<p>So I applied for the 2012-2013 year and wasn't so successful(Denied at 4 and financial wait-listed at 3). I don't know if this was because I needed full financial aid. My family only makes around $20,000 a year and we are a family of four(1 mom and 3 kids). My mom really wanted me to go to a boarding school because our school system here is not so great, only half of the people that attend go to college and there is only around 5 AP courses, so I decided to apply and I fell in love with a school but got wait listed. So I want to reapply for next year but I want to know if it's even worth it. I know how hard it is for someone that needs full financial aid to get accepted into a boarding school. So should I reapply or just stay with public school?</p>
<p>Based on your reported family income, you could probably qualifiy for a fee waiver to apply to the schools. So other than the time to fill out the forms, what do you have to lose?</p>
<p>It’s harder to get accepted w FA than w/o, so you should reassess which schools to apply to this round, to ensure there is a good balance between the school’s acceptance rate and the school’s ability to grant FA.</p>
<p>Yes, needing full financial aid makes it tremendously difficult!</p>
<p>But, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. What you need to do is look at your SSAT scores from last year and compare them to the scores posted for admitted candidates at the schools listed on Boarding School Review. It’s going to take some time, but what you need to do is look for schools where your scores are ABOVE the average for any school. Yes, these schools will probably be smaller, lesser known schools, with smaller financial aid budgets. But, if you are a student the school really wants, they’ll find a way to make it work!</p>
<p>So, broaden your search! If you haven’t already, look at schools outside of New England. Find schools where you won’t be “just another applicant,” but will instead be a candidate who really stands out!</p>
<p>Skip the schools where you were denied last year . . . but consider reapplying to the schools where you were financial aid waitlisted. If one of those schools really wants you, you might get in this year!</p>
<p>Yes, the odds are against you . . . but if you’re willing to invest the time and effort, it’s worth a try!</p>
<p>dodgersmom is right, the odds are against you. All I can say are a few things.
- Love the school that loves you! Those you got waitlisted at are probably willing to consider you again and accept you. (I’m not making any promises.) But I personally think trying again at rejection schools is a lost cause. Not because you’re not a good candidate, they might think the fit isn’t right or just can’t provide FA to that extent.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Try to explain the FA situation during the interview. It might be easier to get across than on paper! ;)</p></li>
<li><p>Try your local private school, and take it from there if needed. The fees will be less, almost definitely, and they will provide FA to those needed. It will offer a higher level of education without having to move or spend an outrageous amount of money/take up time applying. If you can’t pay for it, there are always Community College courses and other options. Keep your mind open!</p></li>
<li><p>If your heart’s set on BS, don’t give up. I can only say that you should consider Andover and St. Andrew’s, (i think), because they are “need blind” and don’t consider FA into your acceptance.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Good Luck! I really hope you find what’s best for you. :)</p>
<p>You know what I’m going to say, right? +1 on St. Andrew’s (DE).</p>
<p>Also, depending on where you live, you might be able to get into a program like ABC (A Better Chance). Or look at a school that offers programs for people from certain geographic areas…for example, SPS does:</p>
<p>From the Press Release on the Heinz Scholarship:</p>
<p>“The Heinz family’s decision to sponsor the scholarship for students from Pennsylvania was, in part, based on the success of similar SPS programs – the Cook Scholarship for students from Montana, the Greene Scholarship for students from Alabama, and the Ross Scholarship for students from Northern New Jersey.”</p>
<p>Ha ha, actually St. Andrew’s, found that one out on your posts, SevenDad. Total creds. Not to forget “Love the school that loves you!”</p>
<p>Thanks for answering back! I’ve decided to apply for the A Better Chance program but also apply for schools on my own. I’m trying to get a job so I can atleast put some money in for the tution and I have started to look at lesser known schools that are just as great as the more well known schools. Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>Best of luck in your search! But beware that you are not allowed to have jobs while attending most boarding schools.</p>
<p>Some BS have a limited number of on-campus jobs for students (e.g. working a shift in the cafe at the student center), but at S’s school, freshmen are not eligible for these jobs.</p>