<p>I am facing one of the most difficult decisions of my life! (well, at my age, it seems that way) I need to choose between Sidwell Friends School in Washington D.C. or Phillips Academy Andover! Both schools are excellent options and have incredible academics. One big problem with Sidwell is that it would take me about an hour and a half to get there. The down side to Phillips is being away from my family and the price. My parents are not rich, but they did not apply for financial aid. They could just barely afford it. Also, to add to that, they know I would be fine living away, but is it truly worth it to spend four years at boarding school and then, four years at college. Would it ruin the college experience? </p>
<p>Also, my mother was very impressed by the students from Sidwell that she listened to speak, while she was unimpressed by the students who spoke on the Andover live broadcast. My mother is extremely opinionated, so I got extremely worried when she told me her views. I, honestly, like Sidwell a lot, yet my heart has been set on Andover. I worked so hard to even get my mother to agree to allow me to apply, and now that I am accepted, I feel as if it is simply too good of an opportunity to pass down! We have yet to visit Andover and get a feel for the school, so I am TRYING to not completely make my mind up yet (even though I sort of already have). Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<p>This is a huge dilemma…so don’t apologize! Wow, I don’t even know what to say. First of all, congrats on your acceptance to both schools! Andover and Sidwell Friends are incredibly well known and renowned. I know at our age, the prestigious school is always elevated in our minds. We try to stay unbiased, but just saying that “I got into Andover” makes us special–in a different caliber than our classmates. I think that Andover may have an edge because it is prestigious, and you will have a big “wow-factor” if you go to Andover rather than Sidwell. However, I think that Sidwell is a great option, and if it pleases your mother, you are very lucky. The boarding experience doesn’t matter if you are in a school that you’re comfortable with. The major positive that Sidwell has is that it is affordable and an option that your family agrees with. You wouldn’t want to go to a school that your mother hates! Also, if family is important to you, then go to the option closer to home! Our parents are constantly having these conflicting emotions of “should I let him/her go or should I hold on until college?”. If you like Sidwell enough, and you are willing to forgo the prestigiousness of Andover to go to a school that your whole family enjoys, I say go with Sidwell. Personally, this is me trying to be unbiased, but I go to a Friends school and love it. You will be surrounded with people that are trying to elevate you to the top, not step on you on their way to the top.</p>
<p>^^Yep, Lots to be said for the Friends educational philosophy. All kinds of interesting educational and service opportunities through the Society of Friends. I went to PA many years ago, it is a fabulous education, but it is a BIG school (few are bigger). I would consider that as a principle factor–are you REALLY outgoing, all the time? If yes, go for it. If maybe…it can feel lonely and overwhelming sometimes. If this is your choice, I don’t really see PA offering you a significant advantage when it comes to college admissions. Obviously the applicant pool from PA is big and extremely talented every year, so it’s not enough to simply be middle of the pack at PA if you’re aspiring for colleges/U’s with the same prestige. Sidwell is certainly widely known by college admission officers as well. So,ultimately, which environment appeals to you best, and which environment is most likely to support you in excelling? Revisit and THEN decide.</p>