Chances of being accepted into selective prep school?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
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<p>I am currently in the 8th grade and considering applying to a selective prep school. (Hotchkiss, Exeter, Andover, etc.) I know it's a bit far-fetched, but I was wondering what my odds were.
I have maintained straight A's-A+'s all of middle and elementary school, and have never had a B. I have also kept the position of first in my class. I am currently in Geometry H, Spanish, and Biology H (all for high school credits). I am additionally taking health online for the credit, as well as the top placement classes offered at my school. I am enrolled in a local magnet school, and it is considered the best in the state.
My state testing scores are 97-100%, but I still have yet to take both the ISEE and SSAT. I was able to view some sample questions from both official websites and my teachers, and they were exceptionally easy. I have no doubt I'd be able to ace those, if not get near 100%.
As for extracurricular, I am very passionate and successful with my equestrian competitions, though I know that's not too relevant for any of those schools. Additionally, I am a member of National Junior Honors Society, have played in the top band at my school for multiple years, and am apart of the Science Olympiad team. I am positive all my teachers would be very supportive and write great recommendation letters.
I would require full financial aid, and we meet the requirements. Not sure if that affects anything, though I'm sure they'd take a kid who would be able to pay if we were otherwise equivalent. As far as diversity, I'm registered with the Cherokee nation and am a good part Cherokee. I also am semi-fluent in German, if that means anything.</p>

<p>I knew a girl who attended my school and made it to Exeter. Unfortunately, I don't know her well and have no way of contacting her. I do know I had better grades, though she had more impressive extracurriculars. If you have attended any selective schools such as these, what grades and scores did you have that made a large difference? Additionally, were there any extracurricular activities that they showed a large interest in? I just wanted to know if I even had much of a chance, or if I should just save my time. Thank you very much. :)</p>

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<p>Andover is need-blind so your need for FA won’t hurt you there. For Andover and Exeter, it really depends on what they need that year, I think. You will be up against thousands of applicants with credentials much like yours. I suspect your friend’s extrac’s provided the “hook” for her, particularly if she was top in the state in something.</p>

<p>Your Cherokee registration is extremely key. That makes you an underrepresented minority (URM), and it’s a big hook, possibly more than for any other minority affiliation. Because of that, you should definitely apply and give the application your full attention.</p>

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<p>Thank you so much! I wasn’t sure if my need for financial aid would affect my chances. I know it will be incredibly selective, but it’s great to hear that my Cherokee will be a benefit. </p>