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Hello everyone. I just would like to ask about the comparison of Dobbs Ferry and Eastchester. What can you tell me about either of them? Which has better school systems and more kids going to top universities? In which town is there, "more to do?" How do the people/community compare? Which do you recommend overall?
and by the way, I come from a very wealthy/high-achieving Nassau County suburb so I am accustomed to 20-30 kids per class getting into Ivy Leagues each year. Do you think Dobbs Ferry/Eastchester is too much of a jump?
If you're that worried about getting into the iIvy league you might as well send them to the best private school you can afford. I'd say that where you'll find the best odds in getting into target schools.
If you're that worried about getting into the iIvy league you might as well send them to the best private school you can afford. I'd say that where you'll find the best odds in getting into target schools.
Or at least consider Scarsdale, Bronxville or Chappaqua. Eastchester and Dobbs Ferry aren't in the same league. Some will argue that it's hair splitting, and it is, but if you're in someplace "very wealthy/high-achieving" then understand that Eastchester and Dobbs Ferry aren't quite in the same category as the others.
Or at least consider Scarsdale, Bronxville or Chappaqua. Eastchester and Dobbs Ferry aren't in the same league. Some will argue that it's hair splitting, and it is, but if you're in someplace "very wealthy/high-achieving" then understand that Eastchester and Dobbs Ferry aren't quite in the same category as the others.
I've heard that Dobbs Ferry has an excellent IB program which my district does not even have
I've heard that Dobbs Ferry has an excellent IB program which my district does not even have
So what? Do you have some real need for an IB program or do you view it as a college entry credential? If you think that's going to provide a meaningful admissions edge over a bunch of AP courses in Scarsdale or Chappaqua, then I think you're quite mistaken. Kids still need the SAT and AP scores, IB or no IB.
So what? Do you have some real need for an IB program or do you view it as a college entry credential? If you think that's going to provide a meaningful admissions edge over a bunch of AP courses in Scarsdale or Chappaqua, then I think you're quite mistaken. Kids still need the SAT and AP scores, IB or no IB.
Colleges determine the rigor of an applicant's schedule based on what is offered at that school, not what is offered at other schools.
Also, AP scores are not used by admissions officers to determine admissions but rather to allot college credit once the applicant is admitted.
The average SAT score is only 40 points lower than that at my current district, however
This is obviously a decision that only you can make. It depends on what you are comfortable with, and how much stock you put on being in one of the "top-performing/elite" districts like Scarsdale, Chappaqua, and Bronxville. There are plenty of other VERY good school districts in Westchester, and a top student will get into an Ivy from any of them. Many many people prefer other districts anyways because they don't like the pressure in those previously mentioned districts. It's not like college admissions people have never heard of Dobbs Ferry or even Eastchester for that matter.
Just as a point of interest, Scarsdale doesn't even offer AP classes anymore, and therefore they didn't rank on the newest top 100 high school list. And the thing is, they don't care. They came up with something they think is better, and it hasn't hurt the students' college admissions. This is the level of confidence that exists here. Is that the kind of attitude that you want and feel comfortable with? If you really want an IB program then why let someone else dissuade you? You really can't go wrong...
This is obviously a decision that only you can make. It depends on what you are comfortable with, and how much stock you put on being in one of the "top-performing/elite" districts like Scarsdale, Chappaqua, and Bronxville. There are plenty of other VERY good school districts in Westchester, and a top student will get into an Ivy from any of them. Many many people prefer other districts anyways because they don't like the pressure in those previously mentioned districts. It's not like college admissions people have never heard of Dobbs Ferry or even Eastchester for that matter.
Just as a point of interest, Scarsdale doesn't even offer AP classes anymore, and therefore they didn't rank on the newest top 100 high school list. And the thing is, they don't care. They came up with something they think is better, and it hasn't hurt the students' college admissions. This is the level of confidence that exists here. Is that the kind of attitude that you want and feel comfortable with? If you really want an IB program then why let someone else dissuade you? You really can't go wrong...
True enough. The fact is, if a kid TRULY is ivy-bound, any of these school will do the trick.
As far as the towns themselves, Dobbs Ferry's streets are narrow, and patched up all over. It's hard to drive through there, and the downtown area is junkie looking, rundown. Eastchester is brighter and the streets are newer and wider. I don't live in Westchester, but visit often (family in West. and farm upstate) I had to rent a clarinet last year for one of my daughters, and drove to Dobbs Ferry about 4 times. The streets were in such disrepair, I couldn't believe it was Westchester. The music store was like a slum. Maybe some see it as quaint, but to me it was a very difficult place to get around in. Considering the cost of living, there wasn't much that you get back for all your money.
Eastchester seems much more open, everything nice and new, streets are wide, and it just seems more modern and clean.
Impressions from an outsider.
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