or at least around there... Anywhere but down south.

I'd like a bigger school, definitely a rigorous curriculum, but that's not cut-throat, if that makes any sense. I would prefer no mandatory church services(though if there are that's not a big problem), has a comfortable environment, and is pretty liberal. Please let me know if I haven't answered your question!

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

Enzom how did you like Blair? I looked into that school... what did you think of the Saturday classes?

By Enzom (Enzom) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 08:46 am: Edit

Joanna:

I loved Blair, absolutely loved it....
I give Blair credit for giving me the skills to do well in college and throughout life. Blair is very rigorous but definitely NOT cut throat. I was really impressed(all those years ago) when I first went to Blair at how warm and friendly the school was. I looked at many schools including Peddie, Deerfield, Choate, Andover and Hotchkiss. I came to Blair last on my round of interviews and knew within 30 minutes of arriving that Blair was the school for me.
Blair is even better academically today than when I went there, but the same family like atmosphere exists. It is relatively small(430 students) compared with most of those other schools mentioned which was critical, in my estimation, to its "feel" and it is a bit more structured which I wanted.
As far as which school is "better" among Peddie, Blair and Lawrenceville, I don't think there is much academically to separate the three.(they are known as "the Big Three" in N.J.)Rather, it boils down to the atmosphere, which is quite different at all three....I prefer Blair in that regard. All three send students to the finest colleges.
I will be back at Blair this month to give a book award for my college(Kenyon) to a rising Senior. I love the school and owe Blair so much....

By Exonian04 (Exonian04) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 11:13 am: Edit

Look into Phillips Exeter in NH. It seems like its remote and cold, but it is more than worth it. Amazing teachers in conjunction with an amazing teaching style (Harkness) means you not only learn the facts, but also how to communicate them.

The facilities are stunning, possibly the best of any prep school in the nation...and there are plans to expand. All the dorms are being modernized over the next couple of years.


If I were you, I would repeat 10th-grade (lower) year. You may find it easier to integrate into the community without the pressures of Junior (upper) year.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 12:01 pm: Edit

Exeter would be a great choice for you, especially as you mentioned you are looking for a larger school. Just realise that the environment at a school of that size won't be as nurturing as a small school. I have a friend who went to Blair and whose son attended Exeter. His impression was that, while the academics were obviously excellent at Exeter, it felt more like a small college than a prep school. Just visit various schools and you will get a "feel" for what environment you would be most comfortable with. Best of luck.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 03:26 pm: Edit

Well she did say that she did not want a cutthroat academic program. Exeter/Andover may be too "cutthroat" for her. She always wants a school where she won't be making Cs at. Nearly everyone's grade suffers when going to a boarding school. It's going to really hurt her if she applies and goes to Exeter unless she overachieves to the brink of insanity. Perhaps a school like Peddie, Kent, Blair, or some other "mediocre" boarding school will better suit her?

By Nyu2010 (Nyu2010) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 04:01 pm: Edit

Don't even get me started on Blair...


Well, I will offer a tidbit of advice about this school I go to:


DON'T COME HERE. YOU WILL REGRET IT.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 04:04 pm: Edit

I really appreciate your characterization of my boarding school as mediocre!! Nothing could be farther from the truth... I don't know how old you are, but I certainly hope you learn some social graces at some point!!! You might also want to do some due dilgence first before you make sweeping statements without the facts.
enzom

By Enzom (Enzom) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 04:07 pm: Edit

Nyu2010:

I see you have popped up again. In all seriousness please eamil me privately. If you are that unhappy(I doubt you are even a student there)I need to know as I am a fairly influential and very active alumnus. I will sit down with you personally to discuss this. Now, this assumes you aren't a Troll on this site...SO WHATS IT GOING TO BE?

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 06:54 pm: Edit

You can repeat 10th grade? Even if you've passed it? Wouldn't that be like, looked down upon or something though?

I had looked into Exeter and Andover. I absolutely LOVE class discussions, so naturally I though Exeter would be an awesome school to go to. I honestly thought it would be too advanced for me though, like student wise... but I would love it if I could go there. Maybe I'll look into it more.

