Exeter/Andover/Milton Chance??

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

<p>Hi, I'm new here and this is my first post.</p>

<p>I'm going to be applying to Exeter, Andover, Milton, and probably some other places and I was wondering if I have a chance or what I can do to help myself. I have some time since I'm trying to get in for the fall of 2011. Firstly, I'm home-schooled. Last year I applied to BUA (Boston University Academy - Day School) as a 9th grader even though I will only be 13 on September 1st fall 2010 and I got in. When I told them no because there science program wasn't great they called my parents to see if there was anything they could do so I must have been near the top of the list. LAST YEAR I took the SSAT as an 8th grader applying for 9th even though I was only in the 7th grade and I got:
Verbal 68% (SSAT Percentiles)
Reading 86% (SSAT Percentiles)
Math 96% (SSAT Percentiles)
Overall 88% (SSAT Percentiles)</p>

<p>I also took the SAT last year - I didn't give it to BUA - but my scores were 430 Writing, 500 Reading, and 720 Math. However, I only answered about half of the reading and writing questions cause I was exhausted. I had no idea how long it was going to be. Now I have done some more full length practice tests and gotten better scores so I know how to pace myself and make it through. Also my essay on the SAT which was good got a 8 out of 12 (you know two graders scoring 1-6 added together).</p>

<p>Also for BUA my parents did my transcript which had some grades from online courses, but they wrote the letters and stuff. I did get one letter from a gymnastics coach about dedication and stuff though.</p>

<p>Okay so now that you know my background I'll tell you awards I have won, the courses I'll take fall of 2010, that I'm applying to 9th grade, and I'm retaking the SSAT and the SAT.</p>

<p>Awards/Activities:
- First Lego League (FLL) For two years (going to do it a third in the fall of 2010), I advanced from my qualifier to the state tournament and out of 64 teams that made it to states I won 1st place in programming. The second year I won 2nd place combined. Also note that I started this team from scratch - found some kids who were interested, ran the team, worked day and night on it, including having the 4 X 8 board in my kitchen. My dad coached the team.
- Gymnastics for 7 years USA Competitive team. I have gotten to Level 8 and been in the top 10 in MA for all 7 years at various levels. I trained 5 days a week and a total of 20 hours a week. Recently I stopped so I could focus more on other sports and school.
- Swimming I have been doing for 7 years on a NON-USA team. It practices two hours a week. My 50 Yard Free time is 32 seconds.
- Started a Mandelbrot Math Team. I got about 4 or 5 points on each round. Once again, started the team from scratch.
- I know how to sail and I sail an Optimist. I have gotten 3rd place twice at a local regatta. This year I'm sailing 5 days a week for 9 weeks during the summer.
- I have gotten a 14 on the AMC 8 but I hope to improve that in my last year.
- I got a 100.5 on the AMC 10.
- Won a kayak race.</p>

<p>Those are my awards, my scores are from last year so they should all go up, I have some teachers who know me through online courses to write recommendations. Here are the courses that I have taken,</p>

<p>Summer 6th grade to 7th grade,
Algebra 1 (review) and Geometry</p>

<p>7th Grade:
Counting and Probability - A
Number Theory - B+ (it says right on the transcript I had A level work - hard grading)
W10A from EPGY - A- (very hard grader)
W10B from EPGY - not quite finished but it looks like an A
Algebra 2/Pre-Calculus - probably an A
"Bits" from the Harvard University Extension School - most likely A range
Grammar EG20 EPGY - most likely A</p>

<p>Plan for 8th grade:
Calculus AP AB BC year long course
Spanish - Level 2 (did it in 6th grade)
Art Class at local junior high
Drama club at local junior high
Guitar (played for two years before)
Piano (played for 4 years before)
W10C, W11A, and W11B from EPGY Writing Program (it's in quarters including summer)
Java Programming Course Harvard Extension School
FLL Again - Fall
Make Holograms - Spring
Lots of Reading (I love the magazine Cricket)
Chemistry Experiments - Spring
Possible dissecting something - Spring</p>

<p>I'm also trying soccer, continuing with swimming, sailing in the summer, and maybe lacrosse. I took dance for 6 years so I think I'm going to do that again also, therefore I'll be able to do that at a school.</p>

<p>At BUA last year I interviewed really well and teacher recommendations should be pretty good. I could get something from the art teacher and spanish teacher from the junior high as extra cause I'm home-schooled. Also that gymnastics coach will still be willing to write another letter. Lastly, I work really hard and I'm always super busy! I really love school. Btw I would be applying to Exeter, Andover as a boarding student and Milton probably as a day student. I live half way between Boston and Cape Cod.</p>

<p>Thanks for reading - I know this got REALLY long. So what can I do to improve my chances??</p>

2

<p>Also I forgot to add this but all of the math classes listed above were taken at Art of Problem Solving. Google it if you don’t know what it is because the classes and problems are very challenging and I put in a LOT of effort. Thanks</p>

3

<p>Sorry, I completely forgot to include that I have attended two sleepover camps. One was when I was 9 years old for a week and the other when I was 10 for two weeks. Both were for gymnastics but I was away from home. In NY and PA respectively. I live in MA.</p>

