WHAT IS BOARDING SCHOOL LIKE? Overview of boarding school life

Should you go to boarding school? There are things that are fundamentally different about boarding schools than public or private schools, so I decided to break them down and give a general overview of basically what every boarding school is like. (Btw, I went to Phillips Exeter Academy which is what I'm basing this overview on)
This is based on my experience, and I didn't cover absolutely everything, so if you have specific questions, leave them in the comments!

[@edenfisher6800]

Omg I am going to Exeter this year and I freaked out for a sec in the intro😂

[@nataliemeyer2550]

this video was soo helpful! I would love to see an Exeter review

[@lauranorwar]

I’m not sure why a few boarding school vlogs showed up in my recommended because I’m old. I was curious though so here I am...I have to admit it kind of makes me want to work at a boarding school! I love that you covered topics that everyone thinks about that aren’t covered in the brochure. You put a lot of minds at ease with this video. Also...hello from a fellow Michigander and a new subscriber!

[@TaniraFall]

Your videos are so helpful omggg😭 Now I know what to expect! Thank you so much!!💗

[@mauimediumastrology2156]

your perspective is very positive and it helped you started later on in teenage years.....kids need a healthy family, love, good food, and support, I didn't find any of that at boarding school......bells, terrible food, working all the time, no reflective time, rape, drugs, its all there

[@annakorczak4478]

This video is so informative! I’m trying to decide if I should go to Exeter, but I don’t really know anyone there and all of the schools are in full re-visit days sales pitch mode so I’m having a hard time getting an accurate picture of what the schools are actually like. I’m so glad I found your channel!

[@memeiammemagic6263]

My children are 6 and 4 1/2. I'm already thinking about sending them both to boarding school 😊

[@asparagus9542]

the healthiest age you should send them is 12 but im not gonna tell a mom how to parent since im not a mom

[@malinp2534]

omg thank god i was SO scared!!! just applied

[@evag1344]

Hi! I have been really interested in Exeter and I was wondering a few things: - do the dorms include both boys and girls in one building? - what’s the situation about going off campus? can you also eat out? - if you get really close with your roommate can you have them again as your roommate for the next year ?

[@Ifechi]

- Dorms are single-gender except for the couple of all-gender dorms - To go far from campus, you have to get approved a bit beforehand (but tons of people do it). And yes, you can eat out. - I'm not super sure about the roommate question, but I think you can!

[@amadeoleiton8492]

Hello! I'm applying to several boarding schools as an incoming junior as well. Can you tell me a little bit on how that looks like? is it way harder to get accepted as an incoming junior? I figure there's much less competition. Thank you!

[@maddie5331]

I want to get into Exter for the college opportunities, and to be more independent, but my Mom won’t even let me stay at an overnight summer camp. Some questions I’m wondering • How do they schedule classes? I’ve looked online but it’s kinda confusing for me. • How do you pick courses? Do you pick just one for a subject or do you pick multiple in one subject? • Do you have a roommate • Does the food have variety and do they have sodas? (Silly question but I love soda 😂) • How to convince your parents to let you go to boarding school. • Is it okay if your more quiet? Is there free time? Those are all my main questions. There a lot and you don’t have to answer them, but I was just wondering.

[@maddie5331]

Also do they have a good coding, computer science program? I want to be a programmer. That’s all! Thanks for reading.

[@Ifechi]

-Scheduling is low key confusing at the beginning, but you get used to it! Classes go in blocks and you just get a mix of free blocks and class blocks. (Very simplified) -You just pick the courses you like. -First year, usually yes, but almost everyone will have a single senior year. Depends on the dorm. -Good variety of food, but no soda -My parents were cool with me going to boarding school -Yes! You can be quiet. There is free time but not like a crazy amount of it; it is Exeter afterall.

[@Ifechi]

@@maddie5331 I'm not sure. I know there are CS courses, but like basically any other school it's not crazy comprehensive.

[@maddie5331]

Thanks so much!

[@sofiasuarun6580]

This video helped answer a lot of my questions but how many times did u take the SSATs

[@Ifechi]

once. I had already taken my ACT before so in comparison, there wasn't a lot for me to do.

[@evelyndoogue252]

I NEED to know this, I’m applying to Exeter and Andover soon and I am applying as a sophomore not a freshman. My mom went to Andover and she says that Andover doubled its class size from freshman to sophomore year. Is that true? Will there be a lot of new people? Also does is lessen my chances for exception because there are less class spaces?