And crazy, though I would prefer a school that wasn't cut throat, I'm willing to work my butt off for a good school that I like, and if it is cut throat academically, then Oh well! And coincidentally, I AM an overachiever, or so I've been told...many times...anyways, if I thought I could make it at a great school such as Andover or Exeter (or Blair), I would apply in a millisecond! As for making C's, if I was doing badly, I'd stay up day and night studying. And if this sounds like I'm totally contradicting anything I've said before, well, I guess I really have no SET preference for prep school.

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 06:57 pm: Edit

Nyu- ARE you a student at Blair? Just wondering

And by the way, thank you to everyone who has replied with suggestions.

By Anticatalyst (Anticatalyst) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:28 pm: Edit

" You can repeat 10th grade? Even if you've passed it? Wouldn't that be like, looked down upon or something though?"

Not necessarily. There's a kid in my grade who repeated freshman year when he switched schools, but he did it because he came from a really small school and wanted the experience of being a freshman at a bigger place...I think if you've passed it by enough, it should be obvious that you weren't held back.

By Angelee (Angelee) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 08:04 pm: Edit

I was originally accepted by Exeter this year as an 11th grader, but after I talked it through with my parents and counselor, they said (and I agreed) that I should repeat 10th grade instead. It does happen, and the schools will allow you to repeat if you want to! =)

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 08:07 pm: Edit

I did not mean mediocre in a bad way and please control your temper. Blair is a great school too. I meant that is not as good as those compared to certain schools in the Founder's League, it is not as "elite". Mediocre may seem to have a negative connotation, but I did not mean to say that Blair is bad, that was a misinterpretation. According to overall rankings, however, it is not one of the best. However, according to unofficial rankings, it may be the best school. For instance kids at my school think that it's number 2 next to Exeter and Andover. However, it is within the top 5-10. There are many schools that use the harkness method by the way, it was just developed in Exeter I think. My school uses it and I'm sure that many other schools do too. If you are willing to overachieve a lot, apply to Exeter/Andover. However, if you want to relax a bit in academics and not strain yourself too much schools like Blair, Kent, Peddie, etc are ideal. These are also great schools, just not as competitive to get into as the Tier 1 schools. It's not like these are bad schools such as: not going to name any because I can't think of any and don't want people to get offended.

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 08:53 pm: Edit

Angelee- So are you taking all the same classes again? How exactly does that work? Like if you finished Algebra 2 in 10th grade at your old school, what would happen? (sorry if that's a stupid question) I've never thought about the possibility of repeating a grade, but the idea looks more and more appealing everytime I think about it...

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

Well you asked Angelee this question. "Like if you finished Algebra 2 in 10th grade at your old school, what would happen?"

Exeter offers courses above the Calculus level, so you would probably take Multivariable Calculus or further. Also, if you exhaust their courses there is always the independent studies where you can pursue harder courses. In your case, repeating a grade would be highly advisable.

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

By the way, no one yet has mentioned Taft or Groton. How are those schools compared to Exeter/Andover and Blair/Kent?

By Bigblue04 (Bigblue04) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:01 pm: Edit

Different schools have different requirements- boarding schools are really picky about this. At Andover, for example, there's a "relphil" requirement- meaning you have to take a religious or philosophy class by the end of senior year. Also, there's a greater depth in each department, and huge variety of electives... people sometimes use the opportunity to take a multivariable calculus course that wasn't available at their old school. It's also a nice buffer to retake a class or two- you can use the time to adjust to the workload and pace of life.

Definitely look into Andover and Exeter! Yeah you'll have to work hard. But it's worth it.

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:03 pm: Edit

When I asked that question, I meant if I finished Algebra 2 in 10th grade and repeated 10th grade at Exeter, would I retake Algebra 2 or go on to Trig?

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:21 pm: Edit

It all depends on the placement test and SSAT scores. If you suck on either you may have to retake Algebra II. I mean if you horrendously suck. Otherwise don't worry. Also, if you suck at SSATs, it will be really hard to get in. However, your performance on the Placement test does not affect your admittance because you only take it if you are admitted.

