Can I get into at least one of these schools?

Prep School Admissions
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<p>I'm in 8th grade and I'm applying for 9th grade to Andover, Exeter, Groton, Choate, Deerfield, and Hotchkiss. I was wondering if you could say how much of a chance I have to get into (at least one of?) these schools.</p>

<p>I'm a straight A student, and I received an award in 7th grade for being on the high honor roll the whole year. I dance ballet 6 hours a week, and I play the piano, which I have won a "top talent award" in the National Guild Auditions. I am on the school's speech team, and in tournaments, I have won 4th, 3rd, and 1st place for prose. I am vice president of the student council, and we are raising money for Make-A-Wish Foundation with a coin drive. We are also doing bake sales to raise money for a food pantry. In addition, I got student discounts for my school from a nearby Friendly's. I do some theatre, playing various ensemble parts and recently, Patty Simcox in Grease. I'm also part of a singing group, and we do performances in many public areas and nursing homes and such. I also volunteer at a local nusing home for about three hours a week.</p>

<p>I haven't started my essays, nor one my interviews, but I'm pretty good at interacting with adults. As for the essays, I'm not so sure how well I'll do, but I'm going to write the best I can and have many people look over them and stuff. I'm taking the SSAT's on 11/08, but so far on practice tests, I got in the 93 percentile range, but I know the practice tests are a lot easier than the real thing. I'm also memorizing vocab words like crazy. ;-)</p>

<p>My sister went to Andover and got into Exeter and Groton, but I'm not sure how much that will help, though the Dean of Admissions at Andover was her dorm adviser, so she knew her very well. (although, if the dean of admissions hated her, I'm screwed, haha)</p>

<p>As for recommendations, I think my math and English teachers like me enough to write at least a decent one. </p>

<p>Also, I'm not sure if I should apply for FA. I was thinking of doing that only for Andover and other need-blind schools. My parents say that they can support me, but my sister is in college on little FA, so I would imagine that it would be tough. Also, does applying for FA for the schools I mentioned above hurt my chances of getting in?</p>

<p>So what do you think my chances are? Thanks so much!! :-)</p>

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<p>lollipopluvr - your chances sound as good as the next person - all your schools are very competitive so are reaches for anyone.</p>

<p>Why are you not considering St. Paul's? With your ballet, piano, and speech background, it's seem like a good fit. They have the best dance program of the boarding schools, and are strong in debate and music.</p>

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<p>thanks, I'll look into St. Paul's. i heard that they have auditions for classical ballet. if i'm good, will i have a better chance of being accepted??</p>

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<p>lollipopluvr - yes, it could increase your chances of admission. I sent you a PM.</p>

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<p>Thanks! I'm adding St. Paul's to my list. :-)</p>

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<p>Yes St. Paul's should be on that list! INCREDIBLE Ballet! But then everything there is pretty amazing. Financial aid will not hurt you. I was a full scholarship student.</p>

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<p>What about FA for other schools? Like the one's I mentioned above? Will they compare me to other applicants for FA and pick out the best? or are they all need-blind?</p>

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<p>Sounds good. HOWEVER, you need to look at the schools and not go by name. My D loves dance too and that was our important weaning point. Others have used sports, etc.
Exeter has a terrible dance facility. It is stuck (almost as an after thought) in an attic with support poles throughout. The coach is great, but exceeding difficult to do ballet. I heard there were plans...., but....</p>

<p>Deerfield has a great dance program as does St Paul. I am not sure of the others as they did not make our weaning.</p>

<p>Coaches have a "say" in the admission process. If you have a good tape of your ballet, you should submit it to the dance coach.</p>

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<p>As for FA, you should have your parents do the PFS form (schools all have links on their site) and just do the parent report for now. That way they will get the amount that the schools will see that the "formula" says they can pay. If it is under tuition, then absolutely apply for FA.<br>
If it's quite a bit over tuition, I'm not sure because someone did recently post that applying for FA when you clearly don't have a "demonstrated need" is a way to get your application tossed. I can't find that post right now...anyone?</p>

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<p>so can I go and take a ballet class when I'm visiting the schools? I know st. pauls makes you do that, but what about andover and deerfield and other schools? Also, how is my resume so far? what should I do to make my overall application seem more appealing? thanks so much. :-)</p>

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<p>Contact the dance director at Deerfield. You should be able to arrange a visit to a dance class while you are there.</p>

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<p>These links from the Andover web site re: students involved in dance might be of interest:</p>

<p>Phillips</a> Academy - Kiara</p>

<p>Phillips</a> Academy - Carolyn</p>

<p>Dance faculty links are here:</p>

<p>Phillips</a> Academy - Theatre & Dance Faculty</p>

<p>Your sister can probably help out with other Andover information....</p>

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<p>thanks! any experiences w/ the admission process? what's my chance of getting into at least one of these schools? i'm almost positive i'll be attending BS next year, so should I add a safety school? what other schools should i add to my list? Thanks!! :-)</p>

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<p>Also, any of you know of Miss Porter's, Lawerenceville, CA, or Dana Hall School? I was considering applying to one or two of them. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Lollipopluvr.
My d looked at all of the above and then looked at Mercersburg and loved it. The dance teacher was praised by the teachers at all of the above (We asked each what she thought of the other dance programs) and has the best facilities. They also have students that go to Julliard and other "Art colleges" which some of the above discourage.</p>

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<p>My S looked at Lawrenceville, and though he chose another school, really liked what he saw (as did my husband who took him for the interview).</p>

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<p>I have also been looking at Lawrenceville. The school looks amazing, and the college matriculation was very impressive.</p>