<p>I'm leaving out the school name for now just to get initial reactions. I'm working on casting that wider net and stumbled upon a school that will be near our holiday travel spot (though it might be closed during this time). There are a few programs that sound so amazing for my son specifically. But I can't stop the bad thoughts like, if it's so great, why aren't kids flocking to apply? Why do they admit nearly everyone?</p>
<p>My guess is it’s not in New England, or not easily accessible to a major metro area. Also, is it single sex? Those often have higher dammit rates as fewer families seem willing to consider that choice these days. Obviously factors like average scores and placement coming out are important to research and ask about, but I wouldn’t let it keep you from going and checking the place out for yourself. Maybe it a a true “hidden gem”(or maybe not)!</p>
<p>It’s co-ed and south of New England. Way south. No SSAT required and it’s not an art school or anything.</p>
<p>Would you consider looking at an all boy BS or a Catholic BS in the NE with 35% acceptance rates? I know two great schools I can vouch for (via family members). Also- have you looked at schools like Gunnery, Putney, Tilton or Proctor? These schools are very nice wide net options. I’m not sure what you’re looking for, but the schools mentioned above have support for kids coming in (if they need it) that can be shed later on. They also have fairly impressive college matriculation lists, too!</p>
<p>I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a 83% acceptance rate. It could be the perfect place!</p>
<p>Proctor is at the very VERY top of our list. And the school in mention has two very famous astronaut alumni and a scuba and marine science program. I’m wondering if the 83% acceptance may be an indicator of a lot less available FA and therefore less applicants. I hope not but I’m leaning toward that theory.</p>
<p>I would not rule out the 83% school but I would be cautious. </p>
<p>I would tend to think that a school with such a high accept rate must have reasons. It can always have great academics and a couple of great programs. However, there should be some negative reasons. Try to define what they are. </p>
<p>Some possible reasons I could think of are as follows:</p>
<ol>
<li>Low % of boarders - lack of proper weekend programs or infrastructure for boarders</li>
<li>English as a Second Language program (ESL) resulting in taking many international students. Many of them are very well motivated but some may have hard times of adjustment and then lose their motivation later on.<br></li>
<li>Financially unstable - Check if the school has been in the market for a reasonably long period of time.<br></li>
<li>Recent problems/issues - any very negative issues recently?</li>
<li>Less motivated teachers, less motivated students. </li>
<li>Not an ideal location for a boarding school (safety issues)</li>
<li>Poor college matriculation record</li>
<li>Very serious drugs/alcohol/sexual issues</li>
<li>Problematic campus buildings/maintenance (another safety) issues </li>
<li>Frequent faculty (& student) turnover(transfer)/low student retention</li>
</ol>
<p>Any school - even the school with a poor academic performance - can have a great program such as marine science and very successful graduates.</p>
<p>This is a really helpful list! Thank you. Going to use Google and go through one at a time. My Dad is withing two hours of school so I’m sending h to check it out early next week while school is still in session.</p>
<p>I sent you a PM.</p>
<p>The no SSAT part is a bit of a red flag combined with the 83% rate. There are good reasons for schools to have high acceptance rates though. Some schools (day and boarding) encourage parents (either gently or less so) to withdraw an application if it is clear that an acceptance is not in the cards under the theory that 8th grade is pretty young for that kind of blow.</p>