[@elizabethmyers9590]

What courses did you take? I’m really interested in PEA

[@chandrapark7223]

Hello! I have been watching your videos lately and I was wondering if you can answer some questions about boarding schools. 1. Do you need to be really academically advanced (For example Math Olympiad competitor, winning national spelling bee, etc.) to get admitted to Exeter or any other rigorous prep school? 2. How long did it take for you to get adjusted to Exeter? 3. Is applying with financial aid any different for people not applying for financial aid? And do people judge/look down on people who applied with financial aid? Thanks for ur time!

[@Ifechi]

No, you don't literally have to be Einstein to get into a good boarding school! Just do what you are doing right now really well. Getting adjusted to Exeter wasn't too bad for me because I knew it was going to be rigorous so I stayed really on top of my stuff, maybe even too much. I would do all of my math homework for the week on the weekends so that I could do my readings on the weekdays. And applying with financial aid just means you also submit some financial info. And I don't think you will get judged for not being super-rich! Hope this answers your questions.

[@chandrapark7223]

@@Ifechi Thank you for ur answer!

[@studyday6205]

Hi Ifechi! How are new students sorted with the new roommates and are bathrooms inside the dorms or rooms or are they in a separate area? Thanks!

[@Ifechi]

It's definitely random and it almost always works out for everyone

[@TheSnoody]

What do they do with that big giant forest south of Exeter?

[@shriyanedumaran7184]

Hello! I am planning on applying to private schools this year and am not sure if I have the right credentials. I have received A's in all my classes from 6th to 8th grade (my middle school does not give out A+'s) with the exception of two A-'s in 6th grade. I do soccer and taekwondo. I have done classical Indian dance for eight years and play the piano as a hobby. As for community projects, I raised over $2,000 for a girl in India. At school, I am a part of the Speech Team, Science Olympiad (which I have won numerous medals for), and Model UN. I started a club at my school for Project Lit (a literacy movement) and a Mock Trial Club that I am the head of. I have not yet taken the SSAT, so that score is undetermined. I am wondering if I have the right credentials to get into schools such as Phillips Acadamy. Please let me know if this is enough. Thank you!

[@jy4283]

ah this was helpful !! 💕

[@Ifechi]

I'm glad it was!! I think it's something that's only talked about once you are in boarding school but I think it's important to know before you apply

[@jy4283]

Ifechi hey Ifechi since I’m working on getting into Exeter do u have Instagram so I can update u on there about what I’m doing?

[@Ifechi]

I do! It's @ifechi657 and totally dm me updates!

[@elizabethmyers9590]

Also is there school on the weekends??

[@juliawickless9040]

is there a lot of bullying at exeter, and is there a social hierarchy with like popular ppl and whatever. (ik these are basic questions but i’m so nervous to even apply)

[@AD-or2hd]

Hii. Do you think you could tell me what your stats and extracurriculars were to get into Exeter? Only if you want to. Thank you so much

[@AD-or2hd]

And do you think I could reach out to you if I apply next year? Only if you're not too busy.

[@mariamfatima293]

do they tell the people's parents if someone gets caught hooking up?

[@ariammeseret]

When is the youngest grade you can start boarding school at Exeter?? And also you talked about the diversity and that was very helpful but I was also wondering if you ever had any complications with being African American (I don’t know if you are for sure I’m just guessing)

[@Ifechi]

9th grade! In terms of race and diversity, I personally have never had issues with being a person of color in boarding school, but unfortunately, that is not the case for every person of color on campus. I would say the culture is not racist and the faculty are very passionate about making things inclusive; the issue is those few bad actors.

[@ariammeseret]

Ifechi thanks for answering means a lot! and also I’m so sorry but I forgot to add this into my first comment but in terms of applications what tips would you give for someone wanting to apply to Exeter? And what are some things I should add to my application for an extra boost to get in?? Thanks!

[@Ifechi]

@@ariammeseret There's no secret ingredient really; all the kids at Exeter are so different. Just make sure your proud of everything you submit!

[@ariammeseret]

Thanks so much! Helped a lot and btw love your channel :)

[@sarahnguyen9938]

Hi!!! I was just wondering if any of the kids at Exeter got through mainly on athletics and among the people you've met there what was their range of ssat scores

[@hockeysuperstar50]

Sarah Nguyen I got in for athletics my SSAT score was in the 75% which obviously is below average for Exeter

[@JTorete]

@@hockeysuperstar50 but is it ok if i don't do athletics but got a 99 on the ssat?

