Community Corner
Local Boarding School Students Write Book on the Boarding School Experience
Exciting news. California teen and current Phillips Academy Andover student Justin Muchnick's second book, The Boarding School Survival Guide, comes out on June 10, 2014. And he just turned 16 years old! Two Lawrenceville students, Evan Lee and Coby Zur, also wrote chapters for the book. (Justin conceived of the book idea at age 14, found a respected educational publisher, Peterson’s, researched, solicited submissions, edited, and wrote the project at 15, and now it will be in store and on line. His first book was Straight-A Study Skills).
Attached is a link to the press release, cover image, sales ad, and endorsement page. You can also check out The Boarding School Survival Guide on Facebook for more info and you can email him at boardingschoolsurvival@gmail.com with any questions, too. The Twitter feed is @BoardingSchl if you would like to follow the book.
Justin is in Boston attending Phillips Academy Andover and finishing his final term of his sophomore year. Evan and Coby are currently third and second year students at Lawrenceville.
Justin is also awarding two $1000 scholarships of his own earnings designated to go towards paying boarding school tuition to two worthy selected readers who apply for this recognition. More details are in the book as well.
Thank you in advance for your support and consideration of this unique and worthwhile project. PRESS RELEASE:
Peterson’s Newest Author Justin Muchnick Helps Students Survive Boarding School: Unique tell-all is written for students, by students
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http://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Survival-Guide-Petersons/dp/0768938732
Advance Praise for The Boarding School Survival Guide
Find out what's happening in Lawrencevillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
by Justin Ross Muchnick
“What a great way to introduce oneself to the world of boarding schools! Learn from the experiences of two wonderful Andover students, Justin Muchnick and Bennett Sherr, and their counterparts at other leading schools. This book belongs on the nightstand of any prospective boarding school student and her or his parent."
-- John Palfrey, Head of School, Phillips Academy, Andover
"In The Boarding School Survival Guide, Justin Muchnick has assembled contributions from more than 20 boarding school students. They’re smart, diverse, witty, and helpful—just like the students I meet on my travels to boarding school campuses. The chapters cover a wide range of considerations: from the school search, application, and selection process, to life in the classroom, the dining hall, and the dorm. Whether the topic is writing papers or doing your own laundry, the student authors take time to explain and reassure, caution and encourage. Throughout, they speak with genuineness—and with genuine enthusiasm for a little-understood but amazing learning opportunity. If you’re planning to attend boarding school, considering it, or simply curious, read this book."
Peter Upham, TABS Executive Director (The Association of Boarding Schools), BoardingSchools.com
“No one in the boarding school admission office chooses a photo highlighting a student frowning on rainy, cloud day as its cover shot for their viewbook. Quite the contrary, bright fall colors, robust smiles and everyone engaged is the photo sought and selected. Young Mr. Justin Muchnick has cut through the veneer so any student, parent, prospective employee, ANYONE considering life at a boarding school would be well served to peruse this manual and embrace its heartfelt message. What makes it most compelling to me, a 20-plus year veteran of the boarding school admission arena, is the fact Muchnick doesn't rely solely on his alma mater, as distinguished as in may be, but he has drawn from a cast of contributors representing a myriad of institutions: public, private, big, small, country, city etc. Quite simply, he practices what he preaches, and therefore The Boarding School Survival Guide is now a must read to all my prospective students because it does rain, clouds do materialize and, yes, frowns are seen on occasion around campus (especially around finals week during Leftover Sunday Dinner!)”
Alan D. Whittemore, Dean of Admission, Maine School of Science & Mathematics
“Attending boarding school is a big decision, and it is an exciting time. The transition period to a boarding school is a different experience for each student and parent. Careful planning can make the transition smoother. Justin’s book is a very comprehensive overview of the myriad aspects of boarding school that people simply do not think about. The Boarding School Survival Guide covers it all—A to Z. It is a must read for any family preparing for boarding school” Joe Hemmings, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment, Hebron Academy
“Any decent boarding school creates its own subculture. It has its own set of conventions, traditions, rules, expectations, and celebrations. Stepping into this world is a bit like culture shock, and can overwhelm a new student. By studying these vignettes of boarding school life, any prospective student will get a sense for what's to come. They can make an informed decision about whether this world is right for them, and how best to adjust once they enter it. Boarding school is an all-consuming, immensely rewarding experience. This book will prepare you to enter that world.” -- Brett Potash, Dean, The Webb School of California
