Baldwin School review by University of Pennsylvania student.
As far as the workload is concerned, a few years ago the Upper School adopted a new schedule with longer periods that meet every other day instead of the short periods that meet everyday. This change had a huge impact on easing the workload because it is now spread out over 2 nights and the longer periods allow for some class time to be used on homework. I haven't heard one complaint about the new schedule and I suspect that it will only get better as they start to tweak it over the coming years. Baldwin is an incredibly strong school academically, but the one thing that I have found truly outstanding is its writing program. Everyone in my graduating class has mentioned how well prepared they were for the amount and rigor of the writing expected of you in college. As far as the class environment, every teacher does what suits them best. For the most part, all of the teachers appreciate in class discussion amongst students and hands on projects. Some teachers are much more lecture based, but I have found that having some classes in that style have prepared me well for the large intro lectures at college. Grade size varies from about 40-60 girls and a particular class will be anywhere from 10-20 girls. This smaller environment allows students to get to know their teachers very well on an academic and personal level. I frequently e-mail my Baldwin teachers for advice on current Penn classes or just to check in.
Unfortunately, I did not find the college counseling program to be very helpful. This isn't.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Baldwin School as experienced by former pupil and University of Pennsylvania student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
I came to Baldwin in the 1st grade, so I don't remember much about the.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Baldwin School by former pupil and University of Pennsylvania student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Baldwin is an incredibly diverse school and we have girls of all socioeconomic statuses, races, ethnicities, and religions. Both faculty and students are very accepting and truly appreciate the different culture that everyone adds. It really is a unique environment. Everybody there has a love of learning that is unlike anywhere else. It's not that everyone is nerdy, but everyone is very engaged in the classroom and we like to take what we're learning at least one step further. People aren't afraid to express their opinions. Two best friends will often passionately debate their various opinions in class, but still.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Baldwin School as experienced by former pupil and University of Pennsylvania student — Login or Sign Up to access full review