Miss Porter's School review by Smith College student.
Porter's had both a strong humanities and arts department. I found myself most inspired to produce creative and higher level work in these two departments. Students range from highly competetive to nonchalant about their classes although most fall into a comfortable midpoint of those two extremes. The teaching styles varied from complete lectures in most science and math classes to student led discussions or presentations in my AP level European and art history classes. The variation of teaching styles allows students to find that which works best for them. I feel most prepared for being an active participant in college level classes, but I do not think I am fully prepared for the rigors of college. I still believe that growth can be made in making a student more well-rounded.
Students are matched with a college counselor (one of three) following completion of a survey.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Miss Porter's School as experienced by former pupil and Smith College 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...
Admissions requires the SSAT, transcripts, a written application, an interview and teacher recommendations. My advice.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Miss Porter's School by former pupil and Smith College 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...
Student life centers around extracurriculars and traditions that are scattered throughout the school year. The Old Girl-New Girl system is the school's tried and true way of helping new students adjust their first year by matching them with a Senior "Old Girl". Students are primarily liberal, but always accepting of different viewpoints. Community service is prevalent within the community as seen through peer tutors as well as Concordia, the community service project club. The school is very bureaucratic, but allows students to be responsible and learn from mistakes. The student handbook clearly states the rules and often the punishment for.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Miss Porter's School as experienced by former pupil and Smith College student — Login or Sign Up to access full review