By Gianscolere (Gianscolere) on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:42 pm: Edit

in order to be able to take the most rigorous courseload at the prep school you choose to attend, your SSAT, difficulty of courses during the previous year, the grades on those courses and teacher comments, and the results of your placement tests should place you at least roughly in the upper 25-30% of the incoming class. that probably means a 96th percentile (independent school norms) SSAT score or above (roughly equivalent to upper 99th percentile national norms), 3.9 GPA in the most rigorous courseload offered at your current school, enthusiastic recommendation from your current teacher, and an above average performance on the placement tests.

By Calidad (Calidad) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 05:13 am: Edit

Exeter doesn't have Algebra 2. In fact, it doesn't have math textbooks. Check out the Exeter math department's website. You would take a placement test and be placed at the appropriate level.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:48 am: Edit

Crazyyykid:

Thank you for clarifying your thoughts. Let me just say once again that among most respected boarding schools the academics are at a comparable level. It is clear based upon SSAT scores, for example, that schools like Exeter and Andover bring in students with extremely high levels of achievement. This does not mean, however, that they are pushed harder in the classroom than students at slightly less well known schools. The top students at most of these schools would be top students anywhere.
Again, Joanna, you will be pushed at any of the top 25 or so schools, without question, so I wouldn't worry about that too much. Whatever school feels like a good personal fit to you on top of the expected rigorous academics is the school you should go to...if that ends up being Exeter then great. Just do your research and visit the schools.
Also, NYU2010 is someone who previously posted a negative post in response to a thread about Blair. I am pretty sure that he is NOT a student at Blair. I suspect she/he may have an ax to grind for some reason. Blair turns down about 2/3rds of their applicants every year, so he is possibly one of those kids. In any event, he/she never responded to my challenge to email me personally. Hey NYU2010, if you can answer a couple of simple questions about Blair I could confirm very quickly whether you are honestly a student at Blair or just a troll on the site! I am still waiting for your response!
If people(especially alumni) of boarding schools seem touchy about how their schools are characterized it is due to the tremendous pride that most of us take away from having attended our schools. No period in one's life is more formative(and therefore as profound in its impact) than those spent in high school. Hence, that impact is magnified greatly for those of us lucky enough to attend a superb prep school and we tend to get emotional when discussing our allegiances.
Again, Joanna, best of luck in your search and DON'T let anyone discourage you from pursuing this if that is really what you want.

Dr. M.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 01:14 pm: Edit

I agree the academics are on pretty much on par with each other. Some schools may offer more courses, some less. However, the schools in the founder's league tend to be harder to get into. The applicant pool is full of overachievers and only the "lucky" few are accepted. On top of that there are the athletes and very accomplished students. These schools attract many because of their "prestige". This is the same way with colleges. Hypothetically, University of Florida may be a better school or equal with Harvard. However, Harvard is more attractive to some because of its prestige factor. Blair is also a prestigious boarding school, but compared with Andover/Exeter it is not as "prestigious". It's like compared let's say hypothetically, Cornell to Princeton. Cornell is a great school, who knows, maybe as good as Princeton. However, Princeton is far more prestigious.

Being pushed in the classroom all depends on how much work you personally put in. If you take all easy classes, you won't be pushed as much. However, if you take difficult classes, you will constantly be pushed.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 02:09 pm: Edit

Crazyykid:

Agreed.

By Beanoctco (Beanoctco) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 02:27 pm: Edit

Joanna180:
You should definitely take a look at Choate! I can't believe no one has mentioned it. Choate is a pretty big school (850) but not too big like NMH (1200) or Andover/Exeter (1000). Also, you said that you wanted to go somewhere academically rigorous but not overly cutthroat, and Choate is exactly that.

Academically, Choate is as good as any other boarding school, including Andover and Exeter. But Andover and Exeter are very cutthroat ("factories" as people at my school like to call them), whereas Choate definitely has a more relaxed atmosphere. Don't get me wrong: Choate is hard and rigorous, but the intensity may be less compared to the factories.

