<p>Sorry I've been posting a lot of threads, I just have a lot of questions and I'm really nervous. Does anyone have any advice for future applicants? Things you wish you would've done/things that worked for you?
Thanks :)</p>
<p>Well…</p>
<p>I have some advice as far as choosing schools to apply to. Make sure to search thoroughly and don’t discard a school for a minor issue. That’s what I almost did. I almost didn’t apply to L’ville (the school I’m going to now) because I saw that there were no AP classes. I didn’t do my research to discover that they had the equivalent until much later. Make sure you carefully inspect each school, and visit!</p>
<p>See this thread from last year…</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1193538-words-advice-2011-12-applicants-parents.html?highlight=advice[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1193538-words-advice-2011-12-applicants-parents.html?highlight=advice</a></p>
<p>Thanks for the replies! The link from to the old thread was really useful! I was wondering: what an application form looks like? Is there a section where I can include some of my paintings? I’ve heard a lot of people talk about the term “hook,” what do they mean by that? Should I include EVERYTHING I do in my application, or just the main things? How many recommendations should I have? What are essay questions like? What surprised you about the application process? What would you have done differently if you redid the process? I know it’s really early to be starting, but I think it’ll be a lot of work. Sorry for so many questions. Thanks in advance :)</p>
<p>What an application form looks like?</p>
<p>While many schools have gone online with their apps, I remembered that Hotchkiss had a link to forms:
[The</a> Hotchkiss School - Admission - Applying - Links & Downloads](<a href=“http://www.hotchkiss.org/admission/applying/links-downloads/index.aspx]The”>http://www.hotchkiss.org/admission/applying/links-downloads/index.aspx)
You can download the app using the link on the right. Many schools have similar questions/sections.</p>
<p>Is there a section where I can include some of my paintings?
You could probably include a link to an online portfolio or include a CD of artwork…but I’d be confident they will help your cause/set you apart before doing so.</p>
<p>I’ve heard a lot of people talk about the term “hook,” what do they mean by that?
Search “hooks” using the search tool…too long to describe in the time I have right now. Basically some quality (intrinsic or acquired) about your profile that makes you more desirable to a school. It could be your race or your hometown add diversity to the school or that you are a varsity level athlete as a freshman or that you are a virtuoso instrumentalist for a section for which they need more talent.</p>
<p>Should I include EVERYTHING I do in my application, or just the main things?
See application. IMO, better to include what they ask for…too much info could work against you. Some schools get thousands of applications and more info is just more info.</p>
<p>How many recommendations should I have?
Most schools require a recommendation from a math teacher and an english teacher, plus a school report that includes grade transcripts and a report from the head of your school. The apps have prompts that are pretty similar, plus areas for free response. I think some may allow a letter in lieu of the form. Some want an extra recco from another teacher or adult mentor.</p>
<p>What are essay questions like?
See Hotchkiss app…but note that most schools have different prompts. Some schools accept common apps liked the TABS and SSAT apps, others have some parts in common, but unique school essay prompts (Gateway).</p>
<p>What surprised you about the application process?
I’m a parent…and I was surprised about how much time our family invested in the process last year.</p>
<p>What would you have done differently if you redid the process?
I don’t think we would have done much differently…it was our first time through (first board child). We will use what we’ve learned to approach things a little differently for younger daughter…probably will request info form and visit fewer schools.</p>
<p>Thanks so much SevenDad! That was really helpful! It really helped to look at the application form. Do tardies have much weight? I saw there was a section on the app, but does it matter to them if a student is tardy?</p>
<p>Hotchkiss like 10 or more other schools (including Groton and Andover) use the Gateway to Prep schools common application. Since my child is at Groton I can tell you that there is a PDF version of that app to review on the Groton website- Application section- how to apply- bottom right- pdf links. You will see that the very last section of the applicant profile allows you to upload multimedia information that reflects your interests and skills.
There is also a paper copy of all other relevant application information
It is very beneficial to include EVERYTHING about you that makes you YOU- even if you think it is a skill of no "academic " benefit. One of my daughter’s classmates is a champion waterskier: no call for it in NE prep schools but relevant none the less.
The biggest “hook” in my mind and in our particular experience- other than a strong application, is a GREAT interview. A thoughtful, calm, intelligent applicant trumps an awkward “genius” on paper every time. They are building a community here- if you can’t easily be a part of the community all your accolades come to nothing
Best of luck in your applications! :)</p>
<p>Oh, I think there’s room for an awkward genius or two at a school that prizes diversity…I wouldn’t say to eighth graders that awkwardness will always be trumped by poise. AO’s are good at putting kids at ease and determining whether or not they’ll be an asset to the community. I think a thoughtful, intelligent, perhaps overly/awkwardly passionate kid will do well at interviews too.</p>
<p>My only caveat to MDMomofTwo’s “send everything” advice is that your honor roll certificate from the local 6th grade is not sort of thing that is going to set you apart. Her example of being truly exceptional at a sport that a school does not have is very different than sending EVERYTHING. It is true distinction for that particular student.</p>
<p>+1 on having room for the awkwardly passionate brainiacs! ;-P</p>
<p>I agree- I was not clear. Dont send EVERYTHING, but I meant all that makes you YOU. My daughter sent links to her fund raising website ( she made colorful duct tape wallets for charity), a recording of her flute, information about her tennis.
Awkward brainiacs are all “part of the community” - they just can’t make up ALL of it, anymore that the bronzed, gorgeous, all american scions of Brahmin families can ;0)</p>