<p>Very surprised about these waitlists. Maybe you were just “too good”? As many threads have explained previously, to get off a waitlist is highly problematic, but there are conventional strategies to be pursued: (1) write (not email) your interviewer or head of admissions with academic and extracurricular achievements; (2) provide an additional letter of recommendation from someone who knows you in a different way than those who have already recommended you; (3) if you so decide, write to at least one of these that “if admitted, I will attend.” Finally, if you needed financial aid, then all bets are out the window. You should still do all of the above, but the hill becomes much steeper. Most FA will have been given out to admitted students before they get to waitlist students. Thus, if you have indicated a strong FA requirement in your application, you may never get called.</p>
<p>I don’t need Financial Aid. Also, if I don’t get off a waitlist, I plan to reapply next year. For that, would it be beneficiary to stay at my Private Day School or go to one of the Hidden Gems Boarding Schools?</p>
<p>@schakrab, you rejection/waitlist by top BS was most surprise to me. I cant think of any reason why things turned out the way it is, certainly not too good. You need to carefully evaluate what are the reasons caused the rejection if you plan to apply again next year. My son is at about same level of achievements as you, slightly higher SSAT and SAT (7th grade), grades are about the same from a very rigorous day school, a lot of EC involvements (through school activities), no college credits, been to sleep away summer camps for the last 4 years, good recommendations and interviews, right after Precalculus, took SAT 2 Math level II test and got 800, no need FA. He applied for PEA and PA with both acceptance (applied for 9th grade, not repeats). It is hard for me to think why they accepted him not you. The other factors about you are recommendations and interviews. Again this year you are not alone, other CCers like CherryRose, 98BeeBee, etc., all got waitlisted. So, I cant figure out why. Do you think go to a different school will strengthen you recommendation?</p>
<p>one of the reasons for being wait listed could due the fact that a lot of schools are now looking for diversity & a big mix, not just the typical great grades. I know for me a big factor was my 11 yr commitment to Ballet, and from both Deerfield & Taft I got recommendations of high interest to the dance department from the heads there. Ive heard that schools are really looking for students now with strong grades, but also strong EC’s and commitments.
Like for me my grades weren’t fantastic (Top private school in CT, solid B’s & B+'s) but I had really strong interviews, followed up and showed my interest in the schools, and had a lot of really strong commitments to EC’s.</p>
<p>I ended up getting into Taft & Tabor, rejected to Deerfield.</p>
<p>Eleven year commitment to ballet? How old are you? 13? 14? So, you’re counting toddler classes? At that age, it’s your parents’ commitment. I suppose my d should have said that she’s been a musician for over 13 years because she would make up songs before she could crawl and her happiest early times were when I pulled her high chair up to the piano. C’Mon!</p>
<p>@BosParent: Do you have geographic diversity? That might be a factor. And I contacted Deerfield and they said my recommendations were very good. And also my interviews went pretty well too.</p>
<p>i’m 15, applied for sophomore. even though as a toddler the classes were more fun and not serious, its still a long term commitment.</p>
<p>No, we are from Boston area.</p>
<p>@Opaige22: schakrab’s achievements are not typical great grades, music achievements. It is at a level that requires great commitments. Since he is from a strong private day school in NJ, he might has a lot EC’s that he has not listed.</p>
<p>opaige, yes it is a long time. I am sure that schools can tell when a kid is passionate about something and when a kid has been doing something because their parents simply didn’t let them quit. It was likely your passion for dance (and presumably high level) that gave you a bump and not the length of time. I would like to think that schools would look at a kid who has a passion for something, but not the means or opportunity to participate for years, in the same way. I would like to think that.</p>
<p>I have been playing violin for 9 years and I attend a music conservatory for Precollege kids. I also play tennis quite actively</p>
<p>And BosParent, out of curiosity, where are you going A or E? I was bummed I was rejected to both!</p>
<p>BosParent, how old will your son be when he enters either PEA or PA? Thanks.</p>
<p>DS will be 14 when he starts September. He had great experience at revisit day and it is really hard to make the choice. He has to make that call in the next couple of days.</p>
<p>well good luck wherever he goes! Personally, I would have leaned toward A had I gotten in, but that’s just me and I didn’t get in!</p>