Choate is also a pretty liberal place! We're definitely more liberal than places like Deerfield or Groton. We do have a dress code, but not a coat/tie ensemble like other schools. We don't have church services and our school is very proud of our diversity.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 02:40 pm: Edit

Choate is a great school as well. I have a patient who attended Choate and he loved it. The point is there are so many different good opportunities! Other schools to consider would be Hotchkiss, Northfield Mount Herman, St. Pauls, Peddie, Lawrenceville, Hill, etc.
A good source of info is www.boardingschoolreview.com. It is run by two NMH grads who are great guys. The site would be very helpful in your search I suspect.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 03:29 pm: Edit

I visited Hill then immediately decided not to even apply there. Personally, I really hated it. However, others may like it. Maybe it was because it was a rainy day. I heard that if you visit on rainy days, the school looks worse than it actually is.

Choate has a "nasty" reputation at school. Especially since we have a few transfer from them who did not like it. However, it is a great school. John F. Kennedy went there and look how her turned out. St. Pauls is great, but it's in the middle of nowhere in NH.

By Angelee (Angelee) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 03:31 pm: Edit

Joanna~ by the end of this year, I will be finished with honors precalculus. Supposedly if I stayed here, I'd take AP Calc next year, but I still have to take a math placement test to determine my appropriate level at Exeter. Also, I believe they place new students in transition courses for at least the first trimester (if not longer).

Besides the fact that I've got to retake English 10 next year AND the required health class, what courses I take would mostly depend on my abilities, not my grade level. I think it's a great opportunity for me to repeat my grade because then I can gain a stronger foundation at Exeter, prepare myself better for the three years ahead of me, and it will also help transitioning a lot more! Just my two cents.

By Pennysmom (Pennysmom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 03:38 pm: Edit

Crazyyykid, what's "nasty" about Choate?

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 03:42 pm: Edit

Crazyyykid:

Where are you in school? Also, what did you hear about Choate that made your friends at school characterize the school as "nasty"?

Thanks.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:20 pm: Edit

Well, a few people have asked me what school I go to. However, I am reluctant to answer that because of privacy reasons. Choate is not reputable at my school mainly because of the athletics and the few transfer students from their. We try to befriend these kids but they are snobby, uptight, and uncaring. A lot of my kids at my school have the impression that Choate kids are crazed druggies who dress weirdly. My school has a strict dress code and it doesn't help that Choate is sort of like a rival school. We have a "Choate day" but they aren't our rivals. We only have this with Choate and our actual rivals. From the things I heard about Choate from my friends, it is not so great. However, I applied to choate back in the day. I chose to come here instead of there. We have a new transfer from choate this year and a lot of people don't like him. He smokes weed behind the main building every weekend, drinks, curses at people randomly. Not a very nice guy, rest of the time stays in his room all night studying. He doesn't live on my floor, so I don't see him that much. But one time, I was on his floor and my friends and I were playing some mario kart and he stomps out of his room and yells, "Will you guys shut up, I've got work!!" He is not a pleasant representative from Choate.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:45 pm: Edit

Wow!! I certainly hope your school will address that young man's "issues" as it sounds as if he is adversely affecting those around him as well. I can honestly say that when I was at Blair some 20 years ago elicit drugs were not an issue at all. There was some drinking but it was rare.
I certainly hope for the sake of your school that he represents an exception and not the rule.

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:52 pm: Edit

Angelee- I was wondering, and please dont take offense to this question, but do you feel like you're wasting/will waste time by repeating a grade? I mean 5 years in high school... it just seems like life's too short to spend an extra YEAR in high school...

What about Taft and Mercersburg? I've been looking into Taft, and it seems like a school I would like. I guess all I have to do now is visit it. And thank you enzom for your good wishes.

By the way, did yall know Dan Brown (author of Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, which I'm reading now) went to Exeter? When the book mentioned Robert Langdale going, I looked at Browns biography thing and it said he went to Exeter! I didn't know that!

By Enzom (Enzom) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

Joanna:

In particular, Taft is s superb school from what I hear. The Headmaster at Blair was formerly the director of the summer school at Taft and a senior Master there.
I would highly recommend that you look closely at Taft. It's size may be to your liking as well. Mercersburg is also a fine schoolfrom what I have heard.

By Angelee (Angelee) on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 05:47 pm: Edit

My friends all think I'm crazy to repeat that extra year, but I'm all for learning! Exeter has some really unique courses I'd like to take during my senior year, but had I entered as an upper, I wouldn't have the prerequisites (another factor).

