<p>Hi! I'm applying to boarding school for 10th grade and I was wondering what my chances were at a few schools. I'm a B student, for the most part, occasional A's and one C+ (Math). My SSAT score from last year was in the 65th Percentile (I'll retake them but for the sake of this lets say they're the same/similar as last year), but my national scores were all in the 90's. I have a few EC's. One was participating in the Future City Competition, an engineering competition, I play tennis, ski, am in chorus, I'm my class representative on the student council, and I was in this year's drama production. I'm applying for financial aid, and (according to my mom), that's why I didn't into Milton as a day student (I think it's because of my SSAT score). Anyways, what do you think my chances are? Be honest!
I'm applying to...
-Deerfield Academy
-Loomis Chaffee School
-Choate Rosemary Hall
-Tabor Academy
-Lawrenceville School
-Kent School
-Maybe Hothckiss, I don't know</p>
<p>It may sound hard, but your grades and SSAT scores are not really what these top schools want. Applying for FA makes admission even more difficult, which means that you need to stand out even more, so the schools can’t turn you down.
In order to get in the top-notch schools you listed, you really need to improve your grades and EC, and i strongly suggest you find some safeties. To be completely honest and harsh with you, there are any other applications the schools will receive that are much above yours in terms of hard materials. Sorry to be sound so negative, but… if you have any other questions, pm me and i’ll see if i can answer, I applied this year and got into Deerfield, btw.</p>
<p>Okay, I was planning on retaking the SSAT and I have already started studying, also I have the beginning of 9th grade to get my grades up. Next Year I’m planning on joining Model UN, Debate Club, The school newspaper,and continue with the things I already am in. Would that make a difference?</p>
<p>I hate sounding pushy, but I see that 44 people have read this and there is one response, any input is appreciated!</p>
<p>I’d agree with exoveerotch. Deerfield would be a stretch with your stats. Schools like Milton, Deerfield and Choate accept a few B students but they’re usually applicants with extremely high SSATs and/or a special talent. </p>
<p>The good news is that there are some really great schools out there which would be a better match. Schools like Tabor, Brooks, Lawrence Academy, Cranbrook and NMH have higher acceptance rates and lower average SSATs but are still well respected and worth a look.</p>
<p>This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try for a reach or two, just that you should have some match/safety schools on your list.</p>
<p>Take a look at Boarding School Review for more possibilities:
[Sort</a> Boarding Schools by Key Criteria](<a href=“Sort Boarding Schools by Key Criteria”>Sort Boarding Schools by Key Criteria)</p>
<p>What aout Loomis,Peddie and Kent? Would those be more like match schools if I got a higher SSAT score? Or are they more on par with schools like Milton and Deerfield?</p>
<p>Yeah I think so. Also don’t spread yourself too thin with the EC’s. Schools would much rather you be excellent in one thing (while of course maintaining grades), than mediocre at everything.</p>
<p>By I think so do you mean they are on par with those schools or are they more something I could get into?Because I love Loomis and Kent.</p>
<p>Peddie is very difficult to get into as a sophmore, they really don’t have very many places. Their median SSAT is higher too. What about Blair? Tabor may not be out of range.</p>
<p>But specifically Kent and Loomis Chaffee, those were the schools that initially got me interested in Boarding School, Loomis sent me a letter last year saying they were interested in me, would that work for me this year?</p>
<p>Sorry, the way I worded that was really awkward. But what I meant is are Kent and Loomis schools I could get into more easily than, say, Choate? And I meant would the letter help in terms of being accepted or will it not make a difference.</p>
<p>At this point, your EC’s are going to be more important than your grades. Do you have any special awards that you got, in any competitions or sports? Are you very passionate about a certain activity? Boarding schools all look for this. Also, be sure that you have a lot of community service, it shows that you really care for your community. </p>
<p>I mean, your SSAT scores and grades aren’t top notch, but that’s not what boarding schools are mainly concentrating on (though they probably won’t take much notice to you if your SSAT is below around 80th percentile).</p>
<p>I heard Tabor is very nice. I think there SSAT percentile is right about where you are so you would probably be a great match. I’m no expert but I have visited and it’s very nice. Not a school for me because my SSAT percentile is 88 but they have a great campus (in my opinion). Just keep your GPA up, study for the SSAT, and develop/recognize a special interest you have.</p>
<p>Please chance me??</p>
<p>What about Blair Academy and Mercersburg Academy? From what I saw on their websites I really like them. Would they be a good fit?</p>