<p>Hi, I am a 10th grade student from Northern California. I am applying to boarding schools as a repeat sophomore for the fall of 2013. I am casting a broad net, and will be applying to: Andover, Deerfield, Choate, SPS, NMH, Kent, Taft, Loomis, and Milton. I play extremely competitive hockey, and have spoken with all of the coaches at the schools I am applying to. I play JV lacrosse as well. I do community service work, and will have 60 hours by the end of the school year. I work with elementary school kids in East Oakland, that will give me 50 hours. Plus I volunteered at a dementia center will elderly citizens suffering from dementia for 10 hours. My father passed away 4 years ago, so I went through a bit of a dark period, where everything in my life suffered, especially school. Anyway, My overall freshman gpa was 3.38, I know, very low. This semester I will finish with a 3.67. I have interviewed with all the schools except for Andover, and have done extremely well. I am a very friendly, talkative, and nice person (not to sound cocky). My teacher recommendations will be good, and so will my school counselor rec. I will be taking the SSAT on Dec. 8, and have been studying quite a bit. I will take it again in January if I do poorly. I will be applying for F/A as well.
CHANCE ME!! THANKS</p>
<p>I think you’ve got really good chances. How much F/A? And are you legacy anywhere? Also, how are your essays?</p>
<p>Not full F/A, but about 30%, also I am not a legacy anywhere. My essays are pretty good.
@possibleprep</p>
<p>As an alum of one of the first four of the schools listed, I can tell you that an interview is important. If possible travel to New England to visit these places and meet with their admissions director or assistant director for an interview. Dress jacket and tie with good pants. If that is not possible then ask to talk to an alum in your area to learn about the school.</p>
<p>If you know anyone who goes to one of these schools from California, you should talk to them about their and later mention that you know them and have heard good things about the school. Other than SSAT scores and grades, fitting in socially is important. </p>
<p>It’s impossible to chance anyone, but keep in mind there are a lot of kids at these schools whose parents are alumni. In many ways you have good justification for wanting to attend, beyond hockey. You father died, and these schools can instill some values that are often taught by parents. You also might consider some less well know smaller places as many of the schools on your list have about a 20% admit rate.</p>