Reply to Considering Elite NE Boarding Schools for Son (Taft, Choate, Hotchkiss, Deerfield, etc.) Any advice?

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Reply to "Considering Elite NE Boarding Schools for Son (Taft, Choate, Hotchkiss, Deerfield, etc.) Any advice? "

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I think a lot of families at these top boarding schools are stunned with the level of rigor and expectation placed on students. The pace is unrelenting and the workload is heavy. Most kids adapt, but the first few report cards are humbling, and it's not uncommon for kids to break down in tears when they realize their Ivy dreams are crushed because of a weak freshman GPA. [/quote]

Facts.  My DS was making straight As at a school here that everyone on DCUM loves to discuss and apply to.  We sent him to one of the HADES and he had his first ever Cs.  No grade inflation.  He was shocked.  He turned it around, but it was humbling for him.

Both of our kids went to boarding schools, both are doing well in college and one after. You go for the education, experience, connections. They both loved it and wanted it.  That’s also key. Wanting to go.[/quote]

This rings true. The kid must want the experience. If they do, it is an extraordinary environment and education.

My son is a freshman at a HADES school now. White. No hockey, lol, but he is pretty good at one sport. 50% financial aid and our HHI is about $400k. No other tuitions to pay this particular year.

The grading so far is indeed tough. The school is known for that so it was not a surprise.

The OP asked about advice. My kid was accepted at all three top tier boarding schools he applied to. The best advice I have is to be authentic and have one or two things that other peers don’t. My son had a few unique life experiences and one cool hobby. They are looking for charismatic kids who are kind, join in, and work hard. People you would want to live with. My son did not have perfect scores but did have stellar recommendations.

I would not mention to anyone that you have an inside track. Two reasons:
1.The school will find it uncouth. Not helpful. 
2. Nothing is 100% assured. Even faculty and board member kids are not guaranteed a spot, even though they get preference. Better to manage expectations and allow your child to feel the win when/if offered a spot.

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