Am I being at all realistic?

<p>My name is Emily, and I really want to apply to BS. I am very worried about my chances at getting into anything.</p>

<p>Academically I suppose I'm alright, I'll be taking Honors American Lit, French 2, Chemistry, US History, as well as Web Page Design this year. My only academic worry is that I'm in the "essentials" math levels at my school because of difficulty in First level Alg. last year. </p>

<p>The only awards I have are High Reading award, meaning I was the most advanced in reading during my 8th grade class, and I also got advanced on my ninth grade biology MCAS last year.</p>

<p>I don't do any sports, but I'm a Board Member for my schools Diversity Club, I take a T.V. Production course, I'm in Key Club, and I'm an engineer/programmer for my Robotics Team.</p>

<p>I would also need some extreme FA.
I'm planning on applying to re-do tenth grade.
I'm applying to Berkshire School and St. Mark's School, what are my chances?</p>

<p>Honestly, it's hard to chance for a boarding school.</p>

<p>(Read the post on Interviews on the main BS page.)</p>

<p>But, you seem to be strong enough. Do you really want to go? Can you convey your personality well in an interview and in writing?</p>

<p>it really depends on the person and it's hard to predict but everyone has a fair chance pretty much. it all depends on whether or not the admissions committee thinks you're compatible for the school.</p>

<p>...well</p>

<p>Ultimately the decision is a majority vote performed by the admissions committee. The fact that you take essential math may hurt. It is also vital to perform well on standardized testing. Honestly, you should receive an advanced on every MCAS... </p>

<p>hotchkissjin is correct. It all does depend on whether or not the admissions committee considers you compatible for the school... It's always worth a shot! You certainly have a fighting chance. Good Luck!</p>

<p>i agree with benevolent.</p>

<p>people who go to boarding school are usually the best of their school meaning they got the level four or top score on their state standardized testing. most people also excel in math by one or two years. math and english is a core subject at boarding school, them being the most important. its going to hurt your chances a lot since the class is important. it's like taking a remedial class and the college seeing that you took that type of class on your transcript, it will definitely not make you look good. i know some people that failed their reading state standardized test and was placed in the reading remedial class. they are now freaking out because they definitely know it'll look bad when the college's see it. it'll be the same when the admission committee sees it.</p>

<p>even though i am at the top of my school its seems like there are so many qualified candidates........</p>

<p>What is 'essential' math? Do you mean like mandatory? Like NOT honors?</p>

<p>This shouldn't hurt... not everyone is in honors classes, everyone has strengths and weaknesses.</p>

<p>If by 'essential' you mean a remedial of some sort, than yes, this will not look good.</p>

<p>Well, as an update. I was accepted at Berkshire (did not end up applying to St. Marks after falling in love with Berkshire at the interview), but I'm still not sure if I got enough FA to go. </p>

<p>I'm low-middle class, and in addition to our normal finantial struggles my mother is now dealing with $8,000+ in hospital bills. </p>

<p>I'm truly in love with Berkshire, and I will do anything to go.
I NEED to make this happen.</p>

<p>Another update:
Got waitlisted for FA. Feeling a bit miserable, and really frustrated for myself right now.</p>

<p>It's not as if my family could struggle and get the money for me to go-- No. There's NO WAY I can go to Berkshire without the money magically appearing for full tuition.</p>

<p>I was so close--</p>

<p>Lillium - don't give up hope just yet. Given that your mom has had added expenses, she should probably contact the FA office to explain the change in your family circumstances. It is possible that the money will come through in the next few weeks. Keep in contact with the school....show your interest! Good luck!</p>