<p>I am applying into the top prep boarding schools like Lawrenceville, Hotchkiss, Choate, Groton e.t.c. How can i get a good grade on my SSAT and how do i write an amazing essay. So far I have been an all rounder and have had 4.0s basically throughout middle school. i am appllying for tenth grade and i am currently in ninth grade.</p>
<p>There is no set way to “get in”, per say. While grades and SSAT’s are important, there are thousands of applicants who have the same stats- what matters is how you differ from those applicants. Have you been playing the flute since you could talk? Do you have a love for anything that involves balls? These are the things that matter most. You don’t have to be a state champion, but anything that you feel you enjoy and want to show off on an app are the most important parts. And for your essay? Just be yourself and trust me, as a writer, the best writing comes when you least expect it to. </p>
<p>What heyitsblaineee said. No magic bullet. (BTW, Blaine, it’s “per se”, though I appreciate the effort!) That might explain the lack of traction your thread has generated so far.</p>
<p>Know that there are far fewer spots for 10th grade than there are for 9th — but there are also fewer applicants.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to a very long thread chronicling my older daughter’s process:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1174214-one-familys-bs-search-and-application-process--start-to-finish.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1174214-one-familys-bs-search-and-application-process--start-to-finish.html#latest</a></p>
<p>If that’s TLDR for you, I will say that she had a 99% on her SSAT and was still rejected by one of the “top” schools…so again, there is no magic bullet/formula. </p>
<p>That said, you will definitely want to order the Bunkel Bundle…</p>
<p>The WBTY Indices is a much better product than Bunkel</p>
<p>@sevendad Oh, gosh, what a juvenile mistake! Psh, I promise I’m not that daft. But yes, what happened to your daughter happens every year to so many kids. It would make your head spin to see the numbers, OP! Just remember this nugget of gold: There is a school out there perfect for you. And while it may not be Exeter/Andover/SPS, etc (And who knows? It very well could be!), you will find a place that is just the right fit.</p>
<p>Thank you very much. I think I’ll just be myself.</p>
<p>I see you’ll be going through a similar problem next year when you apply to similar schools. I’m sure there is a school perfect for you to. Thank you for responding.</p>
<p>This process is very daunting, for sure: I applied in eighth grade, but with a C- average, there is no way I could have gotten in ANYWHERE. However, I pulled up my average in Freshman year to an 83% and now my average is around 88%ish. It’s scary, but I know that with enough dedication and hardwork, I can get in somewhere 
And the same goes for you!</p>
<p>I wanted to share two thoughts with people applying this cycle and this seemed like a likely enough thread:</p>
<p>First, DO NOT think that you will only be challenged at a “top”/brand-name school. Pretty much any of the schools mentioned on this forum with any frequency can kick even a strong student’s butt if you let it.</p>
<p>Second, while this video is about college admissions, I think the last two points made by the U Rochester dean are totally applicable to BS. These points have been made year after year by parents on this forum…
<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube;