Preps by Region: New England

Like accents, food, customs, and most other things, preps tend to vary throughout different regions of the country. This is the first installment of a series of posts that will take a look at some of the stereotypes of preppies throughout different regions of the country. Naturally, I'm starting with my personal favorite region in the country: New England.

Family: Most New England preps come from "old money." Somewhere down the line, an ancient relative helped found Boston, or some other trade of historical distinction; probably something nautical. They will be taught proper manners, but as life goes on, they will forget all about these lessons in everyday life, and only apply them at formal functions that they will frequent.

Summers: The New England prep will spend his or her time summering (yes, "summer" is a verb) down Cape (Cape Cod). The ideal spot is Nantucket, but Martha's Vineyard, or somewhere Lower Cape will do just fine. Block Island, in Rhode Island, or the coast of Maine also make acceptable spots for the family to summer.

High School: In the New England states, most preps will go to a prep school. The school may be co-ed, or strictly male or female, but it will more-than-likely be a boarding school. Phillips Andover (MA) and Phillips Exeter (NH) are two big ones with some very distinguished alumni. The preps are likely going to take a liking to sailing, soccer, ice hockey, rowing, and lacrosse. It is also common for the New England preppy to take a PG, or post-grad, year to get those grades up before college, or to look a little more appealing to college scouts.

College: Almost certainly, the prep will go to a small New England liberal arts school, or any Ivy League school. They will choose to major in business, communications, or pre-anything. He or she will also play for the school's DII or DIII sports team; whatever they were the best at in prep school--especially if that sport was hockey or lacrosse. Upon graduation, they will go to grad school, of course.

Career: Once grad school is complete, the New England prep will enter the workforce. The ideal job is in law, writing, medical practice, and finance. A career is needed that will pay well enough for the summer home on Nantucket, and to put the eventual two kids through expensive prep schools. They will undoubtedly find another prep to marry as they approach 30, and kids will be on the way in the mid-to-late-30's.

*This article is meant to poke fun and laugh at stereotypes, and not meant to offend anyone.