<p>Ohh my gosh! I'm applying for 9th grade. So, I want to go to Andover, Exeter, Choate, Peddie, and Milton. (Thinking about revising the list though..)I go to a public school. It's not a special public school, and is totally normal in every way. (Well, we did get a California Distinguished award or something...but that's only because we do well on CST's. And the only reason everyone does well on the CST's is because we have a lot of Korean parents sending their kids to a billion tutoring places. Really. My school isn't that great...) And, I'm reading all these posts and everyone does a million extra curricular activities! This is all I do, so go on and take a look at my incredibly short list. ^^;</p>
<ol>
<li>I've done girl scouts for eight years and have gotten a bronze award. (Currently working on a silver award.)</li>
<li>I've played the sax for three years and tested into level three last year for Certificate of merit.</li>
<li>I've volunteered at my local library for three years during the summer.</li>
<li>I got a 1800 (sigh...xD) on the SAT... verbal-680 math-570 writing-550</li>
<li>I tutor a kindergartner twice a week (I started in January)</li>
<li>I got into the high honors level score in the John Hopkins CTY talent search
I dunno if this counts but?... I was in a play (in 4th grade. Oh goodness.) And I've done art for 3 years but I quit in 6th grade?..</li>
</ol>
<p>I realized my list was very, very, EXTREMELY short so I plan on taking up debate club (I don't think my school has one...I'll just have to make one!) and I'm going to start volunteering more (I'm thinking about a senior home..) and I plan to take up dance and one other sport (not sure what though..)
OH WAIT!
ANDDDDDD!....
I might take Honors English at my local high school. I just have to clear it and get the ok...stuff like that. :)
And I did a sort of mock tutor/class thing, and the instructor said I have a fairly decent chance. HOORAY!!!
So...Do I have a chance? I know it's not much, so I probably won't get in? (I hope I will. I hope I will. I hope I will. I hope I will...)...Could someone suggest something to set me apart from the crowd? **Smile smile ^-^
ahhh by the way...I'm a Korean-Chinese. I know it's really competitive for Koreans because they're all kid prodigies and they do so many extra curricular activities...Whew I'm screwed! And if you actually read all of this, thanks! POST SOME ADVICE, 'KAY? :) I'll be very much obliged. ^^</p>
<p>I think you have a fairly decent chance at getting it just be sure to nail those essays and interviews and keep practicing the SSAT. Check out my chances thread and please comment on it as well. I am also applying to andover exeter choate and peddie so you have competition 
I am also Korean so please see if i stand out from all the “prodigies” 
Try to get some more EC’s as well
alright thanks</p>
<p>Also put this in the chances place instead of the cafe thats where it belongs :P</p>
<p>I don’t know enough about the other schools, but I’ll give an honest chance for Exeter/Andover. I’d say that your chances are lower than the average applicant. That’s not to say that you don’t have a chance–luck plays a factor here.</p>
<p>Also, are you applying for financial aid?</p>
<p>dang.
yep I’m applying for financial aid! I bet my chances for that are lower too huh?..
Thanks for the advice :)</p>
<p>This thread should be in the Admissions section… FA doesnt hurt your chances if you apply to a school with the “need blind admissions system.” I.E: Andover. I’ve seen this thread before please don’t over post things. You’re in the race, but remember you can score 99th percentile on the SSAT and all the good stuff, but keep this in mind. THERE ARE A LOT OF APPLICANTS JUST LIKE YOU. Try to stand out and you will be a great candidate.</p>
<p>^Yeah, I believe Andover is the only SHADE (or HADES, as others say) school that is need-blind. Also, I just realized that you’re a girl lol; that actually helps your chances a little. A great interview goes a long way; be genuine and leave your interviewer with a good impression. Good luck :)</p>
<p>@ ptyalejandro: yeaaah sorry about over-posting it ;>.> I tried to move the post to the boarding school chances forum/section/thing and I’m the kind of person who sees a book and says, “OMG TECHNOLOGY I KNOW HOW TO WORK YESS!” So in a nutshell I kind of messed that up…
Wait…How does being a girl help you get in?? (Haha that’s kind of funny actually…xD) And another thing: How do I stand out??? Any tips??</p>
<p>It’s not because all Koreans are “kid prodigies,” necessarily, but because Koreans are extremely well-represented at most American boarding schools. International students often pay higher tuition, so schools recruit heavily overseas. You are obviously a strong student, but if you need financial aid, you should cast a wide net, because Asian-Americans are not underrepresented at most schools, and a lot of financial aid goes to underrepresented minorities, varsity athletic prospects, and children of educators (or others in low-paying fields like the clergy, foreign service, civil service, etc. - if your parents work in one of those fields, you might have an advantage). Saying that, my unathletic, WASP-Irish, younger son received partial scholarship to the school where my elder son has been in regular academic and disciplinary trouble. Look around for a good fit; the larger schools usually have more aid to distribute, but other schools have additional merit-based scholarships to help them attract more talented students.</p>