<p>andover2005,</p>
<p>Thanks for the clarification. Also, if you go to Andover do you need to bring a laptop or desktop computer? Which one is more convient and which do you have or know of someone having?</p>
<p>Andover, have you ever seen hazing at Andover or does that happen more typically at smalller schools? I just read an article about hazing at groton a few years ago and I know St. Paul's had a supposed incident. What do you hear about that at other schools? thanks</p>
<p>THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!!! Does anyone know any scholarships for private school that's not given from the school based on need? I need extra money!!! Help!!!</p>
<p>I have really enjoyed reading the threads posted on this board, and now I need your help. My son is currently applying to various prep schools. I feel somewhat intimidated when I read of these 98/97 percentile scores, because my son does not have these kind of the grades. However, he is an outstanding athlete with above average grades. Could someone honestly tell me what would be an acceptable score at an non-ivy league score? I would really appreciate any input.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>esahopeful</p>
<p>while andover has many many computers available for students and it is not necesary to have a computer, I would recommend bringing one anyways. it is nice to have one in your room for work (and entertainment) later at night. i prefer desktops, but there is an even spread between laptops and desktops. i also would go for a PC but that is debateable topic, and one that people frequently get quite heated up over!</p>
<p>as to hazing, the andover administration is most sensitive on this issue. I would say that out of anything that a kid at andover can do that is against the rules, hazing is seen as the worst by the administration. they will give you a second chance for alcohol, certain drugs, and other offences, but if you are caught hazing then you are out. they try extremely hard to make andover a "safe" place for every kid, no matter what. i know about the groton scandal, but that kind of thing is unheard of at andover and now is also unheard of at groton. the SPS scandal is slightly different, and although i have a few friends at the school, i cant really say how the administration is reacting to it and if they are going to do anything serious about it. what i can reiterate is that andover is crazy sensitive about hazing.</p>
<p>the order of things against the rules they care about most are: hazing, sexual harrassment, plagarism, drugs & alcohol, other miscilaneous. other schools seem to follow apporximately the same order.</p>
<p>golden,</p>
<p>could you clarify about the non ivy league scores? while im not exactly sure of what you are saying, i can report that sports will help a student get into the school a great deal. andover takes all types, and recruits heavily for sports.</p>
<p>Thank you Andover for replying. To clarify, we have been applying for schools that tend to have a higher acceptance rate, and have steered away from ones that seem extremely academic. He is very good at the sport he plays, but what scores do you think an average or above average school is looking for? Again, this is all very elementary to me. I appreciate any input.</p>
<p>I geuss 70-80 percentile.</p>
<p>Golden, when S was applying to boarding schools, I was shocked at how low the average SSAT scores really were for all but the top few schools. I know kids with strong athletics who got into one of the excellent schools in PA with 30% SSATs. 65-75 is very adequate. I think the test score is a much smaller part of the admissions picture for prep schools. Are you working with an educational consultant? They can steer you to the right schools for your child. The one we used was a big help, although I ultimately came up with the best school on my own. If you want to PM me, I can give you some thoughts. My son's summer girlfriend is at a wonderful school (all girls) with less demanding academics.</p>
<p>MOWC - no we have not been working with anyone in particular. Just word of mouth from his coaches. He took his SSATs on Saturday. I am leaning toward the schools with excellent programs in his sport. I have been to afraid to apply for the top schools. I really apppreciate your input. Is it ok to visit schools after you completed and submitted applications?</p>
<p>Golden- my S is an athlete, too, and that is why we chose the school we did. It is so wonderful. We were not able to visit schools until after he was accepted (long story). They are fine with that. Some of the schools do require an interview, though. What is your son's sport?</p>
<p>Boardingschoolreview.com lists median SSAT scores for many school. As another poster said, the scores seem to rapidly drop off when you get past the top 10. Schools with respectable names have medians like 45! My daughter also just took the SSAT Saturday.</p>
<p>Kirmum: Did you daughter think that it was difficult? What schools is she applying for?</p>
<p>My son thought the SSAT was fairly easy. He took it a year ago February. It is supposedly a lot easier than PSAT. The old girlfriend was admitted to her boarding school without even taking the test.</p>
<p>Golden - why the schools with "the best" sports teams. Are you looking for a sports future for your child or a college scholarship. I came from a big jock family - my brother played for he Red Sox - and my other brothers went to very good colleges on full scholarships. But for all four of them their education was worth more long term. My son is applying to R.L. and I too am curious to required scores on SSAT. My son thought the test was hard and scored a 96% I hope where ever he ends up he too will be very involved in sports but the teams win loss record is irrelevant.</p>
<p>My daughter felt the SSAT was easier than the PSAT. We decided she should take it early, without practice, and see where she is. We are just doing the research and putting together a list. We have decided against the big, super competitive schools (Andover and Exeter) and are looking at top schools that seem more rounded such as Groton, Thatcher, Cate, St. Paul's, Choate and Deerfield. In talking to a lot of families we realize that many people choose the larger two because their names are the best known, yet kids seem to have a much better, and happier, experience at the smaller schools. I am very much against a cut throat high school experience and see absolutely no advantage to putting a akid through that. Also look for specific programs, St. Paul's surprisingly has a top ballet program which is of interest to my daughter. Thatcher has a horse program also of interest. Some of the less competitive to get into that sound great to us are Hill, Germantown Friends, St. Andrews and Episcopal. If you read the prep school thread on the parents's board it references another site that has college placement statistics, SAT scores, etc. of all the schools. I found that helpful in seeing how competitive each school might feel.</p>
<p>That other site is prepreview.com</p>
<p>My son's sport is ice hockey. Thank you all for your input. This is all helping greatly.</p>
<p>Golden, I think Culver Military has the strongest ice hockey program in the country. It is an awesome school. Looks like a college. Have you looked at it?</p>
<p>Salisbury also has a very strong ice hockey program.</p>