NYC private school tuition now higher than HARVARD

mzhang23
Mon, 20 Mar 2006 02:54:48 +0000

I went to an elite NYC private school.

The main difference between the private schools and Stuy/Bronx Sci is that the small size of the private schools allows a heavy focus on the humanities through seminar–style discussions and an intensive writing focus. Don’t go to these schools for science training – many who come out excel in the humanities and continue to do so.

Stuy kids at my school all graduated with at least ten or so AP tests under their belt. I had only five, and in place of those other AP classes I took some amazing electives that shaped my interest in the humanities. Their atmosphere is intensely competitive to the point where GPA and not intellectual development becomes the prime concern. Some people may call it cheating, but a lot of private schools really choose to de-emphasize the grades in favor of intellectual exploration; college counselors then pursue admissions strategies from that other angle. Some schools like St. Ann’s don’t even have grades, and their students do amazingly well in admissions.

Also, it doesn’t matter that tuition is high, because the schools give financial aid based on need. Of course, their admissions may not be need-blind, but boy are they generous with the money. They make sure economics does not exclude you from anything the school offers - I received subsidized school trips, music lessons, and even free food. I can’t say the same for my college.