Hey, I really tried to hold myself back from doing this, because I don’t want to get my hopes up/down, but my stress got the best of me. I’m applying to Andover and I want you guys to be completely honest with me.
SSAT- (Verbal: 83) (Reading: 84) (Math: 97) Overall: 93
Grades: Mostly A’s, especially in Math.
ECs-
Violin (Started this year)
Basketball (9 years. I’m pretty good I’d say, and I play for my school and in-town)
Soccer (4 years. I’m above average, and I play for my school)
Russian School of Mathematics (Program of Advanced Math) :Geometry
Arabic
Volunteer for Soccer Nights (Summer)
Subjective-
Short responses: One was about Non Sibi and how I volunteered over the Summer, and what I learned from it. The other highlighting what I would contribute to the school
Essay: I don’t want to overestimate but I honestly thought it was really good. Everyone who read it said they loved it. It paints a picture of my life, and it’s hard to explain in few words, so long story short, it’s meant to paint a vivid picture.
Interview: I don’t know to be honest. The interviewer told my mom that he thinks I have a good chance of being there, but I’m pretty sure they say that to everyone. It was less about my accomplishments and more of a conversation, I can say that.
Recommendations: I’d say my teachers like me. That’s all I can say. I can’t really guess how my recommendations are going to be.
IMPORTANT FACTS-
-I’m Lebanese American
-I need almost full financial aid (But I’m pretty sure that doesn’t matter for Andover)
-I am from MA (Over-represented I’m guessing)
-I’m male
Hook- None.
Weaknesses- I would say my ECs, I don’t really have a lot of them
Strengths- Math. It’s almost in every aspect of my application, and I really think I’m good at it.
Okay, that’s it, thank you for reading up to here so far! Please tell me if I’m missing any information.
If Chance Me threads have any value (which is debatable), it is in identifying correctable weaknesses or adjusting schools applied to. With 6 days left, neither applies here and this can only serve as an emotional rollercoaster. Seriously, logging off of CC, gorging yourself on candy and playing video games for 18 hours a day would be healthier until M9/10.
I can totally relate to why you put up a Chance Me. I know that they’re not useful but I got bored and put one up anyway. Sadly, you’re not going to get what you want out of this. You’ll still be stressed or bored.
I attend RSM as well. I didn’t know that it qualified as an EC. SMH 8-|
@CaliMex BB&N, Belmont Hill, and Concord. Andover is my reach.
@YoungThriver Same, I know that people on the internet aren’t going to be able to predict if I get in or not, but I’m pretty bored. And don’t worry, RSM isn’t exactly that big of an EC, I don’t really think Andover will care that I do, I just wanted to have as many ECs as possible listed. I have tried contacting the basketball coach a week before the deadline, but he hasn’t responded. I’m pretty sure their basketball team is already really good.
having as many possible ec’s as listed is completely the wrong approach. schools would value one ec that you have devoted lots of time to and are genuinely passionate about countless times more than five or ten ec’s you don’t spend a lot of time doing and only participate in to boost your application.
9th grade, I’m in eighth grade currently. I live in [deleted], which is pretty underrepresented but it doesn’t really count cause they don’t use it in their stats.
@M0hammad while Andover is need-blind there has been some controversy/speculation of how accurate that truly is. Many people on CC, have been told by feeder schools if they want a better chance of attending andover, and boarding school in general, they should not apply for FA. However, andover does give out a HUGE amount of aid, if not the MOST aid of any boarding school. So, I would say your ECs are kind of a weakness as they are not particularly special, however, you will definitely be considered due to your high SSAT and your GPA. Ultimately, I would say you have a chance… your not a shoo-in for acceptance, but you would be, IMO, a very competitive applicant.
@M0hammad Please don’t do this to yourself at this late date. Just enjoy your week, and don’t make M9 an all or nothing event. Life will be great no matter what happens Saturday. Hoping for the best for you.
@CaliMex Yeah, I got waitlisted! It’s ok though, I got my second choice, which is BB&N, a local day school. I’m going to keep my spot on the waitlist for a while, and if it doesn’t work out, I have other options.
