<p>I'm thinking about applying for Deerfield,Phillips Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy this year but I really do need other people's opinions about it because the application fee is really high and I want to make sure I, at least, have a chance there ( :</p>
<p>So, I've never got any grade lower than 80% in middle school (I'll apply for 9th grade) , I speak English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and I'm learning Chinese, I'm from Brazil, I've studied in private schools all my life and I'm currently in a high school program that a Texan University is offering in Brazil, It's like you we're doing both Brazilian and American High School ( All my grades in this program were above 80% too) , I'm a nacional winner in Jumping (Equestrian or Horse back riding) and I have represent my province in the nacional tournment of 2011. I play guitar, piano, acoustic guitar and I sing, I've won last year annual talent show, I'm director of arts , actress and singer in this year's school play, I participate on debates and I'm a speech student in the texan high school program, I swim, paint and do community service with children that are special, I took gold certificate in the TOEIC test and I've been studying French and English since I was 7, I've already done summer programs at UBC ( University of British Columbia, at Canada) and I intend to apply for Ivy League Universities after high school</p>
<p>I'll take the SSAT in October , but the practice tests that I've done we're about 95% and 100%, especially in math
Thank you all!</p>
<p>Remember, there is no applicant without any chance of being admitted to prestigious academies, such as Phillips Academy. The prospect of gaining admission is near-impossible to predict, although high academic scores and active involvement in extra-curricular activities could increase your chances.
Anyway, your resume seems excellent but the number of extra-curricular activities you are involved in is a bit overwhelming. In your application, make sure you only include those that you can really pursue in high school. Speaking five languages is an extremely extraordinary talent so make sure you especially highlight it.
Regarding academic scores, they are important to some extent. GPA is very, very crucial because it measures your diligence and enthusiasm. Teacher recommendations are important too, so make sure you build deep relationships with them. SSAT scores on the other hand, are overestimated because they are not as important as your GPA. If you score above the average (depends on which school), you’re fine.
However, what schools care more about than your extracurricular commitments and academic scores, is your personality. Andover especially looks for “nice” kids. No matter how intelligent an applicant is, he/she will be rejected if interviewers could perceive impudence or other bad qualities in that applicant.
Pertaining the expensive application fee, you can ask for “fee waivers” so it shouldn’t determine whether you should apply or not.
That being said, you should definitely apply. If you have heart, determination and will, I am sure you will achieve great success.</p>
<p>My advice to you is to focus on your unique talents that set you apart from the rest of the pack. If you excel in sports, contact the appropriate coaches. If you are a musician, contact the music department and be prepared to send a video performance and likewise for the performing arts. I would also recommend not spending too much time asking people on this board whether you can get in because admission officers are not giving you the feedback, just other people hoping for the same thing. Check the school website to see if there is a local admission interviewer in Brazil and make contact seeking advice. Good Luck. Don’t get stuck on the top tier school, look at the hidden gems- Saint Andrews School in Delaware gets a lot of positive press here. Watch the movie the “Dead Poets Society” It was filmed on St Andrews campus I believe.</p>