Blair Academy Chances

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

<p>So I'm in 8th grade applying to Blair Academy as a 9th day student (no Legacy)(no FA), and I'm really curious what my chances are. </p>

<p>6th Grade: All A's/A+'s, one A-
7th Grade: All A's/A+'s
8th Grade First Marking Period: All A's/A+'s, one A- in Religion
Good Terranova Scores</p>

<p>School: I go to a Catholic School in New Jersey which has been awarded a 2012 Blue Ribbon Award</p>

<p>Extra-Curriculars:
Debate: 1st place winner (Got a perfect score) in county tournament
Football: 2 Time League Champions
Basketball: Reigning League Champions
Baseball
Junior Model UN: Best Delegate Award
World of Free Enterprise: Won 5 out of 7 Categories
School Newspaper Editor and front page article writer
Trivia Bowl: Two Time Champion
Lead role in school play
Choir/Chorus
Guitar
Winner of the "What Prejudice Means to Me" essay contest by the National Council of Jewish Women
Computer Coding/Development Classes
Sculpture
Cosmology: Attended a study of Venus at town library</p>

<p>I also had a really great interview with my interviewer.</p>

<p>SSAT Scores:</p>

<p>Reading: 87%
Verbal: 69%
Math: 49%</p>

<p>Overall: 69% (Many websites say Blair's SSAT average is 70%)</p>

2

<p>I’m not familiar with Blair but you could be in contention for a spot and A/E with your grades and extracurricular. The one thing that I might worry about is your SSAT scores. Sure they line up with the percentiles of Blair but A/O also look at individual scores and the 49% in math will not help your cause. Otherwise, I am sure that you are a great applicant and have a realistic chance.</p>

3

<p>thanks, what does everyone else think?</p>

4

<p>Oh, I am also in advanced math</p>

5

<p>And I forgot, I am a member of the National Junior Honor Society</p>

6

<p>I know test scores aren’t supposed to mean much, but for an intelligent student (by your grades/extracurriculars) I’m very shocked that you would receive such a low math grade if you’re in advanced math. Also, a blue ribbon school doesn’t mean anything. All the schools in my public district have them. Catholic leagues for sports also tend to be small. So it’s gotta be on the bigger scale. Your team might be winning, but who are they winning against? You’re in advanced math, but compared to what? Private schools don’t take the top few of every school, they take the top of the top. It’ll be easier to tell depending on your school ranking compared to other schools and your league rankings compared to other competitors.</p>

7

<p>My School is considered one of the top schools in the area. My school sends many of their students to Delbarton or Villa Walsh, which are considered some of the top private schools in New Jersey (Delbarton was ranked ninth in the country by the Wall Street Journal in 2008)</p>

8

<p>In that case I think you will definitely be accepted. Wait, do you need FA? If you need FA, then it’s a maybe.</p>

9

<p>I’m a full pay applicant, no FA required…anyway, thank you for your input</p>

10

<p>Blaire is a great school. The only thing that is worry-some is your math ssat score. You seem well rounded so the chances are good. Good luck!</p>

11

<p>As per college board review, Blair enrollment is 450 which to me means that they will accept every year around 112 kids, which makes it competitive. But their acceptance rate is 30%, which is better than some other schools. I would have said you would definitely get in had you scored 80% or more on SSAT considering your impeccable ECs. But as others pointed out, your low SSAT score is what probably going to put the AO in a dilemma. My hunch, you are probably going to make it in. Good Luck.</p>

12

<p>Great ECs. SSAT scores are a little low, but perhaps you can send additional info, at this rather late date, to support math ability? I do know, from experience, that SSAT scores can vary more widely that usually mentioned on CC. My son took the SSAT in Dec and got a 67% in math (and he is a gifted math student.) Took it again in Jan and got a 94% in math. Some days are just better than others, and he was terribly nervous on the earlier test. Again, you have wonderful ECs and grades…enough, I think, to prompt a look beyond baseline SSAT scores. Good luck!</p>

13

<p>SamHam, while I don’t have a crystal ball, I think that being 1 percentage point under a school’s average SSAT score is immaterial. Blair will consider your entire application in making a decision.</p>

<p>We have a current student at Blair and vouch that it is an outstanding choice. Our child is very happy and the sense of community is very strong. Blair has become more selective each year and has excellent college placement results. </p>

<p>Good luck to you on March 10! I am not often on this board but do check my PMs and will try to respond if anyone has any questions about Blair.</p>

14

<p>Thank you everyone! I was accepted to Blair and I am considering attending for next year!</p>

15

<p>Blair Academy is wonderful school, with stellar facilities and dedicated teachers. You seem like a good candidate - are you interested in any sports? It is a fantastic academic school. Good luck!</p>

16

<p>Congratulations SamHam!! You’re in for some wonderful years ahead at Blair. Hope you have a chance to attend one of the revisit days!</p>

17

<p>Thank you, I am interested in Football, Basketball, and Crew.</p>

18

<p>24daffordils, do you know anything about Blair’s debate team?</p>

19

<p>How did you find out that you were accepted? My son applied and we have not received notification either way</p>

20

<p>We can’t figure it out either. Logged on to the admissions portal and there’s no information there about yes or no. So I’m assuming it’s a no…</p>