Chance me for Andover/Exeter/Choates

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

I’m currently in 8th grade, asian male, studying in Canada.

GPA:
Our province (state in us terms) doesn’t use gpa, but my grades are as follows:
97, 97, 97, 94, 93
and a 90 because we are forced to take French in Canada :frowning:

SSAT:
99% math, 98% verbal, 92% english

Accomplishments/Awards-

Debate:
I am actively participating in competitive debate. In the US circut, I do public forum, and broke quarters (top 8) at Georgetown, and octos (top 16) at Yale. I also do debate regularly in the Canadian circut and also British parlimentary and won several awards there as well (not really noteworthy tournaments in my opinion, such as UBC or regionals).

Robotics:
Robotics takes up most of my time. I’ve participated in a robotics tournament called “Robocup”, and I was able to qualify for the Worlds competition in Sydney 2019. I competed for Canada, and got 9th place out of around 40-50 countries. We have high hopes next year to win top 5 (hopefully).

I also do marine robotics (Robosub), but am still unsuccessful in any awards since I’m competing against universities with million dollar budgets. Did win regionals but haven’t seen success since.

My main language is C++, but I have also started learning Java to take the AP. I am pretty comfortable with C++ as I need to use it in circuits such as Arduino or Teensy. I am “fluent” in CAD softwares like Solidworks 360 and also Fusion 360. I’ve also learned to design PCBs with Eagle software.

Swimming:
I have a passion for swimming and I’ve qualified for the provincial (state) competition. My main event is 100m backstroke, my time recorded was 1:05. I got bronze for that event. My 50 free isn’t that great but I currently swim 26.9 for 50 free.

School Leadership:
There’s a school election and I was elected into the “Honour Council” which consists of 1 student for each grade. Basically, we are like the jurors for every case of academic integrity. So, any time a student cheats or plagurizes, etc, we have to review what happened, interview them, and decide on any punishments. Once have reached a consensus, we send it to the principal, and he decides whether it is suitable or not. We try to focus more on the restorative justice piece in which seminars are often created as well.

2

You present a very strong profile that should be attractive to all of your targeted schools.

My favorite quote in your post above:

“…and a 90 because we are forced to take French in Canada.”

Most might use the word “required”, but “forced” effectively communicates your message.

In my opinion, based on your posted information, any school which does not accept you would be making a mistake.

P.S. You are a very effective communicator which is a highly valued skill.

3

^^ I agree. Strong chances. But still apply to a broader range unless you have a backup at home. Every year kids I thought were shoe ins don’t get in.

4

Just curious, my school has a policy where they don’t want you people applying for other independant schools unless it’s for university. I’m close enough with my science/math teachers that they could probably write me a recommendation without the school knowing, but lets just say what if my english teacher isn’t exactly the best teacher in that he’s also a PE teacher. How much would that hurt my application if I don’t manage to get a recommendation letter from him

5

That’s not a good situation to be in. This is something for your parents to deal with. They should probably go to the head of school and discuss especially since you will need a principle/counselor recommendation.

6

Well, considering that a lot of schools require a rec. from your current English teacher, this is a serious problem.

I second @one1ofeach 's advice.

Your application will not be considered complete without the required rec’s, unless they are contacted and agree to waive those requirements.

7

Yes on @one1ofeach advice to get your parents involved. And BTW, prep schools have definitely dealt with reluctant recommenders. But an entire school policy sounds like a parental involvement thing. (If it’s just your English teacher, then often a history teacher can sub, but this doesn’t sound like this is the problem.)

8

Thanks for the advice, but it seems my English teacher is generally reluctant to write rec letters. It’s not so much a school wide policy, but it’s more so my school doesn’t want students leaving for other prep schools. For some of the teachers at my school, I find their credentials very questionable and deeply wonder how they became a teacher (although we are an independent school). Would my history teacher or my last year english teacher work as a subsitute for the rec letter, since I think the problem is just with a couple teachers at the school.

9

@willwu24 if you want to swap teachers you will need to ask each school. Be aware that this will absolutely increase the complexity of applying because not all schools allow the same swaps. If that’s the case, then that means you can’t just have one recommendation in gateway or SÃO go everywhere. It’s a logistical hassle for you and the recommenders who are being swapped in. (My DD English teacher went on early maternity leave so she had to swap last year and schools varied in who they would accept. It was the biggest hassle of the application season frankly.)
But if your English teacher really just won’t do it then you may have no choice.

10

Teacher recommendations are important. Due to COVID schools are accepting recommendations from previous English teachers and from social and other teachers as well. Try to get it from the teachers who knows you well and can give a great recommendation. how about last years english teacher?