<p>I am a current freshman in a boarding school who wants to apply out of it to go to a new boarding school for junior year. I might if I had to repeat sophomore year if I was to get into the new school of my choice, but ideally I would go straight into 11th. My GPA is 3.2 but I know I can get it up to a 3.8. I preform in chorus. My extracurriculars are very limited as I am a freshman but next year I will have more possibilities to do more. You may ask why I want to transfer from my current high school to a new one. Well, it's for a variety of reasons. First off, I would rather be at a school closer to home, (I live in Westchester, NY and my boarding school is in MA). I have gone to boarding school since 6th grade and they have both been in MA. I also don't feel very comfortable in the school I'm in now. I don't have any friends, I don't have the same support system that I had in middle school, and I just am not very happy. I know that it is only my freshman year which is why I decided not to apply out this year and stick it out the rest of the year and the little bit of next and see if my perception changes. I doubt my view will change much but I'm hoping it will. I will only be applying to 2-3 schools. My first choice is Taft, second choice Choate, and third choice is Kent, but I'm not sure I will apply there. Please give your advice as to what I should do and your opinion on my chances.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Applying for junior year is one of the most difficult and competitive years to get accepted. Being a sophomore repeat could increase your chances, especially because the schools you listed have pretty low acceptance rates. </p>
<p>Now, you said you are going to get your grades up and do a lot more extracurriculars. Get your grades up ASAP because these schools look at your transcripts throughout all of high school. The more good grades you have, the better, though having good grades the first trimester or semester of next year, is, in my opinion, the most crucial. If you can add on any extracurriculars now, do so. If not, do lots next year. Maybe a sport or two, continue chorus, some kind of community service, etc. Those schools (and most others) like well rounded kids. Also, if the opportunity is available to you, try to develop “a hook.” A hook is something unique about you, something that sets you apart from the other applicants. Look at your opportunities now and the ones you will have next year and see if there’s an opportunity for a hook. You don’t always need one to get in, but it always helps! </p>
<p>Other factors that can influence acceptance include:
- Where you live - NY tends to be an over represented area among those boarding schools, so the competition might be harder
- Race - Some are more represented than others, under represented races can have a bit of an advantage at times
- Ability to pay - it’s definitely a plus when your family can pay in full. It’s harder to get accepted when you need financial aid, but it’s doable.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>my first choice is taft and i feel the same. good luck!!! im sure you will do great!!!</p>