Chances of getting into Andover, Exeter, Choate, and Hotchkiss

Hello. I’m an 8th grader from New England that currently goes to a charter school that specializes in visual and performing arts. I’m fairly worried about my chances of getting into the top-tier boarding schools I’m applying to.

For SSAT’s I got in the high 60’s. I have all A’s, with great recommendations. I take Algebra 1 as my only advanced class. But I’m in Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Visual Arts. I was a VP in Student Gov. and a senator, in debate club, babysitters club, and a school ambassador. I was also in a TEDx Talk during 7th grade. I’ve casually played tennis since I was 4.

I’m applying to a lot of competitive schools, and know there will probably be a lot more students applying with better test scores, and backgrounds.
What do you think my overall chances of getting in are?

For the schools you listed your chances are likely slim unless you are an absolutely amazing artist. With a 60% schools may worry that you simply cannot do the work their schools require.

Do you have other schools on your list where your stats might make admission more likely?

I’m also applying to Middlesex and Berkshire as my safeties. But I share your concerns, I hope the interviews will be enough to save me.

Middlesex is not a safety school at all. I know kids who got into groton and waitlisted at middlesex.

I don’t know much about Berkshire. But I certainly wish you the beat of luck.

Do you have a public school you’d be happy to go to?

I am afraid Berkshire isn’t a safety either, more like a match. You sound like a great applicant with a lot to offer. A safety would be one where your stats are above the average (in terms of grades/scores).

This doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance at Berkshire or Middlesex, you absolutely do.

Your EC’s seem pretty strong, but, as @one1ofeach mentioned, it’s highly unlikely to get accepted into such schools with something under an 80%tile. For your “safeties”, Middlesex also, on average, accepts students with SSAT’s of >80%tile. Berkshire, however, seems manageable as their average (according to boardingschoolreview.com) is 65%tile.

Do you know if you’re able to retake it? Only Andover accepts February scores, however, so I doubt it would help much.