Westminster School review by Wesleyan University student.
I found the academics to be one of Westminster's strongest aspects. They offer a number of Advanced Placement courses, like most Prep schools. However, I found that in all my classes I was instructed by a teacher who was deeply invested in my education. Each year I could name at least one or two teachers who took on the role of mentor and friend. Most of the classes don't exceed 10-15 students to one instructor thus most of the Humanities courses are seminar style. One of the most rewarding aspects of my Westminster education, was my senior year history/english seminar class. These classes combine A.P American History and A.P English with a particular emphasis. My seminar was based on social justice and the educational discrepancy in America. The workload is heavy, but I found that the more difficult thing was trying to balance the workload with other activities. We had a tutorial hour Mon-Thurs after school called back-work in which all teachers must be available for extra assistance. This was also an essential time to get work completed. Teachers were especially considerate when it came to academic commitments and sports/theater/activism work being done outside of the classroom. One of the things that sets Westminster out above many other schools is that they are deeply invested in each student. In the summer before my junior year I was able to study abroad with the aid of the school, and a number of my friends participated in the Kenya exchange program. This is just one of the many things I would have never been able to experience without my Westminster education.
I credit my college counselor with a large part of my happiness this first year.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Westminster School as experienced by former pupil and Wesleyan University 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 would suggest that parents and students start preparing for Prep school admissions as early.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Westminster School by former pupil and Wesleyan University 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...
The quality of life on campus is based largely on the individual. I thought that the campus was beautiful. I enjoyed many spring days sitting on the patio during free periods reading a book or chatting with friends. The school gives students a lot of trust and responsibility. As a seniors we were allowed to leave campus if we didn't have class.Additionally, we were given free periods to complete homework, get ahead with work, take a nap, or simply relax for a bit between classes. I valued these times greatly. In terms of campus safety,.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Westminster School as experienced by former pupil and Wesleyan University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review