I am in the 8th grade and am in the process of studying for the SSAT. I was just curious if I had a chance to get into one of the top schools like Exeter, Andover, Deerfield, Choate, Hotchkiss, etc. I understand that getting into any of these schools is a stretch, but I got a 79 for one trimester while I was in 6th grade. That year I brought up the grade to an A by the end of the year. I have since consistently gotten writing awards in academic competitions which may work in my favor, though. I also got selected by my English teacher as her best student. In addition, I have gotten a 100, in math, for multiple trimesters at my school. I also play tennis and am ranked in the top 30 in my state (Texas). I play guitar as well and my teachers generally like me. I have taken similar tests, like the SSAT, and have scored in the 99th percentile for math and the 95th-ish percentile for English related parts. I also may apply for FA which will probably definitely lower my chances significantly. I understand that nobody can definitely say what my chances are. Going to boarding school isn’t a requirement as I live and attend school in a good district, but it would be nice. None of this was sugarcoated by the way. Thanks in advance. I would like to add that I wrote this in a hurry and had no chance to proof read it. Please don’t judge my writing ability based on this post.
You seem like a good candidate plus I’m also in 8th grade applying to Hotchkiss and Choate for 9th grade! Just glad that there’s someone out here like me, I tried to find some threads like this one but most of them are like a while back. So question how far are u on your app? I’m probably gonna send my Candidate Profle this week! And it’s fine if you have no awards as long as you ECs make up for it.
Sorry, I just saw your response. I just attended the TSAO (Ten Schools Admissions Organization) event to inquire about which schools would be the best fit for me. I was going to complete my Candidate Profile this week too! I also started prepping for the SSAT just to make sure I don’t fall behind. Are you applying to any other schools apart from Choate and Hotchkiss? Good luck to you. Thanks for your input.
AppleKid had a B the first trimester of 6th grade and was admitted to several of the schools that you referenced. I can’t say what your chances are for admission, but I did want you to know that one less than perfect grade wasn’t a deal breaker for at least one successful applicant. Good luck!
Thanks for your input. It really reassures me.
I’m also applying for many of the schools you just listed ( Omg ur so much more better than me tho…competition strong fam) And I think you seem like a great candidate. Getting a few Bs and A- s are actually good for your profile…because schools don’t usually look for perfect As and they don’t immediately identify those ppl as accepted. I’ve gotten a B + in my last quarter of Algebra last year ( first B I’ve ever gotten oh god), but that’s okay 
and I still believe that I have a great chance of getting in, and you do too. I don’t have any great advice for you except to STUDY REALLY HARD FOR UR SSAT and write really good essays. Also. interviews are not as important and stressful as people make it seem. The school is only interviewing you to see if you’re a normal kid and if you have good potential. My friend who got into Exeter for the 2016-2017 year said his interview was only 15 minutes. Easy. Good luck to you !!
Grades of all A’s are not necessary for admission to the top schools. An A is not an A is not an A. Grades are not accepted at face value in admissions. The applicant and the grades submitted will be assessed and validated by looking at the school the student is coming from, the courses taken, the SSAT, the essays, the recommendations and the interviews.
I’m applying SPS (St.Paul) Choate and Hotchkiss, I’m only applying to 3 as of right now. I hope we both get accepted.