Don't Give Up!

Prep School Admissions
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<p>Hey guys! I know that this is kind of a random thread on such a stressful day, but just in case you've received some unwelcome news, I'd just like to offer you a bit of hope and inspiration. I don't come on CC often, so I'll just let you guys know I am currently a freshman girl attending public school in California. </p>

<p>Last year, on this very day, I was just like the rest of you; nervous, stressed out, and scared. When I got my results back, I was ultimately very disappointed to have been rejected by the 2 schools I applied to - Andover & Exeter. I was bitter, depressed and angry, but most importantly, I kept on asking myself "What did I do wrong? Why was I rejected?" For a girl who had been looking forward to attending boarding school, it seemed like the end of the world. I certainly felt that my qualifications were up to par - 97% overall SSAT, student council President, 7 As and 1 B, raised over $15,000 for charity, MUN & Community Service Club President, etc. as well as attending one of the most competitive middle schools in the country. I had naively thought ahead, and not given any consideration to the "What if?" question. </p>

<p>This year, I moved across the country to SoCal. Although my new school is great and I have great friends, I felt a certain longing to attend boarding school back east. I quietly began the application process in late November, and applied to only two schools - Andover & Hotchkiss. Although I had achieved many new accomplishments, I still felt that I was not "good enough" to be accepted at either school. My family and I prepared for the worst, and I braced myself for the sting of a disappointing letter. However, when I came home today, I was absolutely SHOCKED to discover that I had been accepted to not just one, but both schools. In a year where the acceptance rate was 14% for Phillips Academy, I am still a bit stunned that I made the final cut. </p>

<p>The point is, even though I was rejected last year, I still worked hard and believed that boarding school was right for me. Don't let the pain of rejection get you down - it's possible to be rejected then accepted, so don't give up hope! </p>

<p>If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask. Good luck!
-girlasmuse</p>

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<p>^^ Congratulations, girlasmuse!</p>

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<p>Girl–beautiful story…similar to ours…</p>

<p>Two years ago my d applied to Exeter, Andover and Loomis–not selected by anyone, it was difficult and sad. Initially, my d didnt want to even consider bs. As the summer came around my d decided to try again. Upon reviewing, found out that some materials were mis-interpreted, thus being denied. (Side note-not going was better, grandfather very ill and died, d got to spend tons of time with him- a blessing, he encouraged her to apply again and follow her dream).</p>

<p>Last year we began again, toured and by chance just happened to “stop” at Deerfield. It was just located in between to schools we were “really” interested in. As we drove though historic Deerfield and approached the school we fell in love. Our love grew as we talked with students, toured, and interviewed. I felt it was the placed for my d.</p>

<p>As it worked out for us last year we were 5-1-1; Deerfield, NMH, MPS, L’ville, Exeter (accepted) , SPS (wait-listed) and not selected at Loomis, again.</p>

<p>My d is a new sophomore at DA. It has exceeded our wildest expectations. My d is not just surviving but thriving. </p>

<p>If she had been accepted the first year, she would have never found DA, and would have missed out time with her grandpa. She attended public school first year and realized bs was really what she wanted and needed. The year at home helped her mature and get ready.</p>

<p>Don’t give up, things happen for a reason, even when we dont understand!</p>

<p>Good Luck to everyone!</p>

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<p>@2kidsnoanswers - Thanks! Hopefully, you’ll get/have gotten into your dream school too!</p>

<p>@Alexz825Mom - Congratulations to your daughter! It’s great to hear that she’s loving Deerfield. I really wanted to apply there as well, but I could only do off-campus interviews, and the closest interviewer was in Newport Beach - a good 2 hours away. Our stories actually have an uncanny resemblance; my mother died when two years ago, so I believe that the experience has made me stronger as a whole. I wrote about coping with my loss in my admissions essays, and my Hotchkiss acceptance letter actually includes this line “The Admission Committee was particularly impressed by … the strength of character and honesty you showed in writing about your mother.”</p>

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<p>girla-so now the real question…where will you go—lol. No bad choices, go with your heart!!!</p>

<p>Btw-beautiful comment from THS about your writing and your mom.</p>

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<p>@Alexz825Mom: It’s a really tough decision between the two, and although I’m leaning toward Andover, I loved my Hotchkiss interviewer, who was a very influential person in the Hotchkiss community, and offered me a lot of insight and perspective into school life there. I guess I’ll have to wait for revisits for find out. :)</p>

<p>I’m just trying to keep this thread alive, since it seems to have gotten lost behind a wave of new threads, and I’ve noticed that a lot of new posters seem to be dejected or miserable.</p>