What are the alumni networks like at top schools? Do alums help each other out and are there events that alumni attend (other than the reunions every 5 or 10 years)? How are they different in a smaller less-known, hidden gem school versus a larger more well known school?
Bonds are tight at all boarding schools. It’s more a function of living together 24x7 than anything to do with the level of school recognition.
I’m not sure how other school work, but my DD is at a hidden gem. Their alumni network seems very close. They have multiple alumni come and speak at the school. They have alumni functions at least once a year, and they have an alumni trip during the summer, usually overseas. At graduation this past year, I was surprised at the number of alumni that attend.
Define "lesser known ". … which schools are we talking about ?
In general:
All of them will hit you up for money… and will continue to hit you up for money until you die and sometimes after you die, too depending on how you set things up.
Okay… that was a little dark.
The receptions on either coast are always a lot of fun and always well attended … I love going and seeing old friends from both JBS and SS and I go with my husband to his, too. My kids are starting to attend more and more alum stuff… definitely their NYC holiday receptions and K2 went to one Commencement after he graduated to cheer on a good friend and help his friend’s mom load up the car afterwards.
Internships… or future job opportunities are definitely in the mix ( at "Lesser Known schools, too. I know- right? ) further down the road. Some alums will tap BS seniors for internships in NYC and Boston … etc before college- which is nice. Later in life a fellow alum might interview you for a job… you never know because it’s such a small world…
One thing that is certain is you’ll be running into fellow alums everywhere… throughout your life and it can happen at anytime anywhere in the world just by carrying a BS tote bag or wearing a BS hat or t-shirt. If I had a dime for every time that’s happened to us… and it’s wonderful. You’ll meet the nicest people- especially the old guard! They’re just the best and they have the most interesting stories to share !!
You’ll be seeing the people in your Class for the rest of your life, too - whether you choose to or not sometimes! You may be too young to understand this but remember this when you arrive on campus in fall because it’s very important- and I told my kids the same thing :
There is no such thing as a second introduction.
And take it easy with the "lesser known " school malarkey. If you haven’t heard of them… that’s actually your problem, kiddo 