<p>aarralyn - </p>
<p>First off, I wouldn’t bother with Thacher. As someone just posted in another thread, Thacher has a “ridiculously high yield” - in other words, virtually everyone who is extended an offer accepts it. It would take nothing short of a miracle to find a space there. I don’t know about Cate and Peddie, but I’d be surprised if they encouraged further applications at this time. No harm in asking, though! (You might also want to take a look at Masters School, in New York State. And both George School and Westtown, in Pennsylvania. And perhaps Holderness in NH?)</p>
<p>Second, keep your email short and to the point:</p>
<p>“I am wondering if you are still accepting applications for next year’s 9th (or 10th or whatever) grade. I have already taken the SSAT (or TOEFL or whatever) and am prepared to submit an application immediately. I would not be requiring financial aid.”</p>
<p>The only other thing to add, if it would not be evidence from your name, would be your gender. That’s it - short and to the point. The answer would likely be “yes, we have openings” or “no, not at present, but we’d be happy to add you to our waitlist if you submit an application.” If you get the waitlist response, you might want to inquire further as to the likelihood of space becoming available. If it’s yes, be prepared to submit an application promptly. No personal details - just a brief inquiry.</p>
<p>And I’d strongly suggest you take a really good look at [Boarding</a> School Review](<a href=“Boarding School Search Results”>Boarding School Search Results) and see if there are any other schools you might want to submit an inquiry to. If you really wouldn’t want to attend a school, then don’t bother with an inquiry . . . but do broaden your search to see what other schools are out there that you might like.</p>
<p>Oh yes, and don’t limit your inquiry to “rolling admissions” schools. Any school will be happy to accept a late application if it still has space!</p>