What did you put on your application, and your SSAT score?
What are my chances?(im a 7th grader, applying next year for 2016-17)
Straight-A
Played piano for 8 years(9 next year)
Volunteer at China Science and Technology Museum for 2 years( When I was still in China, when I was 8-10)
AMC 8 7th grade school gold(score of 18)
16th in the Michigan Math League with a score of 31
13th in the MathCounts Regional
Seriously, guys, I just want to find out about my chances. And I ve already found a ton of safety schools, so not in need of advices on that.
Haven’t take the SSAT yet, taking it in Oct., if not get the score I wanted then retake in Dec.
Also: what could I do over this summer to improve my chances?
None of us work in admissions, so we can’t accurately chance you, and we certainly can’t do so without SSAT scores. The good news is that you have some safeties, which is incredibly important, as Andover is extremely difficult to get in to. Good luck.
Try to do some community service! Schools love that. As skieurope said, it will be hard to chance you since you don’t have your SSAT score, but otherwise just study really hard and try your best
Honestly, grades and SSAT matters a lot. this is because with great grades and SSAT score, you are now on the starting line. Without it, you will probably not even make it to the start. Then its your Extra-activities, essay and INTERVIEW. Anyone can look good on paper, its now all on the interview. After the interview, I got a sense which schools I might get in and which I wont. People say on-campus interviews are the best but it doesnt matter if you do an alumni interview. I only got into the school I did an alumni interview for HADES (kinda weird lol). Just work on your essay early and prepare for the interview. Remember, good grades and SSAT is mandatory to even start on this tough race of BS.
^^
The grades and SSAT matter to determine/confirm academic abilities and how applicants will do when presented with Andover’s academic rigor.
On-campus interviews are usually preferred not because of “higher chances.” The real reason why “people say on-campus interviews are the best” is because it allows for applicants to have a better feel for the school and visit in person. If you have the opportunity to visit campus, do so!
Honestly, the grades/SSAT are just one component of the application process. There are recommendations, ECs, community service, interviews, etc., to go through as well. Good grades/SSAT scores will put you in the running and show that you are qualified academically, but it’s up to the rest of the components to help you really stand out–many other applicants will also have outstanding grades and test scores. Find a passion and stand out. Be memorable!
I don’t think that anyone, not even admissions, can accurately tell you your chances unless you have your grades and SSAT scores readily available. What I can tell you, is that it is one of the most competitive schools around. I applied junior year (a lot harder than Freshman year, but still) I have a 94 GPA, 85% percentile SSAT, I am up to my ears in extra curricular activities, and I had a great interview, and I didn’t even get wait listed. Plus I am full pay and of a minority decent. I’m not bitter about it (Andover wasn’t my first choice) but it is ridiculously competitive. Go for It though. Put yourself out there and never give up. If that is your dream than apply until you get in. MAKE them take you. Don’t take no for an answer. Best of luck to you and really work hard on studying for you SSAT and getting those Grades! Best of luck!
I think scores and grades are a little bit overvalued by the people of CC. In my opinion and from what I’ve heard, schools weigh the interview and the application way more.
My son was accepted to PA in 2014. Getting in is quite tough. Your grades look good, and I’ll bet that you do well on the SSAT. If your scores are higher than mid 80th percentile it should be fine.
However your main weakness is that on paper you look like most Asians. Need to find a hook
@sgopal2 Where did your son end up going?