Chances of getting into any top Boarding Schools?( Andover, Exeter, Hotchkiss, etc.)

<p>Hello! I know I'm new here and you guys see like a billion of these a day, I'd like for you guys to help me. I'm a 9th grader applying for 10th grade. I want to only apply t top boarding schools. Go big or go home. My school is decent enough that I can stay here if I wish to. I really want to get into Exeter especially because the Harkness system sounds fascinating and I'd really like to try it.</p>

<p>My Stats:
Regular Geometry(School is like that, I'm not behind, not possible to go to Alg 2) 95%
Regular English 88%
Biology 89%
Spanish 3-4(2) 95%
Business Management 93%
PE 100%</p>

<p>Took an SSAT in June or August 2012, higher level. 99% Reading, 97% Math, 99% Verbal
I have also taken practice SATs, my highest individual scores were </p>

<p>Math 650
Verbal 690
Writing 680</p>

<p>And my highest combined score was 1950. I obviously can't submit this because it's practice but this might be a good barometer?</p>

<p>My 8th grade grades were not good. At all. One A, 2 B's and 1 C. However, I didn't really try and as you can see, I have ramped up what I've been doing for 9th grade and could probably go even further if I tried a bit more. I am Asian, and I think I count as international because I have Canadian citizenship. I then spent 4 years in China and moved when I was 4. I have been living in the US in CA for about 8 years. My English is as good as any native speaker. My family is rich but they are still making me apply for financial aid. It is not needed, however, and I will still go even if I receive none. </p>

<p>My main hook is politics. I've been extremely interested in it since 6th grade and have devoted large amounts of time to it. I have become, in my opinion, extremely knowledgeable and when I am older, I hope to volunteer for some political campaigns. I have some but I'm not stellar in any of them. I am an extremely avid reader and I have been reading 1984 for the past 2 days. I am also in the process of starting my own computer club. I haven't gotten any word on it it's worked but I have a failsafe. My friends and I also host an informal philosophy chat every lunch period .</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Chess
Piano
Golf
Computer Programming
Painting( Acrylic)</p>

<p>I have an A+ certificate in computers and I am currently working to get my Java certification.
I also have 34 hours of community service at a concert. It's not registered with my school but I have a certificate to prove it.</p>

<p>Recommendations:</p>

<p>I could probably count on a good one from my Geometry teacher. I am not entirely sure about the English and extracurriculars.</p>

<p>Interview:</p>

<p>I'm guessing my application hinges on this and the test scores. I go to a tutoring place and many of my teachers there are extremely impressed with me. I can rely on this to be valid.</p>

<p>Family life:</p>

<p>I grew up without my dad and haven't seen him in nine years. I stay here with my sister and mother on a H-4 visa. </p>

<p>Chance me please. I ask for the truth and I won't be hurt if it turns out to be worse than I expect.</p>

<p>Can someone please help me?</p>

<p>Your application would hinge on your essays and not applying for FA more than on your interview outcome in my view.</p>

<p>Gaining admission is a bit of a crapshoot and your profile puts you in the ballpark despite some weak grades last year. I suspect you have some valid reasons for the anemic performance in 8th grade. If you are willing accept possible rejection, why not try? Just realize that there are many, many qualified who do not gain acceptance because the schools cannot possible admit all the qualified and talented applicants. You have a good local school, so, your downside is limited. It is all upside. Go for it. :)</p>

<p>Thanks for the review! I also completely forgot! I can also speak Mandarin at a 3rd grade level and understand at a 5th grade level. I’m not sure if this helps.</p>

<p>Work hard on your essays! Good luck! ^^</p>