where are you going? that has a lot to do with it, but generally with new england prep schools:
1. sports rule. kids who are good at mainstream sports are cool
2. relationships are not normal. you don't go on dates, you don't get to know girls, you awkwardly hook up for unset periods of time. the hotness of the girl depends on how good you are at lacrosse and how well you dress
3. you don't party. you sneakily binge with one or two other people
4. your teachers are excellent resources, but they will not offer help until you seek it out
5. every other new kid is in the same situation as you. play that to your advantage and you'll make friends in no time
6. the upperclassmen seem a lot older than they are. when you're in their position you'll realize. goes true for any school, but kids mature slower in boarding school
7. along the lines with 6, most of the kids at the school will fail at basic living skills. your ability to function in the real world will not give you status
8. be involved. as hard as it can be sometimes, show your face as much as possible. everybody will learn your name if you put yourself out there
sounds stereotypical and bad, but i spent 4 years at a prep school and i'm very glad i went. i made some awesome lifelong friends and, contrary to number 2, i met a great girl