Choate has several special aspects to offer, but what really sets it apart is the academic rigor and excellence. While you will be required to throw yourself into your work, and often feel greatly overstretched, the wonderful teachers, great courses and first-class education makes it well worth it.

The opportunities, such as going abroad during the term, being in a world-class production and meeting the greatest people all meant a wonderful experience. Making your own choices and being away from home makes you grow up a lot, and can be tough but a great lesson.

I would just be super open to meeting new people and trying new things. A place like Choate has so much to offer and it's worth taking advantage of all of it.

The drama department gave me a home. Almost all of my friends and mentors came from the PMAC (performing arts center). It was such a wonderful support network and way to enjoy myself.

Don't ever skip sit-down lunch when they serve rice-pilaf! So good!

The best thing about academic at Choate is the enormous quantity of courses and mostly wonderful teachers that support the school. While, like at any school, you're required to take courses you don't like or aren't interested in, those are mostly balanced out with things you love and are passionate about. Teachers, and the relationships your develop with them, are first rate and irreplaceable.

I wasn't involved with athletics very much- I was more of a theater person, and taking part in a production takes the place of a sport. However, athletic facilities for working out were first rate and run by a great staff.

The arts program is second to none. Choate even offers a unique arts-concentration program for kids who know that they want to pursue the arts in the their professional life. I was not in the program, however. Main-stage productions, of which there are 2 each year, are absolutely amazing and run like a Broadway production. A huge budget, energetic cast and great directors and support staff make it second to none.

As stated, I was a theater person but was also very active in the Choate LGBT community. I also tutored children at the local elementary school to get my community service hours in, and was an active member of the Choate young democrats.

Dorm like was alright, no the worst part and not the best. I lived in singles for the majority of my time at Choate and that was much better than having a roommate. There was some dorm bonding, but most of the kids lived with their friends where I did not.

Choate has great food and options for everyone. There several stations, including a very good sandwich and salad bar, on top of about 4 hot options. Twice a week there are sit-down lunches, but other than that you are free to sit and eat where you like, and are not required to attend lunch (or dinner) at all. Breakfast is good, with an egg and bacon-egg-cheese bar, but few people actually attend.

Wallingford isn't that great of a town. You can go into New Haven, or even New York, on the weekends. Wallingford does, however, have several big-box stores which are important when you're living alone.

I thought Choate was controlled by a group of wealthier kids who did and said what they wanted. Although you didn't have to be friends or hang out with them, they were a presence. There are so many down to earth people that in the end, it doesn't matter much.