Chance me for Prep School! 2024 Fall (Please help I'm Freaking Out!)

[stlye5]

Hi, I’m a ninth grader applying to boarding school this year. Including Andover, Exeter, Middlesex, and other competitive boarding schools.

1. I’m from a very competitive country that’s really academically inclined (Singapore)
2. I attend a very respected Arts school and I specialise in writing
3. I am applying for tenth grade and I am in ninth
4. I am currently doing the IB program

Awards

I’ve won or placed in a lot of writing competitions such as the commonwealth essay competition (gold and bronze).

First in a slam poetry contest at my school

Science Buskers (Judge’s pick)

I have about six “certificate of excellence” just for my grades

Extracurriculars

I volunteer a lot. I have almost 90 hours in volunteering alone

I have visited Cambodia to teach children in orphanages English which was about 60 hours in total

I have organised many performances and workshops as a Teen Reading Ambassador to promote a love of reading.

I was a prefect for four years (I don’t know if you have that in the US)

I was a part of my class council last year

I organised and performed in many performances dedicated to teen mental health and wellness.

Sports: I do Muay thai and tennis

Music: I have passed my grade 5 guitar exam with distinction after only one year of playing it and I have played piano since I was four.

Others: I was a student editor for my school publications and I have been published on their websites.

Passion projects: I have started my own blog that I have been working on since last year and I am currently writing a short novel that I am going to publish on Amazon.

Extra things

I speak three languages: French, Chinese and English

I have been part of both Model UN and debate for three years and have

I was in the top 3% of scorers in my year in ICAS English which was under UNSW Global

My English is very strong and I am confident in my abilities to write good essays, same with my interview skills. But my curriculum is quite different from that tested in the SSAT and I don’t have a lot of experience with it. I checked out some practice ones and it seems easy enough but I’m not sure.

Applying to

• Berkshire
• Choate
• Lawrenceville
• Loomis Chaffe School
• Deerfield
• Exeter (this is my dream school so any advice you have for this would be greatly appreciated)

I am sorry if this is too long but thank you for making it all the way to the end!! I would love any suggestions of critique. Feel free to put me in my place in the comments if you think I am reaching too far!! Thank you!

[gardenstategal]

You look like the kind of student BS like and have a lot going for you… I’m guessing you will be full pay as you don’t mention FA. That helps. The schools you have targeted are all pretty selective and they turn down lots of excellent applicants. You might want to add a few more schools to the list.

If you want to continue with IB, you might want to consider George School in PA (about 20 minutes from Lawrenceville) although it has a different vibe from the schools you have chosen.

Try to prepare for and take the SSAT as soon as you can. If you find your scores aren’t what you expected, you’ll have time to adjust your strategy accordingly.

[stlye5]

Thank you so much for responding! You’re right I am probably going to do the SSATs soon just so that I can see where I’m at currently and if I need to redo it.

[Sroo]

Hi
So I find the chance me thread name to be a bit off. As no one here can really say what each school is looking for from year to year. But what they can do is give you good advice about the process and schools that might be good fits based on their experiences. But note two students that seem identical can have very differing outcomes. Additionally one that appears like a weaker candidate to the other can have a better outcome based on schools’ evolving needs. One other thought I want to share (though I realize you did not ask): Be careful about dream schools as sometimes after visiting multiple schools and really getting to know the school and learning more about yourself in the process your BEST fit changes. Good luck, it is an exciting time. We just dropped our child off yesterday.

[stlye5]

Thank you for responding. I think you’re right and I’ll definitely keep that in mind. May I ask how the process was overall for you guys? Was it difficult, stressful? I am pretty much doing this on my own so it’s been a rush. What school is your child going to? I hope they enjoy it, they are lucky to have someone who is so involved in the process!!

[Sroo]

Hi: I will Direct email you. My child is 3 days in at Lawrenceville. So far very happy.

[DrPrimo]

I might consider reclassing(repeating 9th grade). Might be easier to get in and you will get the entire BS experience. I would also consider hiring a professional that helps kids get into BS from your region. Good luck!!

[gardenstategal]

There are plenty of schools that bring in quite a few at 10th, and it’s often because there is a more natural break in the sending school system. This can impact foreign students and kids who come in from JBS. You can ask in your interviews if this is sometimes they recommend – it can also differ from school to school. I wouldn’t necessary assume that you should repeat though.

A professional could help, but as this student is applying from a country that sends few students to BS, the schools won’t expect it. Of course, someone you could work with virtually could provide some good guidance.

I guess what I am saying is that if you shouldn’t stress if you aren’t following this advice although they are options to consider.

[Sroo]

Unless the BS recommends a repeat grade or you and your family feel like it is needed for growth/development, I am not for that option.This is very doable yourself but there are lots of professionals that can help.