Big fish in small pond or small fish in big pond...?

@GMTplus7‌ I’m two points below their SSAT average and I do have a hook (Theatre). I have low A’s and high B’s at the best private day school in the state and I also have time for extracurriculars, but would this be enough to succeed? I am leaning towards the “big pond” (Loomis) but I’m nervous that should I get there, I would be completely overwhelmed.

Im worried that the same thing will happen to me at Exeter!

And that’s completely normal. And every single one of the new admits will be feeling the same.

@bicerip‌ Dude, I know! Didn’t a certain girl in your grade who I don’t want to name get in too? That’s so awesome for her and she seems so nice. It’s gonna be so fun for you guys!

If entering into top colleges is your main criterion when choosing a prep school, a big fish in a small pond could be advantageous. But boarding school experience is much more than college prep and it depends on your personal learning/socializing style. Some can feel more comfortable in a smaller, tight-knit environment while others are opposite. There are some people I know who went to the big boarding schools and said it was a great networking opportunity as they had more students and alums.

@HistoryGeek‌40,
2 points below the schools SSAT average is fine. I was referring to previous posters who score 20+ points below the school’s average.

Oh, phew! That’s a major relief! @GMTplus7‌ I’m definitely willing to work to make my own at this school should I choose to attend, but I just wouldn’t want to be the black sheep in a pasture of intelligent, more athletic, and more talented sheep.

If entering into top colleges is your main criterion when choosing a prep school, you’ve chosen the wrong reasons to attend a prep school.

Trust the admissions people. They fully believe you can do the work, and they fully be
Ieve you’ll fit in.