4

<p>Math46-</p>

<p>A few thoughts…</p>

<p>Your ECs are a little all over the place. That’s okay, but when you fill out your applications you’ll want to stress the ones that are most important to you. Things like a single kayak race or a year of a sport won’t impress admissions officers, although they won’t particularly hurt you if you’re keeping up with your main activities at the same time. Tell your admissions officer what really fires you up-from what you’ve posted here I’d guess math, gymnastics, and/or FLL. Schools would rather have applicants with a passion for one or two areas than applicants who are jacks of all trades but masters of none. Let them know what most interests you before your interview. That way they can alert any coaches or teachers who might want to meet with you.</p>

<p>You may want to consider applying for 9th grade. Although you seem ready for a 10th grade course load, you’re already young for your grade and many kids at these top schools do a 9th to 9th or 10th to 10th year, which could mean you’d have classmates a full 2 years older than you. This can be awkward. The types of schools you’re considering can provide extra advanced coursework if you outgrow the standard curriculum.</p>

<p>Your verbal SSAT is a little low, but not outside the reasonable range. You’ll have to take the SSAT again this year anyway. Don’t be afraid to take it more than once if you’re not happy with your scores.</p>

<p>You sound to me like an independent learner. That will be a plus when applying to boarding schools. I wouldn’t bother mentioning the camps unless someone asks you directly about how you feel about living away from home.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

5

<p>I’ve got nothing to say</p>

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<p>@ Sue22 Thank you very, very much. I know my EC’s are a little all over. I plan on saying how involved I WAS in gymnastics, swimming (7 years - always and still going for 2-4 hrs a week), math (the best thing ever), and FLL. I also really want to do science (physics, biology, and chemistry) at the high school I attend. This is what interests me along with the community of peers (home-homeschooling doesn’t get you any academic friends cause not many people in eastern MA homeschool). All the friends I have are from activities or sports and they really aren’t that smart. Additionally, your right about the independent learner thing. I’m motivated, disciplined, and love learning which in part came from gymnastics but home-schooling has that affect. I make all my own schedules and manage my own time. I always have and I couldn’t do it any other way. Thanks Again.</p>

<p>@ exoveerotch, I really appreciate the confidence booster. The key is to be confident but if something bad happens not to get upset! And I’m working on the second part of that…</p>

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<p>I really want more opinions!!! Please post thoughtful opinions – if you really have nothing to say or don’t know what to say then I thank you for not saying anything. But if you have any idea’s for me, please, please, post them!!!</p>

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<p>■■■■■!!!</p>

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<p>Awesome EC’s – you’re really athletic! You may want to consider taking the SSAT again, the top schools will want extremely high SSAT scores :-/ Also, you will need to think of a “hook”. Think “If I were an admissions officer, why would I accept this student? What would this student offer for our school?” A hook was what I was mainly missing.</p>

<p>What about community service? Schools always look for your caring in the community.</p>

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<p>Maybe this isn’t as big as it seems but I’m EXTREMELY MOTIVATED. I really love learning new things both in a structured setting and on my own. I’ll try to think of a way, sort of, to promote myself. As you were saying a “hook”. So far all I can think of is that I got scores in 7th grade which were well within the range of scores that kids from Exeter got on the Mandelbrot math competition. Also, I’m definitely thinking about doing community service work. And I’m really good at making invitations/flyers for things so I think I might start a small business – it can’t hurt and it’s not something I’m doing to put on the application (I’m doing it because I have always wanted to). Thanks for the help!</p>

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<p>Make sure that your motivation is shown in your interviews.</p>

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<p>Thanks 2010 hopeful. When I interviewed at BUA I hadn’t told them anything about motivation BEFORE (in application or pre-app) the interview but then after my interview they interviewed my parents and the interview lady said she thought I was extremely motivated. We had talked about it but she really believed it so hopefully it’ll be the same thing this time.</p>

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<p>@cashcrateaddict I’m not a ■■■■■!!! I’m honestly a real person and I have not exaggerated at all! I’m home-schooled and smart but completely real.</p>

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<p>bump… (10 char)</p>

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<p>Agree with Sue. I’d suggest more focus on one or two of your extracurriculars. Might be better to demonstrate expertise that will be additive to the school community. Your scores might be a little on the low side for PA/PEA but you never know. Your interview will play heavily in the decision.</p>

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<p>if you had continued with your high-profile gymnastics, it would have been better. because there’s nothing that really stands out besides that. Your swimming is ffaaaaaarrrrrr from the best. don’t even mention the times. Your math courses are good (you should’ve gotten at least 99 percentile on the math section honestly)</p>

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<p>Thanks for the feedback SnapePotter. I guess I should just wait until March 10.</p>

<p>Btw, you don’t think AP Computer Science and AP Chemistry as an 8th grader stand out?</p>

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<p>I am suggesting you listen to sue22 who is an experienced CCer I mean I’m just a junior member but by the looks of this you need to organize your ec’s and sports together so I can read this properly and alot of the things said here were irrelevant e.g: I have been doing swimming on a NON USA team I mean none of these schools expect anybody to be on a USA swim team but who knows, I enjoy magazine cricket?,I really work hard and I’'m also busy, I really love school I mean every soul applying to BS loves school. You’re grades look god though and that’s a +! Hope I helped out. CHANCE ME</p>