[@hockeysuperstar50]

Juan Toro I couldn’t tell you honestly. If you’re not an athlete it’s a roll of the dice depending on what they are looking for. You also have to match other criteria

[@natdel9104]

Daniel Lurie Do you have to be IN athletics? Like I play lacrosse and a former track runner but I’m not like in the athletics program but I’m still athletic and I still do lacrosse

[@tessdeane6492]

Hi, I hope you're having a great day! I'm applying to Exeter and a few others schools for next year. I'm the first person in my family and general region that has applied to boarding school. I was wondering if you had any application tips for essays and/or interviews. Thanks!

[@Ifechi]

I recommend watching my newest video for answers on that (it's about college but same applies for boarding school)! But just be genuine is my #1 tip! And show your excitement

[@petraorloff6505]

Have you heard back yet?

[@lauranorwar]

Petra Orloff I was wondering the same thing!

[@jeamilettmartinez3928]

@@lauranorwar same

[@achild2943]

what about ap classes? How many do they offer?

[@Ifechi]

They do not offer official AP classes. However, many of the courses are extremely advanced that you can take AP tests with ease. Lots of students take AP tests although Exeter has no classes that are taught specifically for the tests.

[@christopheryoeurng3722]

Hey Ifechi, I'm applying for PEA this year as an incoming junior. Considering you were also on Financial aid and didn't live in New Hampshire already, how did transportation to school work?

[@Ifechi]

You have to organize your own transportation. You fly into Boston Airport and then a big bus takes you to campus. You may drive if you're close enough.

[@naimomohamed4394]

Are you class of '23?

[@lori_2168]

How was going in as a junior

[@imeldaram644]

What percentile should you be in for the SSAT to even be qualified? I really want to go to Philips Exeter Academy, but I don’t know if I’ll make the cut. I’m studying for the SSAT and have also been doing the Math PDF course work given by Philips Exeter in Mathematics 1 and 2.

[@imeldaram644]

I am also in 7th grade. I have been in private and public school for most of my life, but I have decided to do online school for my middle school years.

[@Ifechi]

@@imeldaram644 I am not sure. I don't think there is an official cutoff, but do the best you can.

[@yourdad-lb4kh]

How is exeter for international students? Is there any sense of security? And also are those things true about the sexual assualt and drugs one.....If somebody knows kindly reply.

[@ash.iz.walking]

Can you convince my parents?

[@chrrryfairy102]

I convinced my parents by explaining a few things. -It would be a huge step for my education. ‘This ‘school offers many extracurriculars and ‘these’ are the ones I really am attracted to. Also, ‘this’ is unique about the way we learn. -Going to boarding school would teach me independence and responsibility. We have certain responsibilities including ‘these’. I would learn how to live without parents to depend on. - It would propose new social opponents. I would get to live in a dorm and create close bonds with my classmates. I would be able to bring out my best self because of how comfortable this would make me. These are just a few tips! Also, make sure to reassure them by telling them that you would always call them and come home for breaks. If you are worried about boarding school financially I would suggest presenting them with the Financial aid program the school offers and informing them about that.

[@ChaseDetrick]

Going to boarding school is something I've thought about for a long time and I'm just now looking into them. Im planning on going to, or ay least applying, to Exeter for 11th grade. I'm kinda new to it all as I'm only just 15 and about to start 10th. I'm kinda scared to bring the idea to to my parents without thinking my chances of getting in isn't completely hopless. I have a 3.975 GPA with a passionate interest in science and especially creative writing (I write online for a few thousand people). I also read tons. Also very ambitious about my future. What do you think my odds are?

[@ChaseDetrick]

I just moved to a new school in southwest Virgina this year and I'm planning on joining the Science Club and Archery club too.

[@ChaseDetrick]

And taking a creative writing class

[@ChaseDetrick]

I'm in all honors classes and they feel normal, even a little slow at times. Same way you said you felt in a different video I think. The thing is I've barely studied in my life and passed fairly easily. At this point I think it would be hard for me to learn how. Do you think the rigor there will be right for me?

[@Ifechi]

@@ChaseDetrick I honestly can't tell you your odds though you sound like a great student! I also can't say how you'll adjust to the rigor bc I don't know you in that way. You need to know for yourself whether you'll sink or swim.

[@ChaseDetrick]

@@Ifechi Ah well I should have expected that 😂 Thank you though! Do you have any advice on how to get in and which test I should submit?

[@nickeh5965]

My parents are letting me go to exeter next year but im alittle scared because i heard of all the discrimination and hate crimes that happen.

