Portsmouth Abbey

scholwannabe · 03-02-2010, 10:08 PM

Anyone with experience with Portsmouth Abbey in Rhode Island? How hard is it to get into compared to HADES schools? Once in, what is it like? What is its reputation compared to HADES?

LOLZbabe · 03-02-2010, 11:21 PM

Portsmouth Abbey is definitely not as hard to get into as HADES. Many are drawn to it because of its Catholic affiliation, but it has sub-par academics compared to most of the schools mentioned on this forum (GLADCHEMMS). It isn't very well known, but from what I understand the people who go there like it. I did not apply because I wouldn't be challenged enough academically.

NoMoreFishing · 03-03-2010, 01:47 PM

There have been some other threads on the Abbey on this site. If you search for them you will probably find them.

I vistited the school with my son. It has a 550 acre water-front campus. I got a good impression of the kids and it seemed to be a pretty supportive atmosphere. It is Catholic, but not oppressive to non-catholics. Overall, I got a very good impression.

One nice thing is they give out money (separate from financial aid) based on Merit. I believe they give two full scholarships per year to boarders based on academic achievement and they also give partial scholarships to kids who have tested well and done well in school. I believe that they have more than 30% day students, for what it's worth. Good luck with your choices.

cdnhockeymom · 03-03-2010, 08:56 PM

We have friends who's child went to school there. While it is not a top tier school, it is still decent and they were very happy with it.

pinknpreppy216 · 03-06-2010, 04:58 PM

As a senior at the Abbey myself, I must say that I consider it to be very challenging. I came from a public middle school and was by no means challenged. I applied to the Abbey, Tabor, and Wheeler in Providence, RI. It's easier to get into than Exeter or Andover, but I believe the quality of the education to be nearly just as good. Not to mention, as one parents already said, they do give out very generous merit scholarships, including a full ride to one freshman boarding student (Diman Scholarship). Idk... just my two cents

NoMoreFishing · 03-08-2010, 09:49 AM

Pink, any thoughts on how the Abbey does placing their kids in good colleges? It can be a bit tough to get information on this. Do they place disproportionately in Catholic colleges or is it pretty much across the board? How do they do with the Ivy League?