Questions on interviews and schools

mondaydevil · November 17

First of all, how do you guys have conversations with your interviewers? Whenever I answer something, they just kinda nod and move on to the next question. I'm pretty sure that's not a good thing.

Second, does anyone have schools that are small, academically rigorous, but not competitive? I'm re-thinking my list and I'd really like to go to a boarding school.

And finally, what's your essay writing process? Do you brainstorm first, just go ahead and write it? I'm curious, so tell me anything about your essays.

Thank you!

one1ofeach · November 17

By “not competitive” do you mean easier to get into?

mondaydevil · November 17

@one1ofeach I meant schools where grades aren't a competition. Sorry about the misunderstanding!

twinsmama · November 17

I would think there would be some level of competition at any schools that issue grades, due to the nature of the students who choose to go to prep schools, but the culture at Mercersburg seems very healthy in that regard. How small a school are you looking for?

gardenstategal · November 17

I think that you would find that the students at George School are not particularly competitive about grades. The school actively discourages it. It does mean students don't work hard and try to do well, but there's a lot built into the system to discourage students from competing with each other.

Agree that Mercersberg would also be a good one to look at.

HarrietMWelsch · November 17

And take a look at The Masters School (in Dobbs Ferry, NY) too. Collaborative much more than competitive, but with a highly challenging, rigorous curriculum.

mondaydevil · November 17

Thank you @twinsmama @gardenstategal and @HarrietMWelsch!

I'm looking at schools from 300-500 students

buuzn03 · November 17

St Mark’s is a smaller school with great academics but a more collaborative and supportive environment!

HarrietMWelsch · November 17

Roughly 500 in Masters Upper School.

mondaydevil · November 17

@buuzn03 Oh, St. Mark's is on maybe list! I'll definitely be learning more about them

@HarrietMWelsch Thanks!

buuzn03 · November 17

OP. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions regarding SMS!

gardenstategal · November 17

George school is about 550.

one1ofeach · November 18

This also depends somewhat on the group of kids in any given grade or 4 year combo.

I have had parents of seniors complain that the boys and girls don't speak to each other. That's not my son's experience at all. So the upper classes are more separated by gender, the lower classes are not.

I imagine it's the same with competitiveness. My son has reported that there basically is none but I imagine that's because he doesn't tend to surround himself with people like that anyway. From what I have seen there is a LOT of sharing of study guides and quizlets. He is in exam week right now and all the kids are studying together to answer each other's questions.

cinnamon1212 · November 18

Check out Millbrook. 300 students, every student appreciated for who they are, and they are the only high school with an accredited zoo. It's a very warm and caring community, with good academics and excellent college placement.

Golfgr8 · November 18

Agree with @cinnamon1212 - plus Millbrook has their own zoo with a wonderful community service program.

@mondaydevil if you have questions about competitive scene in terms of sports at some of the schools, feel free to DM me.

mondaydevil · November 18

@Golfgr8 To be honest, I hadn't even thought of how competitive the sports may have been. I'm not a very athletic person. Will that impact my experience or my chance of being admitted to a boarding school?

Golfgr8 · November 18

No worries @modaydevil - I misunderstood the comment/question about competitiveness. To answer your question, there are applicants from all areas of interest - sports, music, visual arts, STEM. Some schools may seek applicants who can contribute to the school community by participating in EC’s - I do get the sense that some schools place more emphasis than others @ sports and/or performing arts. FWIW, many of the students we have met from various schools are talented in multiple areas and are engaged in multiple EC’s (sports, music, visual arts, student government, CS, etc).

Questions on interviews and schools

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