<p>I am in 8th grade applying for 9th at the following schools: Emma Willard, Choate, Hotchkiss, Blair, and Miss Porter.</p>
<p>I have had straight A's since I can remember. I know I have great teacher recommendations. Also, I have a sister with Downs Syndrome and have been doing presentations on the disability since i was in 1st grade. I am a dancer, actively participate in drama, have played violin for six years, take voice lessons, have gone to many camps such as a learning Chinese camp and writing camp. I have always done community service such as caroling for the poor, the presentations, and now soup kitchen and "Head Start". </p>
<p>I currently attend a Catholic School. I am in all accelerated classes (Math, Science, English, S.S.) and take Spanish. I am taking my SSAT tomorrow and have two interviews (for Emma and Hotchkiss) next week.</p>
<p>What do you think my chances are for getting into my selected schools? Do you have any tips for the SSAT or the interviews?</p>
<p>Its difficult for anyone to predict the likely hood of your acceptance to the schools on your list such as Choate and Hotchkiss because they happen to be reaches for everyone. It is always murky when it comes to those elite. However, all those schools on your list are fairly interested in sports and the fact you have failed to mention any that are important to you is a decent problem. And your A's will be very helpful to you but as I read on another chances post, schools would rather accept a well rounded student with B+s/B's then one who is solely dependent on her academics. Your sister, Chineese, and involvement in the arts are good things to emphasize.</p>
<p>Now, when interviewing and your asked about athletics, make sure that you let them know that you are not currently taking sports but are ecstatic to begin once your in school. Say something like "No, I don't currently play too many sports but when looking through your list of options I'm so excited to try {insert name here} and {insert name here}. It looks like so much fun." When you interview, make sure that you contribute and don't anwser simply. Elaborate. Have a good, firm handshake, too. Eye contact. Play up all your dancing, drama, violin, and voice. MPS is more artsy then athletic so dont forget. All schools will be interested in your service so mention everything from your campaign work for Downs and your soup kitchen.</p>
<p>Do you have ECs?</p>
<p>As for the SSATs, the first time through its easier not to study. Theres not much you can do anything at this point so just get good sleep and a nice breakfast. Relax and dont doubt yourself.</p>
<p>I truly think that your strong in most of your application fields so I'm very happy for you. Choate and Hotchkiss are the wild cards so I'm afraid I will just have to say that anythings possible and that most applicants are not as achieved as the ones on CC, so no worries :) I'm sure you'll go to great schools and I admire your willingness to go to all girls (I still need some convincing). Just remember to emphasize your equality in all aspects of your application. (Grades, Sports, Arts)</p>
<p>If you want any help, PM me. I'm applying for 9th grade at some of your schools, as well. (MPS, Hotchkiss, & Blair) We can trade tips :)</p>
<p>You have selected a group of schools that seem to be a good match for you. I'll second what Girl Meets World said about acceptance to Hotchkiss and Choate. I think all the schools will view your community service activities and Downs Syndrome activities very favorably, as well as your academic camp experience. </p>
<p>Because you didn't mention any sports, you should investigate sports requirements. I think dance as an after school would qualify as a sport at many schools, but you should look into this. Some schools require you to play a team sport once, twice or three times a year, but offer a variety of levels. Often they also offer other physical activities that qualify. Girls Meets World gives good suggestions on how to approach sports. Last year my son tried 2 new sports with great success. </p>
<p>The Blair interview and tour we had was typical. First we had a tour (parents & applicant on same tour). After that, the applicant was interviewed and then the parents. It's a great school. I have a son who goes there, so feel free to pm me or post here if you have any questions. They have a strong arts program that the school continues to strengthen. I suspect that girls have a slight admissions advantage because they have a higher % of boys than girls, and I imagine that the school would like it to be 50/50. </p>
<p>Here is a discussion of interview questions from the St. George's website St</a>. George's ~ Questions . A tip I can offer is to think about how you would like to participate as a member of the school's community. Let them know what you would like to do there. They are building a community, and are looking for students who will participate in what they have to offer. You should also contact the department heads of your areas of strength (perhaps drama, dance & performing arts) &/or the faculty person who coordinates community service.<br>
Good luck on the ssat today and all your interviews!</p>
<p>I digress with girl on her opinion that not having a sport on your resume somehow lessens your chances. Your resume is very solid; and your high involvement in the arts, in particular, should make up for any lack of sport. Another poster (LindaS), I believe, mentioned the Naval Academy lamenting the fact that so many kids are "too well-rounded" now, meaning it is okay to specialize so you can be really good at something, rather than just a "jack of all trades".
It is true that most of the bs have an athletic requirement, but they have many teams to help even the least-"jockiest" fulfill the requirement.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the great advice. My school only offers basketball, but I am interested in playing one or multiple sports. I was on the swim team for a while and I tried soccer too.</p>
<p>I'm not sure about the other schools but Miss Porter's Dance Workshop qualifies as a sport. Miss Porter's requires freshman and sophmores to play one team sport a year unless you do theatre instead.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I am really interested in track and i will pick up another interesting sport. Anybody have any more advice for interviews. I have Emma and Hotchkiss next week.</p>
<p>Your posted profile is very impressive. Your strengths include academics, dance, voice, acting and consideration for others as shown by your public speaking on a health related issue along with considerable charity/ volunteer work. Do not attempt to play up other sports options as these are not important in your case and will lessen attention paid to your considerable strengths in dance, music and drama. Dance qualifies as a sport at many boarding schools. SSAT scores will be important when applying to schools like Hotchkiss and Choate Rosemary Hall as both are academically demanding schools, especially Hotchkiss. It will be an interesting transition from Catholic school to an elite non-religiously affiliated prep school.</p>