<p>I am from Taiwan and I am fluent in English and mandarin. Since 6th grade, I have maintained an A average (with some A-'s and A+'s here and there). On the last practice SSAT I took, I got 2287, and I always take the higher level math tests (our school has tiered assessments for Alg 1). As for EC's, i do not have many, but I am an excellent swimmer and I have won several competitions in the US as well. I have already met with the coach and he seems very impressed and says that he will try to push the topic to the admission counselors. I also have been in Concert Band in the Last two years and i play the Tuba.</p>
<p>Oh... and I am also a student rep for eighth grade.</p>
<p>Could people just post their honest opinions on whether or not I am going to be accepted?</p>
<p>I think you should also consider some ‘safe schools’ because of the plethora of International students with such impressive stats … playing in symphony orchestras, building irrigation systems in third world countries … retaking SSATs to get their 98% to 99% … Anyway, the competition is tough for those schools and I know ppl with similar stats who were waitlisted.</p>
<p>Why interviews went great! My dad went to the same boarding school as my L’ville interviewer and she is very impressed. At Peddie, I swim a lot and I have talked to the coach and he seems pretty cool, but I also me the headmaster and he told my dad to send him an e-mail (is that a very good sign???) to remind him of me since I brought up swimming. Andover, I have already met the coach and he says that he will push very hard for my application and the interview was a chinese teacher and seemed quite impressed (i hope).
I havent actually taken the SSAT’s yet, those were just practice tests from Princeton Review, I have about 200 note cards from three sources and I have been practicing reading comprehension every night…
As for my essay’s I haven’t actually sent them in yet, but my brother is at Taft and he is revising my work as is a couple other English major family friends.
As I said, I play the tuba very well, and our family is supporting some other family down in Southern Taiwan.</p>
<p>Sorry I did not include in my last post but I think that I had some pretty good recommendations since my english teacher likes me a lot and i am top 2 in my math class so no problem there. </p>
<p>But for my personal rec I am using my 7th grade math teacher? would that be a good idea or should I get someone else…</p>
<p>Although I would have liked to use my coaches rec I cant since he only speaks and writes mandarin.</p>
<p>This is gonna be a bit harsh =(
You look like a standard asian canidate:
Either swims or plays tennis
Near perfect grades
one or two instruments
So, for the top tier schools like Andover, you have a decent chance, not that great…
As for L’ville and Peddie, id say you’d almost certainly get in</p>
<p>^The only suggestion I can give you is: Step back, put yourself in the school’s position. They are looking for candidates that stand out in the crowd.<br>
You should do some community service. Such as volunteering and such. You have a great chance, but you could use a few more ECs.</p>
<p>The thing is, I know a lot of kids who go to schools like Andover and Exeter, and the majority of them do everything you do plus like student council, tons of volunteering, etc
Also, I know it kind of sucks, but there’s almost nothing I can tell you that will actually help other than to do good on SSATs and essays etc, because its too late to take up a sport, join a club etc.
Another question, are you an international applicant or not?
Either way, the fact that you lived in Taiwan for a decent amount of your life (I’m assuming this, please correct me if I’m wrong) should help your chances
But on the flip-side, Chinese/Taiwanese people are an over-represented group in boarding schools. BSs seek to diversify, so I don’t really know whether you’re ethnicity will help.</p>
<p>I think that Chinese people are definitely a over-represented group, but what I heard was that Taiwan has a separate quota from China, which means that although China may have too many people, Taiwanese acceptance rates should not drop (as of right now, I am the only one from Taiwan applying for Andover).
Also, being a student rep basically is student council except student rep is only for a semester and we had to be elected.</p>
<p>Are you sure you’re the ONLY one in the entire country of Taiwan applying?
I would think like about 5 people would apply from Taiwan considering its size</p>
<p>Well, I basically go to the only American school in Taiwan, and nobody in my grade or the grade above me is applying. There is no that big of a chance that a local kid apply for Andover though… and even if they do, I think I trust my ssat’s will help.</p>
<p>Yangster, your SSAT’s isn’t everything; however, you have impressive stats so don’t worry too much. Also, by your logic, I am the only Korean in my school, however, that doesn’t mean I’m the only Korean applying.</p>
<p>Swimming is a big deal at Peddie and L’Ville. Peddie is much more like a collegiate swim program and L’Ville is an excellent high school swim program (1 season, only). If you want an intense swim program, Peddie would be a good choice. My d goes there and loves it. </p>
<p>No matter what, if you have good times, swimming will give you an edge during the admission process at Peddie and L’Ville. Make certain that you contact the swim coaches at both schools–L’Ville coach spent a lot of time w my d and I liked him very much. Same was true at Peddie–he is the best coach my daughter has ever had! He makes swimming fun and rewarding! </p>
<p>Sandwindsun: I have already concluded my interviews and i have talked with both coaches. They both seem like very nice people, and I gave both coaches a video of my meets and a list of my times…</p>