Tip of the Day: Fallback

Even if you are applying to many boarding schools, you should always have a great fallback plan in your hometown. For example, you should check out the public schools in your area and see if they have magnet programs or International Baccalaureate. You should audition, take tests, and try to make it in to those schools so you have something to fallback on if you don't get in to boarding school or don't like the school(s) you were accepted into. A magnet or IB program will look great on your application next time you apply.

Tip of the Day

Even though you haven't been accepted yet, you should try to start saving up money now. So, if you get in, you will have some spending money to use on campus. This money will also be useful for buying things to accommodate your dorm room. Your parents probably won't want to pay for you to go to Starbucks every day at school.

The Art of Being Accepted

Diversity. That is one of the main things boarding schools are looking for in applicants. If you come from New England, then you are up against hundreds of talented applicants. If you come from Wyoming, not so much.  Try to set your self apart. Many applicants play Piano so why not take up the Tuba? Try out for student council or a school play. Also, volunteer as much as possible. The applications for boarding school aren't due until February, but you have to start laying the groundwork now.

Getting Started

When you first realize that you want to go to boarding school you might have 0 to a few schools in mind. It is best to look for other schools to apply for so you have more variety( you might end up liking a school you never thought you would). You also shouldn't be biased on which schools you like just from the viewbook. The list below will consist of very good schools and their defining characteristics. Of course, all of these schools are noted also for their amazing academics and tremendously diverse community.

1. Choate Rosemary Hall: Famous Alumni and Arts Program

2. Deerfield Academy: Isolated, Sports, and Science Center

3. Groton School: Small, Groton Circle, and Starts in Eighth Grade

4. Hotchkiss: Huge Campus

5. Phillips Academy: Arguably the Best High School in the Country and the Oldest Boarding School in the Country

6. Phillips Exeter Academy: Arguably the Best High School in the Country and the Harkness Table