I went to Andover and my kids do as well. The stress at Andover is very high and the kids are extremely competitive. Even though they have a higher percentage of kids going on to Ivies, you have to understand that they have many legacies, recruited athletes, etc. It may not necessarily be easier at Andover and Exeter if you are judging it from a college entrance point of view.

I feel sorry for your sister. You know how you feel about being pushed into a certain college option? That’s what you’re trying to do to her childhood.

I am confused about the reference to lower school here. My nieces both attend Andover and it starts in 9th grade (Exeter too) so there is no option to attend before that. Most boarding schools in the US begin then so you either need to look at strong day schools or wait for boarding school - or start soon at a strong day school and transfer in 9th. Are you in the DC area or just on this forum? If you're in the Boston area, near Andover, there are lots of great options for day schools there. I grew up and went to private school in the Boston area so I know a good deal about many of them if you're looking for input.

I love that you're concerned about your sister. I was the oldest and always looked out for/advised my younger sisters and it made a big difference to them. Your sister is lucky to have you!

sparky wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TROLL. My life was ruined because I was forced to go to Princeton instead of Columbia.

Dude....

not ruined. I love Pton. Just that I have some regrets like not being in NYC.

I get OP. My DH went to yale and wished for columbia as well. My MIL didnt want to hear any of it.
They were lower middle class and she wanted the bumper sticker. Unfortunately, it really wasnt a good fit for him.

sparky wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an alum, I am a little distraught that Princeton has lowered its admissions standards (particularly its writing expectations).

Maybe ESOL?

Correct

I’m sure when you are focused (college applications) your English writing is top-notch, but when you’re more relaxed (online forum) your writing is a little...“off”.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As an alum, I am a little distraught that Princeton has lowered its admissions standards (particularly its writing expectations).

Maybe ESOL?

Correct

Anonymous wrote:As an alum, I am a little distraught that Princeton has lowered its admissions standards (particularly its writing expectations).

Maybe ESOL?

Anonymous wrote:As an alum, I am a little distraught that Princeton has lowered its admissions standards (particularly its writing expectations).

Then I guess Princeton, Dartmouth, Duke, Vanderbilt, WashU, Williams, and Columbia all must have significantly lowered their admission standards. There's no way I could have gotten into any of them! (I got into all of them).

nobody tries to write proper on a blog so let it go!

As an alum, I am a little distraught that Princeton has lowered its admissions standards (particularly its writing expectations).

Anonymous wrote:TROLL. My life was ruined because I was forced to go to Princeton instead of Columbia.

Dude....

not ruined. I love Pton. Just that I have some regrets like not being in NYC.

TROLL. My life was ruined because I was forced to go to Princeton instead of Columbia.

sparky wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does your sister think?

She doesn't really care about school to be honest. Smart and a good student, but not really caring about the future ahead in high school.

Sounds like she may not be competitive in getting into either if these schools

Anonymous wrote:

sparky wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does your sister think?

She doesn't really care about school to be honest. Smart and a good student, but not really caring about the future ahead in high school.

You haven't answered how old your sister is and how old you are. You are assuming that your sister will get into these schools which doesn't sound likely if her grades aren't that great. Personally, I think you sound like you want your sister to be as stressed as you. If she isn't interested in school and goes away..what makes you so certain that she is going to want to be a serious student or just party? Again assuming she even gets in!

True. She does have good grades however... just I hope that translates into upper school.

sparky wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does your sister think?

She doesn't really care about school to be honest. Smart and a good student, but not really caring about the future ahead in high school.

You haven't answered how old your sister is and how old you are. You are assuming that your sister will get into these schools which doesn't sound likely if her grades aren't that great. Personally, I think you sound like you want your sister to be as stressed as you. If she isn't interested in school and goes away..what makes you so certain that she is going to want to be a serious student or just party? Again assuming she even gets in!