Chances for Choate, Andover, etc.?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

I’m a 9th grade boy living in the mid-atlantic region. I’ll be applying for 10th grade at Choate (Mainly), Andover ,and (maybe) Exeter. (please suggest schools!) Here’s an overview of me.
I will be applying for financial aid.

SSAT:
My first test is in December, and i’m pretty worried. I haven’t done any of the practice tests yet as i’ve been super busy lately.

Grades:

I am generally an A student, however that all changed after my terrible 8th grade year. After about a quarter in HS, i’m back to being an A student

GPA:
6th grade: 4.0
7th grade: 4.0
8th grade; 3.6
9th grade 1st quarter: 4.0 (4.3 weighted)

E.C.:

  1. Sports
  • Swimming: 2015-16 state champion; I’ve been swimming for about ten years
  • Baseball: I was on the middle school team which went 14-1
  • Karate: 2nd Degree black belt
  1. Community Service
  • Lions Club: 2 years; perfect attendance at all community service events
  • FCCLA: first year
  1. Arts
  • Theater: My town is around 40% Indian-American, so most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the year. I participate in plays during these festivals, which are mostly in Hindi
  • Photography/Film: Although I am not enrolled in any class dedicated to it, I have a huge interest in photography. If I am accepted into boarding school, film will be one of my priorities.
  1. Others
  • Hindi: Over the summer I attended and passed a college course in Hindi, earning me 5 college credits. I also take weekly Hindi classes to improve my skills.
  • Marathi: I have completed a college course in Marathi in India
  • French Club: i attended French Club in middle school weekly.
  • Swim Teacher: I teach 3-6 year old kids at the YMCA
  • Student Government: 3 years; representative of the “popular” homeroom
  • Political Club: Most students in my school are either “solid liberals” or “steadfast christian conservatives”, with very few exceptions. I’m one of few “outsiders” I’m in the middle of the political spectrum and this club is great for that.

Interview:
My first one will be at Choate in a few days. I’m pretty nervous but my friend, who is also applying, let me know that it is basically a conversation. Still, i’ll be grateful if there are any alumni who can give me tips on interviews.

So yeah thats basically it; I’m working on my applications and any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks! =)

2

For swimming, here are a few other schools to consider: Peddie, Lawrenceville, Mercersburg, Deerfield, Suffield, Loomis Chaffee and Hotchkiss; I also think that NMH is motivated to recruit strong swimmers. Definitely include Exeter in your list. And be sure to reach out to the coaches ASAP! To get some perspective on how your times compare to New England BS swimmers, check out http://www.nepssa.org/. Your SSAT score will help you determine which schools are likely within your range, so until you have that I would recommend a “wide net”, especially because you are also applying for FA. Good luck!

3

@AppleNotFar has great advice (as usual!) so definitely consider her suggestions. In terms of the interview, your friend is correct. It is really a conversation which is meant to get to know you better. You should prepare for it however, by thinking about why you want to go to boarding school and why Choate specifically. I suggest reading every single word on their website, including the course catalogue. Be ready to discuss what you can contribute to the Choate community. Be yourself and do your homework, and you’ll be fine!

4

Im also applying for 10th grade. your application is looking amazing at the moment, and dont worry about the interview. I was freaking out before mine with Andover, but it really is like a conversation, just be you, and be relaxed. Also, good luck on the SSAT, im taking mine in december too. (in 3 days, to be exact)