<p>First off, I’m looking for a school that will allow me to expand musically as well as challenge me in other academical areas. From what I’ve gathered, Cate is more academic, but I haven’t picked up much on music for either. What’s each school’s music program like?
Secondly, what kind of people go to each? Yes, each person is different, but what’s the general (for lack of a better word) vibe?
I’m really shy and socially inept because I’ve been outcasted as the weird nerd, so I’m hoping for a friendly crowd.
What are the dorms like? What are the weekend/after school activities? Weather? (I like moderate temps and clouds or fog. Haha… What am I doing looking in southern CA?
Is one more religiously oriented than the other? I’m an atheist, and I don’t want too much more of “You must convert to our ways!” sort of thing.
Basically, what’s everything like? These two schools are my top choices, and I can’t decide. I’m really looking for a place where I can meet people and be myself.</p>
<p>I can’t tell you much about the schools, but I can tell you that the weather at Cate is exactly what you describe. It is on the outskirts of Carpinteria. The climate is very mild and it tends to stay a little cooler because of the shape of the coast. Carpinteria does get quite a bit of fog but a lot of times the fog bank will end right at the foothills where Cate is. It is really almost perfect weather especially if you don’t mind some fog.</p>
<p>All right, as a non-musician, I’ll try to give the music department my best shot;</p>
<p>Cate’s music department has become pretty intense this year. If you are serious musician, and likely part of both the Jazz Band and Orchestra, you’ll be busy all the time working in the chapel with the 50-ish others that make up the respective sections. We have a new music department chair, Mr. Knecht, who is extremely good at what he does and really cool to hang out with. The orchestra (I’m assuming that’s what you’re interested in) works on several classical famous traditional pieces but has also begun to do, on the side, adaptations of modern songs such as “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day, and it actually sounds really neat.</p>
<p>Cate is definitely focused on academics above all else, but we have become extremely competitive in sports as well (which makes some happier than others). All varsity sports, particularly soccer and football, consistently make it to the playoffs, and the soccer team is actually known nationally as breeding ground for Division 1 college soccer stars (Ema Boateng, the top ranked freshmen in the country, graduated last year.) Cate does require sports of all freshmen and sophomores, but fortunately these can be substituted by theater or tutoring if you’re not particularly athletic. </p>
<p>Cate students are typically the be-all, do-all kids, which is different from several schools. A lot of schools want a kid who is passionate and talented at one precise thing, but Cate wants someone who does everything from Calculus to Ultimate Frisbee and does them well. Most are scholarly with decent athletic ability in at least one sport, and, surprisingly, most people are the shy, introverted type (like how you describe yourself.) Granted, the school will ask a lot of you and likely stretch you to associate with everyone more than most (new) students have before, but everyone is very friendly if you’re willing to make an effort.</p>
<p>Campus is almost undeniably the most beautiful in the country in terms of natural beauty. Dorms are primarily singles, most with personal balconies, and many with ocean views. Grand old trees cover most of the main campus. Most buildings are done in the Santa Barbara mission style (comparable to Stanford), and the climate really is what you describe (gets REALLY foggy at times). Cate is non-denominational and religion is rarely ever discussed, but most of the people I’ve talked to are agnostic, atheist, or (for whatever reason) Hindu or Buddhist.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, Cate is just as selective as a HADES school, at about 18% acceptance as of this year, so a back-up like Stevenson is good idea. Good luck!</p>
<p>ThisOneKid is actually the student at Cate and helped me a lot with Q&A’s. (Thanks again!)</p>
<p>My impression of Cate during the school tour and interview was that it was such a friendly, close-knit community. It gives you the family feel. Its small student body would make everyone friends. Admission people were very kind and welcoming. It has the most beautiful campus with a direct ocean veiw from almost everywhere. I guess the vibe, etc would match what you want. Make yourself available for the campus tour/interview after the summer break. It is as difficult to get in as top boarding schools in the East. I don’t know much about Stevenson as we didn’t apply. </p>
<p>Although accepted at Cate, my son decided to go to Thacher, another top school in CA and a friendly arch-rival with Cate for many many years. You may want to consider Thacher, too. The school is as friendly and small as Cate. I just don’t know which school has a stronger music program but there are a couple of Thacher parents here in CC who would be glad to give you much better insights on Thacher.</p>
<p>I probably should have mentioned I’m more into playing contemporary, so something like the jazz band. I’m not sure if there’s anything for rock music at either, so that would be helpful, too! All of your answers have been helpful so far. I had no idea Carpinteria was foggy, either!</p>
<p>As a matter of fact, Mr. Knecht is trying to set up an official “rock band” class for next year. Right now him and a few others make up the guitar club, which gets together to play rock songs for us sometimes (which are actually pretty good too.) Even it does not end up becoming an official class, he’s still definitely willing to give lessons and collaborate songs at any time.</p>
<p>I remember summers during which the sun hasn’t poked its head out much at all in Carpinteria. Typically we have “June Gloom” and then start getting more sun into July and August. Thatcher is in nearby Ojai, an artsy community only a short distance from Carpinteria as the crow flies. However it is in an inland valley and gets little fog and can get very hot in May - September. It is also a beautiful area with a lot of hiking, and Thatcher is a well regarded school. Ojai is also the location of the Ojai Music Festival.</p>