<p>I rarely use this site, but need some help. I am interested in knowing about the pros and cons of attending PA Andover as a 3rd year student (equivalent to a Junior in a regular high-school). Please see more details below:</p>
<p>Currently a sophomore in a well-regarded local private day-school.
Accepted to two boarding schools including Andover.<br>
Maintain excellent grades at local school that sends students to excellent colleges (7% to Ivies(mostly hooked ones, very few on academic excellence), another 25% to very selective LAC and other colleges)
Have no family, athletic or any other hooks.
Current day school has limited opportunities for a couple of my academic interests, which was my reason to consider boarding.
Confident will do well academically at boarding as well, but have no other special talent.
College admission is important - would be happy to find a good match for college rather than for any name or prestige.</p>
<p>If any PA alum or parent can answer this, it would be great. I am also interested in knowing about the experience of anyone who went to PA as a 3rd-yr student and how they did with regard to clubs, friends and college admissions. </p>
<p>Initial research indicates that some of the very selective universities seem to have interesting and advanced programs in the my chosen areas of interest. I am unsure if entering boarding as a 3rd yr student would make it harder to get into my college of choice. Thus far, I stand-out academically in my local school. I went through older posts on some related topics, but would like more insights. Appreciate discussions on pros/cons.</p>
<p>Consider applying as a “repeat sophomore” rather than applying as a junior. Your chances of admission into the boarding school will be higher (there are more available slots for new sophomores than for new juniors) and you will have an add’l year to aclimate to VERY intense academic environment in the soph year before gearing up for the college admission process in the junior year.</p>
<p>Applying as a “repeat” is common for boarding schools and is not viewed negatively by colleges. There is a surprising high proportion of “repeats” at the top boarding schools.</p>
<p>I don’t know. Two years is not horrible. The toughest part is getting acclimated to the students and making friends when you start at Junior year. And adjusting to the grading system and maintaining high grades may be a jolt. But he’ll have a solid year of junior work at college application time which will form part of the basis of his recommendation letters. And colleges will look at the fact that he took a risk in a favorable way.</p>
<p>It is true - being “top” of the food chain at a local school is helpful. But it’s not guaranteed if you go over to the college side of CC and look at how many “top of the food chain” students are batting zero on colleges after having stayed put.</p>
<p>Colleges - as I’ve seen in my own child’s case - are looking holistically at the applications and several confirm they simply combine the grades to develop a total gpa. </p>
<p>The OP should not focus on boarding school as a path to college possibilities (again - go peruse the college side to see what I mean about brutal season this year for talented students from any source) and look at Andover as a possibility to experience a different academic and cultural climate that adds additional flavor and tools to his personal portfolio. If it’s worth it in its own right - then it’s a good match. If he’s looking for a college matriculation guarantee then - its a coin flip as to how colleges will view him if he stays home. Some of my D’s local friends are getting into name brand colleges - others are not. Likewise - some of my D’s BS friends are getting into name brand colleges and some are not. All talented. Just a lot of competition. And staying in a local school to be the Valecdictorian is no longer the enhancement most people think it is - especially if the school is perceived as less rigorous (and even if it is not).</p>
<p>I know someone who started at PA as an 11th grader this year. Similar situation - coming from good local day school in a different metropolitan area. She adjusted really well - started with a fall (and now spring) varsity sport, so met kids right away. They have good supports for new students in all grades. </p>
<p>I had a good friend who came in to PA as a new Upper. I think he still regards it better than I do! He acclimated easily, did well academically & athletically, and went on to a good school.</p>
<p>I think moving schools as a junior is not such a good idea. It’s just my opinion but from the people I know, it’s harder to adjust then and the college admission process is already starting. If you ask he school, they should allow for you to be repeat. Good luck :)</p>