BlairSmith

Hi so I am applying to boarding schools on the East Coast like Lawrenceville, Hotchkiss, Deerfield, Suffield, and Andover.I am a sophmore and I am so desperate to know what going to boarding school is like. Is it fun? I really want a good education but I am also a very social person. I like to have a good time and when I am I thrive. Are people typically the same as they are in public schools? Do boarding schools have parties? Can you sneak out? Can you hookup with guys? For example, one thing I heard is that people sneak out to go to Princeton parties at Lawrenceville (now that would be awesome). Im just so paranoid that its gonna feel like an over controlling jail haha sorry about the overload on questions. I just want an explanation that isnt all perfect (like in the booklets and presentations etc.). Please, if you go to boarding school, if you could write down your email too? Im perfectly normal haha I just wanna ask a few questions but if you just want to give a simple answer here thats fine. Thank you guys so much! I owe you xoxo

Lvillehockey

@blairsmith i wrote you back on the thread i started haha, just read that

gapoc459

Apply to Exeter as well!!! A lot of applicants don't like it, due to perceived stereotypes about uptightness, high stress levels, etc. Anyway, I'm just starting here and it's been amazing!!! Yes, it is tough academically, but with proper management, you will have time for whatever. You will definitely have a chance for a "normal" life, as long as you seek it out. There is so much diversity here; while everybody is smart, some people are completely buried in their academics, and some attend all the parties (Saturday night :P), dances, etc.

I'm sure this can be applied to all schools. They are all different. I'm sure some schools are more "strict" than others. Andover seems very chill. Deerfield I don't think so. Lawrenceville is in the middle. Exeter a bit more chill, also.

In conclusion, don't be intimidated by any boarding school stereotypes. Visit the schools, get a feel for them, see what you like. It will certainly be a life changing experience for you.

If you have further questions, feel free to PM me.

Sandals

I've been at a boarding school (Milton Academy) for 3 years now, and I think that each school is really different when it comes to the topics you mentioned. But in all boarding schools, you never need to worry about socializing. Since all boarders live within about half a mile, there are always interactions going on. There will always be school dances, but the parties are usually off campus. As for hookups, they happen. Its much like college. Don't find it that surprising that people have sex on campus either. People always find a way around the security systems and dorm faculty. Most schools know this, and know they really cant stop it. Related to that is the use of drugs. You're gonna find that pot, though less available, is still prevalent on campus. If you do smoke, and I don't judge, you can still do that, just don't get caught. Personally, I think that boarding life is sweet. I feel that I have the big family I always wanted. It isn't perfect, as you're going to find out; there are the same jerks and *******s that exist in public school, but there are also some of the nicest, funniest, and caring people you will ever meet, and you get to become closer with those people than if you were in a public school. I highly recommend that you come to a boarding school, it's been the greatest 3 years of my life.