However, tis just my opinion. Whatever school you decide to go to, I'm sure you will enjoy the environment all the same. And this is random, but Digital Fortress is a superb book (by DB) as well =)

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 04:50 pm: Edit

Enzom:

What is the average Blair SSAT percentile?

And, not to be rude, but I do think it is a secondier school to St. Paul's, Exeter, Andover, Groton, and Deerfield.

Maybe I'm wrong.


Crazzzzykid:

You consider St. Paul's, located in Concord, NH, in the middle of no where?


Joanna:

If I were you, I would apply to St. Pauls or Deerfield. If you want something bigger, go with Deerfield. Neither schools are cutthroat but both have top notch education and prestige. St. Paul's might better suit your dance career though, I beleive their program is strong, and unlike other prep schools, I dont think dance will be ignored (I just think this because when filling out my courses they focused (art wise) on dancing.) Whereas in Deerfield you might not get the respect and support you deserve because they do not consider their dance team strong or respectable, or at Exeter where you might not stand out. Plus, alot of kids at St. Paul's repeat grades, so you will be normal and not known as the kid who stayed back; at other, very good but not top notch prep schools, less people will repeat, probably because it is less competitive.
I would highly consider St. Paul's for your particualr interests and desires.(But I am going there next year so I'm biased)

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 05:07 pm: Edit

Yes, I think St. Paul's is in the middle of nowhere. I think the same of my school. My school is miles from any "real" city. But then I have a bias because I grew up in NYC. Joanna, that's the exact mentality you have break out of, I'm sure you will once you arrive at school or else you really won't have many friends. The mentality that you are better, smarter than everyone else. I used to be the same way before arriving at my school. Good grades, 99% SSATs, etc. However, at these schools everyone was like that, no one is really dumb. You will feel humble after you get to St. Pauls. I did even with my various "accomplishments" such as ECs and etc.

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 05:23 pm: Edit

"Joanna, that's the exact mentality you have break out of"

Were you referring to me?
By no means did I mean to sound stuck up and superior, sorry I came off that way to you. Reading over my post, I dont see any signs of ego in there. And by no means do I think im better than some people there; I feel I am darnnnnnnnnnn lucky to get in!

Concord NH is not in the middle of no where! It is like a mini-boston, really mini. Well seeing as your from NYC, I guess our classifications are different.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 05:36 pm: Edit

Well, I think my school is in the middle of nowhere. One of the things that appealed to me about it was that it was somewhat close to NYC, even though it's still many miles away. I felt that you had an ego because of your statement to Enzom stating that Blair is less than Exeter, St. Pauls, Deerfield. We both personally may think that because we both go to one of the top 10 prep schools. However, you gotta look at these things without a bias. Kids at my school think that we are number 2 next to Exeter and Andover. I know this is probably not true, but I don't appreciate it when someone from the outside bash it and tell me to look at the SSAT scores or sports or campus. You probably would not like it if, hypothetically, people went around saying that St. Pauls is worse than Choate or Lawrenceville. Enzom probably feels the same about his school, Blair. We all have some pride in our schools. We are going to get offended if people criticize our respective schools.

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 05:38 pm: Edit

That is completely true, sorry crazyyy and enzom, I'm just excited, lol.

By Beanoctco (Beanoctco) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 05:48 pm: Edit

Crazyyykid:

Are you sure you're thinking of Choate? I honestly would not say that Choate has a "nasty" reputation. Choate is definitely known as one of the best boarding schools in America and our reputation is also superb in the prep school community. I'm not sure what to say about the student who transferred, but believe me, Choate students are not "crazed druggies" who dress weird. Why else do you think the kid transferred? Maybe it's because no one else at Choate is a "crazed druggie"? Maybe you are from a very strict, conservative school, but I don't know what's "weird" about wearing a polo or oxford shirt tucked in.

You also cite complaints about our athletics. Choate is a Division I school within the New England prep schools and we have extraordinary sports teams such as a superb boys and girls soccer team, boys and girls cross country, and swim team, just to name a few. True, maybe Choate doesn't emphasize athletics as much as our academics, but this is the way it should be. Choate works for everyone, whether you are a student, student/athlete, student/actor, student/artist, whatever.

