<p>I am currently an eighth grader living in California. I want to go to Exeter or Andover starting ninth grade.</p>
<p>Regular School:
Currently in Geometry.
Gifted program for History and English.
Normal science and PE
My electives are chorus (fifth year) and Spanish (first year I've been able to take it)
Last year, I was on the highest honor roll. No Bs on my report cards.
In elementary school, I was in an exclusive accelerated program, but that probably doesn't matter because it was two years ago.</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:
Editor of my community's monthly newsletter.
Fourth year of advanced extracurricular math classes.
Sixth year of drama (first year in improv, and I love it).
I read for over eight hours a week.
I like to write, and am starting writing tutoring imminently.
I took a summer (2013) of ballet. And quit.
I was taking Latin classes this year, but my tutor moved away.</p>
<p>Other things that might or might not be helpful with my application:
I am half-Filipino and have dual citizenship with the US and there.
Over the summer I took two college classes at UC Irvine. C+ in Calculus (not the best, I know), and B- in Criminology.
Last May (in seventh grade) I took 3 AP tests. I got an AP Scholar Award because I got 3s in the two English ones and a 4 in Psychology.
Also last May, I took the SAT and got a 2070 (93rd percentile).
I have had two work experiences, one for a local bookstore, and one with assisting a local spinoff writer by doing research on spinoffs.</p>
<p>Really, my main thing is that I do all this stuff independently. My school doesn't really support me with my APs or stuff.</p>
<p>So. These are my accomplishments. I would be exceedingly grateful if anyone took the time to chance me. Thank you.</p>
<p>Oh, well, and I’m applying for financial aid. That will probably affect my chances for Exeter.</p>
<p>Honestly, being an Asian, FA applicant from California to 2 of the top 5 schools is a deathblow for most applicants. Your EC’s are average. Your SAT scores are strong, but I could say the same for many other applicants. You seem like a very bright, well rounded kid, but that’s not what schools are always looking for. </p>
<p>If you have your heart set on Boarding School, I would recommend adding some other schools to your list.</p>
<p>To be perfectly honest, your academics are great. Most of the kids that apply, around 75%, are academically admissible. Where you can set yourself apart is what can you bring to the Andover or Exeter community? Athletics, musician, or performing arts? These schools need athletes musicians and performers to keep the programs competitive. You really have to focus on setting yourself apart in an area other than academics. Cast a wider net as well, there are plenty of great schools out there. Saint Andrews School in Delaware is one that you will hear many great things on this board.</p>
<p>The humbling part about this admission process is that hundreds (thousands, really) of kids just like you get turned down every year. Having just gone through the process last fall with my son, who had many of the same classes and was a little more sporty than you appear to be and he was rejected at those 2 schools. He was a legacy at Andover. I really think that sports are a huge part of the admission process at those 2 schools. My son was/is average at 2 sports. (Don’t tell him I said that) These schools appear to take kids that are excellent in at least 2 sports, in addition to being perfect students and busy with extracurriculars. The competition is unbelievably fierce.
If you can visit the schools - do. I know it’s hard from CA, and probably not even possible, but you may find that they are not exactly what you imagine them to be. Please remember that there are a multitude of great schools out there who will prepare you well for college, and may even be a better fit than those 2. Good luck :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the input of these three people who have replied. I learned a lot. I had no idea that many middle schoolers took APs and college classes.
Leafyseadragon, I’m sorry that your son didn’t get into Exeter or Andover.</p>
<p>Thank you - but it’s really for the best. He is attending another TSAO school and loving it. My child went to a public middle school that did not offer AP classes. If you have access to those classes in middle school, I would say you are very lucky! You are doing all the right things.<br>
my main point was meant to be that if you are interested in attending BS, then widen your net. However, if you are only interested in those 2 name brand schools because of the perception that they are the best, then know that it will be very difficult to get in. But you never know! Practice your interviewing skills with someone and then go convince those schools that you’re a great fit!</p>
<p>I think you are a good candidate. As many people would say here, there is no guarantee.
