<p>I currently have an interest in applying to St Paul's School for 2014-2015 for my junior year (5th form). I am aware that it is competitive and the admission rate is extremely low as the fact card shows on their website. </p>
<p>I know the campus extremely well and currently have a cousin who attends SPS, and I used to dance in the ballet company for the nutcracker and I currently volunteer regularly once a week when school is in session with a program that is held on the campus and with the students and other members.</p>
<p>My grades are something I am worried about though, and I will not go into specifics as you are not an admissions officer haha but </p>
<p>I have mostly high 90s
With an exception of 2 B+, and one C
The C in geometry from my freshman year is frightful as I know that it is not prep school qualifications. Yet, I still think I have a chance and could thrive there. </p>
<p>I take both Latin and Spanish, varsity rower (3 years), play the violin (8 years) and take part in honor groups etc.</p>
<p>I have yet to take an ssat but I am sure that I will score average if not above average. </p>
<p>Hello!
I applied to SPS as a new 5th former and was waitlisted. You’re right, admissions for junior year are extremely competitive, as they only let in 10-14 students (5-7 boys and 5-7 girls). From what I have learned through friends that attend SPS is that most who are accepted for 5th form are athletic recruits or have another great talent like ballet or music. Also, it’s hard for them to turn down full tuition legacy transfers (especially if they have a parent who has donated a lot of $$$).
That being said, your stats indicate that you are highly qualified for admission. Don’t worry too much about that one C especially if it was your freshman year- they like to see improvement and your many high 90s show that you can excel at a school like SPS.
My advice would be to email the rowing coach (they need girls rowers!!!) as well as the heads of the dance and music departments. DO IT NOW!!! You can and should schedule to participate in a ballet class on the day of your interview, and send in a cd/do a live violin audition. In your email to the rowing coach, include your 2k erg times.
With a strong SSAT score and a fantastic interview, I think you have a good chance of being waitlisted if not accepted.
Keep in mind that who they accept for 5th form depends largely on what they need to make up the class. If they need a ballet company member, you have a better chance. Same for the violin and rowing.
Best of luck!!! Feel free to PM me if needed!!</p>
<p>I have thought about that but that would mean when I graduate I would be 19, as well as I would stay back into my cousins form (grade) at sps. Which are both fine options but I would prefer applying 5th. Even though it is less of a prep school “experience” and has a lower admission rate.</p>
<p>There are a significant proportion of ‘repeats’ in the most selective prep schools, so you will not be alone as a repeat. SPS is problematic for 5th form admissions, because it takes a much lower fraction of new 11th graders, as compared to the other top schools. </p>
<p>Like I suggested earlier, ask the AO’s during your interview if repeating is advisable. This is not a decision you have to make right away, nor in a vacuum.</p>
<p>Ok, I understand. It’s just personal preference. I will take your advice for consideration again, as I have already thought about this before. Thanks</p>