The point is Choate is truly unique in the sense that we are such an open, intellectual, diverse, and motivated group of students. You'll be hard pressed to find another school such as Choate.

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 05:51 pm: Edit

Haha so much prep school pride around here

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:29 pm: Edit

Aiite, Beanocto, calm down. I personally think choate is a great school, one of the highest caliber boarding schools. By athletics I meant that some kids on my team felt that some of the Choate athletes were not well-mannered and very rude. They have great athletics, I heard about the top swimmer at choate way back in the school. I also acknowledge that choate is also part of the Division 1/Founder's League. Actually I heard that he transfered because of some incident at Choate. He did not have many friends or something, which does not suprise me. Choate also has a great math team, great food, great campus. Don't be blinded by your pride though, every school including choate has its weaknesses, nothing is perfect. Even my school sucks in many ways. Some kids in prep schools feel hostility towards other schools, which is not a good thing. Also, every school has drug, tobacco, or alcohol problems so relax. Don't get too worked up about others not liking your school. Thats why some kids go to Lawrenceville instead of Deerfield or go to St. Pauls instead of Taft or Groton instead of Milton. Everyone has a different feel about their schools. Of course, some go to the only school they get into, so they have little choice.

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:35 pm: Edit

No offense crazyyykid, but you are not one to talk. I classified my school as one of the top and you got mad too.

Beanoctco, I'm sure most prep schools are fill of "open, intellectual, diverse, and motivated" students.

By Enzom (Enzom) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 06:36 pm: Edit

I think you can ALL be happy and proud of your respective schools as I am to have attended Blair. Think about it, what percentage of high school age students have this opportunity!? It is truly miniscule. I hope you young folks thank your parents profusely for what you have been given. I still thank my father on a regular basis to this day for my prep school education.

Best,

Dr. M.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 08:39 pm: Edit

Bruceconti, I do take offense to that. You are not the one to talk either. You have completely misinterpreted my post.

" I classified my school as one of the top and you got mad too. "

Choate is a great school, it's undeniable. So is Groton, so if Blair, Peddie. These are all top caliber schools. St. Paul's is a great school. Everyone is so freaking aggressive and closed minded when it comes to other schools, myself included. I'm just trying to put an openminded perspective on boarding schools. Enzom is correct, how many high schoolers have opportunities that we have. I only got mad at you because you denounced Blair as an "inferior" school. There is no such thing, every school has its benefits and negatives, no school is perfect. Hypothetically speaking, St. Pauls may have the best crew team but a crappy basketball team, but Blair may have the best basketball team but a crappy squash team. There is no one top school, everything is up to debate. I placed an opinion into this discussion. One that is personally not my own, but those of few of my peers. I have never been to choate for an extended period of time so I do not have the experience to judge for myself.

By Joanna180 (Joanna180) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 10:02 pm: Edit

"The mentality that you are better, smarter than everyone else."

LOL that is just about the LAST thing I think about myself...

And I agree with enzom...you guys don't know how lucky you are to be going to boarding school! Not applying earlier was such a huge mistake for me...

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 10:03 pm: Edit

I never denounced Blair as inferior, I just didn't classify them as top 5 material--- thats my opinion, not to say I dont think it is an amazingggggggg school. AND I never said SPS was the best, just among them.

By Idiias (Idiias) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 10:13 pm: Edit

No boarding school will never be good enough for YOU.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Who do u mean by you? I never said that St. Paul's is the best. I was speaking hypothetically. Also having the best academics/athletics team does not mean that the school is the best.

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 06:42 am: Edit

When it comes right down to it, it's the individual that matters. For instance, a smart jock would probably want to go to Deerfield over Exeter, an artsy person would probably go to SPS over Groton, the school doesn't really matter.... Its the individuals taste and ability.

By Characterzero (Characterzero) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 07:49 am: Edit

If we're talking academically, Peddie is much harder to get in to than Blair and the curriculum is much harder, also.

If we are talking about wrestling or basketball, Blair is better.

By Crazyyykid (Crazyyykid) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 02:23 pm: Edit

THANKS!!! You finally understand what I'm saying.

By Bruceconti (Bruceconti) on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 05:04 pm: Edit

Anytime