Chances at Boston area boarding schools (Milton, Andover, Nobles, Tabor etc) as a Junior

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

I’m going to be applying as a Junior to boarding schools within an hour of Boston (anywhere in New England is fine). I’m currently a rising Sophomore (class of 2018).

Academics:
I was a straight A student in 7/8 grade, then I transferred to a competitive public high school for 9th, and my final grades were 3 Ds (Spanish, Math, Latin) and 3 Bs (English, Biology, History), roughly 2.0 gpa this year.

Hooks/Extracurriculars:
Football - I have really high stats for someone my age/grade. A 9.5 feet broad jump, 4.6 40 yard dash etc. and I weigh 210, height 5.10 etc.
Computer Science - I know a couple programing languages, made a few apps, and for this summer I work at an Education tech startup, I can probably get good recommendations.
Tutoring - I tutor kids for fun, and I love teaching (might make a good essay topic?). But I also have another job teaching at the Science museum.
Attened Exeter’s problem solving program
African American
Low Income - So that I need a lot of FA (perhaps I could get a FB scholarship?).
Clubs: I did debate, and was involved in racial minority themed clubs. I didn’t really do much do either club.

Other: I got diagnosed with ADD midway through last year (freshman year), I received medication and my grades improved. I’m getting 504 accommodations this year. I can get a letter from my doc explaining how it affects my schooling etc. (seems very pointless?). I had a really bad freshman year, soo many nights without sleep spent studying because I didn’t catch things in class.

I’m really looking for a diverse school, and a bit more ADD support. The caliber of the school’s football team, really does not matter (as long as they let me on (: )

I did very well on the ISEE as an 8th grader, and I feel like I’m generally good at standardized tests (bought some SSAT prep books).

My questions are what grades would I have to get this year, what schools I should consider?

But please give me any ideas regarding again schools I should consider, or just anything in general.

2

Definitely look at govs.

3

Their acceptance rate is pretty low, do you think I’m going to get in, and get FA?

4

rubyisquicker, I applaude your initiative. A few suggestions based upon my experience with my daughter applying to Boarding Schools. 1) Apply as a sophomore (not a junior) and repeat the 10th grade. This is very common in Boarding Schools. It will allow you to be better prepared for college, will improve your chances of admission (it is very challenging to get a spot as a Junior), and if you are recruited for football, will give the coach the opportunity to utilize you for three years. 2) Reach out to the football coaches. Write them a note (you can find the info on the school’s web page) and let them know you are considering their school. The coaches may be your best advocate. 3) Make some lemonade. Although you are approaching the Football season go out of your way to improve your knowledge in the classes that you got Ds. For instance, try Khan Academy and redo your lessons in Math. Try a peer tutor in Spanish or Latin, etc. If you improve your weaker subjects, that will not only show you really care about learning, but will surely help you as you prepare for college.
Regarding your question about grades? By the time you apply to these schools, you will only have finished your Fall semester. I don’t know if even all As can offset your Freshman grades. Boarding School classes can be very challenging so having attended a competitive high school is a good thing.

But, what the heck? Go for it! You sound like a wonderful young man and have much to offer. Good luck!

5

Hi rubyisquicker. You have some great extracurriculars and talents, but I would be concerned about the “Ds” you received in 9th grade. However, since your grades were largely the result of undiagnosed ADD, and your grades have improved, you may have a shot at these schools. Just make it very clear that your ADD affected your grades, so they have a viable explanation. CallieMom makes a good point: think about repeating your 10th grade year, as it is much harder to get in as a junior and BS often like their students to spend more than two years on campus. Good luck with your BS search!

6

Yeah Andover only admits like 10 new juniors (or uppers) each year, so it is very difficult to get in, and I do know people who have repeated 10th grade. Your extra curriculars sound really great, but I think your low grades would probably disqualify you from Andover, unfortunately. Andover doesn’t give sports scholarships either, they base everything off financial need, and they give very good aid.

7

I’m also an Andover grad, 2016, and you are right about ruby’s low grades when it comes to Andover. However, there are other good schools in the area that may not be as selective when it comes to admissions, and may be more willing to overlook the “Ds” if ruby has strong athletic and extracurricular activities. Ruby mentioned Tabor. I don’t know anything about Tabor’s admissions, but it has a beautiful campus right on the water, so that might be a consideration. As far as repeating 10th grade, my cousin repeated her lower year at PA and it meant that she didn’t have to jump right into college counseling that, as you may know, can be extremely stressful.