As we enter the peak of the admissions visit season, you've seen campuses, toured with students, and chatted with admissions officers. With a list of schools to which you plan to apply taking shape, your family is discussing what differentiates each school and hopefully talking about "fit." On paper, prep schools can all look the same and data points like student-to-teacher ratio, percentage of day and boarding students, number of AP classes offered, college matriculation lists, etc. are all incredibly similar. The key differentiating factor among boarding schools lies in each school's culture. The feel of each school is what makes these institutions unique....and perhaps that feel is the most important factor as you and your child look to enroll at a school that will enable him/her to thrive, grow, and succeed in meeting his/her educational goals.