<p>Im in the eighth grade and Im considering applying to some boarding schools next year.</p>
<p>Im an African American from Massachusetts. In 7th grade I had a 92 average. Right now I have a 93 (which is low I know. Next year Im working towards something higher). At my current school, honors classes werent offered until 8th grade, and then it was only for Math, which Im not taking. Next year Im going to a bigger high school, and Ill be taking Honors History and English (considering honors science).</p>
<p>My extracurriculars include Drama Club (four years, lead roles), Baseball (two years, shortstop), Newspaper (two years, editor, writer) and choir (four years)</p>
<p>In my freetime I webdesign seriously. I make websites and I have an online portfolio.</p>
<p>My school only offers academic awards at graduation, so I dont know if Ill get anything until June.</p>
<p>I applied to Exeter and Andover this year, was rejected by both, which was probably because of my low SSAT score (50th percentile) I went in cold feet for the exam, and couldnt retake it due to scheduling conflicts (I took the December test, and I had to go to a wedding the weekend the January test would take place). Im THINKING about reapplying to Exeter but Im not really sure.</p>
<p>If youre open to suggestions to any schools that you think would be matches for me, Im all ears.</p>
<p>You definitely have to improve your SSAT score significantly to get consideration from anyone of the schools you mentionned. The SSAT averages for Hotchkiss and Middlesex are close to, if not above 90%. You may have a better chance at Kent and Hill, where the SSAT averages are lower, in the 70's. I would suggest using a SSAT practice book and taking as many practice tests as possible. Also, because you're from MA, you will have lots of competition from other NE kids applying to these schools.</p>
<p>I applied to Exeter and Andover this year too, and I got into both. A lot of it is luck, but I'd say along with the essays + interview, the SSATs scores are REALLY REALLY important. I'd say you'd probably have to get in the 70 and up to be competetive. (93 was the average at E, however)</p>
<p>jonathan, the whole premise of this board is for people in the same situation to give each other advice. How are you "on a basis" to judge others who judge others?</p>
<p>Please don't listen to advice from someone who probably never set foot on a boarding school campus. I don't know anyone who didn't love their B school experience. The amazing resources, the friendships with peers and teachers, foreign study, great athletics, you name it, these schools offer it all.</p>
<p>JonK-i applied to hotchkiss wit better ssats and ECs and got rejected from hotchkiss, taft (waitlisted first), and roxbury latin. and i know a couple of people who got waitlisted for hotchkiss and they had really good stats, so i kinda know how much u need to get in.</p>
<p>To the OP, if you are willing to look in the Middle Atlantic region, consider Westtown and George schools. Both are easier admits that the top NE schools, and very interested in enrolling African American students.</p>
<p>Look on boarding school review .com (no spaces) to see how many places there are that do not have the ridiculous admission requirements of A and E. </p>
<p>Most of the kids I know at A and E had SSAT's in the mid or high 90's first time, without prep. Unless you think your 50 is really not representative of your academic preparation, you may find yourself in over your head.</p>
<p>George School is awesome, i almost went there, but decided there's no point in me going to boarding school when i have a top public school here.</p>