There are many many good candidates for schools like Andover. But it doesn’t mean that you should be ever discouraged. Be very passionate about what you do (ECs) and positive about yourself. Show Andover why you a good fit with them. If you really really want to go there and have a strong belief, they will know it by instinct. Focus on few ECs that you can talk with AOs in more details with excitement, instead of throwing 100 different ECs that you spent only a few hours. That could be the key. I like your chance and hope that you will get there.</p>
<p>Top school chances? </p>
<p>Currently a freshman at dc area private school</p>
<p>minority- half latino half eastern european
extracurriculars- Model UN, operation smile club, art classes for past four years, jazz classes,zumba, specialized community service (underpriveleged families and children) , hispanic affinity, decoration committee, JV tennis this year, basketball manager and track last year, participation with autism speaks, student diversity board , possibly destination imagination/ improv classes, tutoring, photography and baking as hobbies
grades- all A’s, taking honors geometry and art this year and above level spanish class ( there are no honors options for any of my other classes due to the small size of the grade, so there is only one level for physics, english, and scripture)
test scores- havent taken the SSAT yet but I do very well when it comes to standardized tests and got 98th percentile on the ISEE so I am expecting at least 95th percentile
essay- will be very good I am very persuasive and already know what I can write about
more about me- very outgoing and loud, creative, friendly and can befriend others quickly and easily, very logical, math is my strongest area, very artsy,not average family
I am willing to do anything extra I need to so please suggest anything I am open!</p>
<p>I have already looked at schools; my cousin recently graduated from Andover and got me interested in the idea of boarding school. Andover is my ideal, however I know it might be a reach, so I am also looking at other top schools such as Choate, Hotchkiss, Middlesex, Lawrenceville, etc. Are these schools in my reach and if so, how good are my chances?</p>
<p>AMsherlockholmes; if you got 2070 on the SAT (not the SSAT) in 7th grade, that is off the charts good. Any 7th grader who scores above 1500 on the SAT in 7th grade is considered truly gifted. You should be very proud of yourself because that score involved not just an indication of intelligence, but hard work over a good period of time. That score alone will put you in good standing, and puts you in a good position to score in the very upper 90 percentiles on the SSATs. I would say that you have a very good shot at any of the top 10 schools. I would encourage you to check out a few other schools other than Exeter and Andover if you need financial aid. One school that is “needs blind” is Saint Andrew’s in Delaware. You have a very good shot at getting aid there, and it is certainly one of the best schools out there. So don’t limit yourself. look at four or five schools.</p>
<p>The idea of offering AP classes in middle school seems to really be pushing the envelope. I would think that if it is really a true AP it would not be appropriate for 99% of middle school students. You can certainly see why so many top prep schools are no longer designating classes as AP because the label has gotten watered down now that it has reached middle school. Heck, why don’t these middle schools students just skip Prep school and go straight to college. Chronological brain development does impact a child’s ability to comprehend certain complex subject matter. There is a math magnet at my local public school and the teachers complain that even among the very smart, they are ill prepared when they start the math program because of the rushed strategy. Schools seek bragging right that make them seem more advanced then they actually are.</p>
<p>Oh, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, firstgenbsp112 – my middle school doesn’t offer AP classes. I self-studied for them and took them at a local high school. As far as I know, nobody else in my school has taken any APs.</p>
<p>I am currently a Indian 9th grader in Indiana. I am applying to Exeter for 10th grade.</p>
<p>Grades:
8th grade- Gifted/Talented Program And High School Math All As one A- in Orchestra.
GPA 3.928
(9th grade grades are not in but I am most likely all As (so far))
Classes for 9th-
Biology A
Algebra 2 A
English Academic Advanced Honors
Latin
Sociology
Psychology
PE
Health</p>
<p>ECs
Spell Bowl 6yrs Captain 3yrs
MathCounts/Bowl 5yrs Top 12 2yrs
Tennis-5yrs Team 2yrs
Dance- I have choregraphed Indian dances but its mostly just at functions.
Student Council- 2yrs
Battle of the Books- 2yrs
Volunteer- 1yr
Religous Competition and Volunteer at an Indian “Church”
English Bowl- 3yrs Captain 1yr
Swimming ( I learn)
I play hockey (recreational)
I do pretty much anything I can.
i play 2nd chair violin all through middle school and some in elementary-6yrs
gone to state science fair 2 times 1 time reigonal 1st place at school 3 times</p>
<p>SSAT/PSAT/SAT
SSAT- Last i got a 90 percentile… This year aiming for 95-99.
PSAT- I am going to take it in October so far practicing and tests i have gotten 200-230
SAT- I took it in 7th I got a 1630 without prep sooo I gues I could use this to predict my SSAT score.</p>
<p>MEEEE</p>
<p>I am very enthusiatic about learning and have very high ambitions in life. For my essay one of them i am writing about wanting to go to India and volunteer as a doctor in poor places.</p>
<p>If you want your own chances start ur own thread.</p>