What do you guys think is the most essential part of a prep school application? The interview? Testing? Extracurriculars? What looks most appealing on your applications
It seems to me (not very experienced in this area!) that it is not just one area but the package deal and what you will bring to a particular school that year. It could be the need to fill a spot on a team or an orchestra, your personal background or from where you hail, and so on. Most expect an stellar academic background, at least most of the school mentioned here.
I don’t know.
But I believe your GPA and SSAT are the most important, because I suspect that, if those metrics are not within a certain target range, your application will be declined fairly summarily. How else to get through that pile ?
Then they get down to the hard work of fit and of composing a class of assorted strengths, and weighing various facets of each candidate.
There are exceptions, but those exceptions know who they are and aren’t looking here to read tea leaves.
I noticed that when you submit EC info to a coach etc, right on the forms is “what is your GPA and SSAT”. To me that means the coach or program head must be trying to ferret our the weak candidates before they fall in love with the floutist or swimmer who has no real chance.
Of course, that begs question, just what is that target range.
I go back to where I started. I don’t know.
The most important thing is what a lot post on here ask about. A great hook. What schools really want to see is someone who preforms really well academically,physically and socially. As well as something that makes you stand out and be unique. For example if you helped start a charity organization or are a part of a lot of school organizations for long periods of time and have the ability to showcase your passions. That’s what makes you stand out in the hundreds of applications they receive.
I would argue that the admissions office takes a holistic approach when it comes to scouring through all of the applications. All these different aspects of the applications are to show who the applicant really is. The academics, SSAT/ISEE scores, and extracurriculars show the student has demonstrated interest in specific areas and if the applicant would be able to keep up with the school’s coursework. The interview and essays tackle the more personal aspect of the applicant in addition to exploring the reason behind the applicant’s academic passions. All of these then boil down to whether or not the applicant will be a good fit at that school.
While there are those “special” applicants, one must have to invest billions in a new Science building or be the child of the Queen of England to truly stand out in the applicant pool. SevenDad has spoken of/implied the role, or lack thereof, that hooks play in the admission process (see “Applying to selective boarding schools in 2015-16 app cycle? Read this…”).