Another question..

<p>My mom arranged a visit for me to spend a day at a local prep school that I applied to. The admissions officer asked what I was interested in and she told him math, band, and history. The thing is, I don't really like math and she didn't say anything about foreign language. (I'm self studying French I and Spanish I through Breaking the Barrier, which is what Groton uses) I really want to know how the foreign language program is. What if the officer doesn't put me with a "buddy" that doesn't take a foreign language course? Should I email him and ask him to put me with someone who takes French or Spanish?</p>

<p>Yes, email him. He will like that you showed an interest. Also tell him you aren't that interested in Math. :D But in a polite way, not rudely like I would. ^^</p>

<p>I think you'll find that at any decent school, everyone takes a language. Anyway, aren't you just applying to the one school? What will you be comparing it to?</p>

<p>What's your backup plan Jonathan?</p>

<p>For now I'm just applying to that school. I might be applying to one where my dad lives but my mom isn't too sure about it.</p>

<p>The acceptance rate at the local prep school is 70%, so I'm pretty confident I could get in.</p>

<p>Jonathan, looking at overall acceptance rates can be misleading. Schools have self selected applicants.</p>

<p>Is that rate for all grades or the one you're entering. Does the school have a policy of favoring siblings, faculty kids, kids of corporate donors, legacies? What is the acceptance rate for financial aid applicants? What is the average SSAT of accepted candidates for your grade?</p>

<p>Bottom line, apply to more than one school!!</p>

<p>Jonathan, this concerns me too. You posted that the school has a 1300 average SAT. That does not sound like a school with a 70% acceptance rate so it indeed could be a self selected group of high achievers as Suze mentioned.</p>

<p>With a 1300 average SAT I would guess average SSAT to be at least somewhere in the 80s.</p>

<p>Have you retaken the SSAT? If you score in the 90s on national tests perhaps you choked. You do not have to wait for a test date as school counselors can administer the test.</p>

<p>The school is very small. The graduating class is only about 90 students. </p>

<p>Most students apply for 6th grade, but I'm applying for ninth and I don't think many students do, but the admissions officer said 9th grade is the year where most new students come, besides sixth grade.</p>

<p>I want to apply to a day school where my dad lives but my mom is refusing to let me apply. She wants me to go to the local public high school. She doesn't understand why I just can't go to my current school like everyone else. She just doesn't get it.</p>

<p>That explains a lot Jonathan, because it seems clear you haven't been getting perental help with analyzing your situation. </p>

<p>How do you feel about your public school?</p>

<p>I feel that I could be getting a much better education at a different school. It seems like every year it's review, review, review. The local HS doesn't offer any AP's, and not many students aim for top universities. I just really want motivated peers, great academics, and some extra curricular activities that I am interested. The public school that I would go to next year offers only French Club and Juggling Club or something else ridiculous like that. They also offer NHS, but you can't join that until the eleventh grade.</p>

<p>So start some clubs. Sign up for EPGY. Take APs on line. Doing all that and doing well will give you a great shot at top colleges.</p>