<p>I'm a sophomore in high school and I was planning to apply to Andover this year. I had a cousin who attended Andover and she said her classes were challenging, but she loved the school. So I brought up the idea of applying to Andover to my parents, and their response was roughly 95% "no" and 5% "yes". Their reasons were somewhere along the lines of "you might not be qualified enough", "please be realistic", and the 13% acceptance rate...
So my questions are: How much weight is put on academics/SSAT during the admissions process? I'm not phenomenal at sports, and all I do is some science stuff, writing, and music. I am planning to apply to either 10th/11th grade, and I'm not sure if I should really go for it. $140 for the admissions and SSAT fee and the hours spent studying/writing are really crucial and I want to make sure that the time won't go to waste.
Also, does anyone know how I can convince my parents to just let me try? Sorry if it sounds like a stupid question but I do need to convince them to get their consent...</p>
<p>I know this sounds like more of a "chance me" message, but I would really appreciate it if anyone could reply with some feedback. I never heard of Andover until two years ago, and I was too scared to apply until now, but I really love the school.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p><em>I actually posted something a couple months ago about Andover admissions, but I guess one could say times have changed.</em></p>
<p>If you really love the school, go for it! I don’t see why not! Boarding school is an amazing experience after all. Don’t give up before you try. And academics/SSAT are extremely important if you aren’t particularly talented in other fields.</p>
<p>Our son successfully convinced us to let him apply to boarding schools by pointing out what they offer compared to our local high school (particularly, small, discussion-based classes with very bright, interesting kids from many places and backgrounds who share his love of learning). He also told us how much he would enjoy being more independent and gave us examples of how he had functioned well on his own.</p>
<p>Your parents may not only be concerned about your welfare and thinking of how much they will miss you. They may also feel a kind of rejection or negative judgment of their non-boarding-school kind of lives. I joke that my son wants to join the 1%, and there is a kernel of truth in that. It might help if they are able to acknowledge that feeling and put it into the context of wanting the best for you, whether or not it is what is best for them.</p>
<p>I didn’t get whether you are specifically interested in Andover because you live nearby or because you have heard of it. If the latter, try to learn about other schools that also have the resources to provide extensive financial aid but which are not quite as difficult to get into. Fee waivers are available for the SSAT and for applications, if need be. </p>
<p>All of this will be easier to figure out if you can get your parents to help. Good luck!</p>
<p>Are there any good BS within easy driving distance from your home? If so, then try to get your parents to tour the school with you, so they can see what the general experience is all about. Perhaps then they will be supportive of the idea and let you apply to different schools.</p>
<p>If you are committed to idea of BS, you need to expand your gaze beyond just Andover.</p>
Don’t give up before you try. And academics/SSAT are extremely important if you aren’t particularly talented in other fields.</p>