[@Ifechi]

congrats! I know some people have some issues with discrimination, but it's not crazy widespread I believe. I think it would be about as rampant as in any other school. Personally, I never experienced anything bad like that

[@nickeh5965]

Ifechi unfortunately i have had to deal with it from other schools, I'm glad to hear that you haven't had this happen to you it gives me a little security knowing that it isn't as severe as I thought it was.

[@lefthand3029]

What clubs do you suggest?

[@Ifechi]

There are like over 200 I think so just join (or make!) whatever fits your interests

[@amyzepeda9878]

One question Phones??

[@Ifechi]

Yes, you most certainly can have a phone, but like in most schools, just avoid using it in class. Or don't get caught >:)

[@safaaalami3728]

What sport did u go In for also what do you think will differentiate me from everyone else in the application process also how good do I have to be at a certain sport to try out for it for example soccer

[@Ifechi]

I was not an athlete so I can't really speak on that! I will say it's not a good idea to do a sport just to try and get in; that's not a good time investment.

[@safaaalami3728]

Ifechi thanks sos much for replying also I was wondering do u recommend that I apply to a lot of schools or focus on a couple because I would be needing financial aid or scholarships to cover most of my tuition and I’m not sure which schools I’m %100 qualified for I have straight As except for one B in math and I’m aiming to get in the 90th percentile For the SSAT I also partake in a lot of extra curriculars I just don’t want to invest so much time and money into something that is not or sure what advice would you give on that

[@Ifechi]

@@safaaalami3728 If you really want to go to any boarding school, then apply to a lot. If you are go big or go home, focus on the ones you rly want.

[@kevinsievens1129]

Ifechi, what do you think would be an average day of homework?

[@Ifechi]

You'e day will end around 6 - 8pm depending on extracurriculars and your class schedule, and daily homework takes maybe 2-4 hours (depending on focus and workload). More time is spent on the weekends and before big projects or tests.

[@kevinsievens1129]

Thanks Ifechi! Definitely applying

[@rookie06]

Hey I’m going to be 14 soon and am considering boarding school but I’ve heard that your relationship with family and friends back at home isn’t good when you go to boarding school I don’t want to peak into your life or anything I’m extremely sorry if it’s an offensive question but how are you relationships with family and friends? Sorry once again

[@Ifechi]

I would totally disagree with that notion! I and my friends from boarding school all have really great and meaningful relationships (arguably better than before). I would say don't let that idea hinder you if you want to go to boarding school, because for the most part, it is false. Hope this helps!

[@rookie06]

Ifechi thanks!

[@curt8806]

Do you stay in the same room all 4years?

[@Ifechi]

I was only there for 2 years, and, no, I did not stay in the same room. Most people usually move around a little and the best rooms typically go to seniors and proctors, so you trade up the longer you are there!

[@tydiop752]

Ifechi please tell me you don't share rooms

[@iinfinityyx]

Do they accept students with scholarship? Do they have scholars In Exeter? If you have a scholarship thingy, will they still accept you? If they will still accept it, is still there would have an interview or something? Do they do some entrance exams??

[@Ifechi]

you can still be accepted if you have a scholarship.

[@iinfinityyx]

Okie, thank you! ^_^

[@themehcuber2774]

How do I tell my parents I want to go to boarding school

[@tydiop752]

The meh cuber that's what I was thinking about we should like reach out to each other and try to get ideas

[@evmsqe5025]

Tim Diop Did you guys tell your parents? If so any tips lol :)

[@tydiop752]

Elisha V I didn't cuz I know he ain't bout to let me but if you know your parents got the money Nd they trust you it's kinda simple from there you don't lose anything by asking

[@evmsqe5025]

Tim Diop Yeah I’m pretty sure my parents aren’t gonna let me go either :( but I’ll just ask lol

[@hyungwonspineapple685]

@@tydiop752 you can tell that it will be better when you want to go to college later. Sorry English is not my first language 😂 I hope you still understand

[@mo11el]

What school did u go to before u went to Exeter in the 11th grade ?

[@Ifechi]

I went to a public school in Ann Arbor called Skyline!

[@asparagus9542]

Hey I have some questions! Do all boarding schools have uniform? Are the rules really strict? How nice is everyone? Hope you can answer!

[@Ifechi]

1. Most boarding schools no longer have uniforms 2. I wouldn't say the rules are really strict, but I think that opinion varies depending on who you are. Minors live on campus, so they have to have rules in place to abide by the law and make parents feel comfortable leaving their children there. But overall, nothing too strict. 3. At PEA, everyone was very nice, but this changes depending on your school!

[@asparagus9542]

@@Ifechi Ok thanks!

[@edds40]

Damn you look good babi

[@denisebenitez6436]

LOL