<p>So. What if there is really only 1 boarding school that appeals to you? We have good day schools in my area, and there is really only one boarding school that interests me right now.....</p>
<p>Is it a bad idea to tell that school that they are the "only one"? Does it help if you do so?</p>
<p>Anyone out there done this?</p>
<p>Our family did this. There were solid reasons for choosing this particular school (its more conservative stance, close proximity to home, and assurances from people who knew the school well that our daughter was “the school’s type”). Our daughter had very high academic and SSAT qualifications – higher than the school’s average – and her essays were exceptional, so we felt justified in feeling optimistic.</p>
<p>We wanted the school to know that it was “our type” as well. During my parent interview, I stressed all the features of the school that I felt made it a perfect choice for our daughter. I told the admissions officer that if she were accepted, she would almost definitely attend and would pay the full tuition (no financial aid).</p>
<p>Thankfully, she was accepted. We know numerous families in our county whose children applied to the school and did not get in, so we felt very thankful. However, in almost every case, that school was only one of several that the child was applying to. We had made it clear that this was our only choice.</p>
<p>So, I feel the reasons she got in were because (1) she was overqualified, (2) she had excellent recommendations from people who knew the school well, and (3) we guaranteed that she would go there if accepted.</p>
<p>We will make sure they know. Our daughter already had an off-campus “interview” with the Admissions rep when they were in our area. We had about an hour to discuss the school and ask questions. I think it went well and they seemed to really bond with my daughter (but I will admit, they might just have been good at their job!).</p>
<p>We visit in person at the end of the month.</p>
<p>Not sure on the qualification/overqualification. SSAT testing is next week. Grades are good (mostly A with a few B grades…) so hoping that will do it. This is not a “tier 1” school – I think she is a good candidate but not the straight A/99%ile kid… she is, however, extremely well-rounded so hoping that counts!!</p>
<p>I appreciate your information.</p>