I think we narrowed it down to a manageable number of applications: 3 each co-ed and single sex because my daughter is still undecided which she would rather have. Exeter, Loomis Chaffee, and Mercersburg for co-ed, and Emma Willard, Chatham Hall, and Westover for single sex. Really they are all VERY different from each other, but each place has a specific aspect that appeals to her.
Does this seem like a reasonable amount of schools to apply to when we need as close to full aid as possible?
I think that’s a great list, but you may want to add a couple more if you need full FA. Also, have you visited them yet? If not, maybe some will come off the list after you visit.
Having visited two of the three co-ed schools on your list, I can easily say that Loomis and Exeter are very, very different places. Is there a sport or EC that has put these on your list?
We aren’t visiting (until after acceptance if it received due to the finances and time constraints), so we are going on things sent in the mail, seen online, etc. We focused on one particular class and swimming (although it’s not REALLY offered at Westover so that school is really on the fence and may be swapped out with another as more information comes in). There were just things about each school that appealed to her to make them stand out. She is afraid Exeter may be too big, but loves the course variety, she is not a fan of the style of swimming at Westover but the Signature programs appealed to her. 2 of these school leap out at her though because they have EVERYTHING she is looking for, and we have discussed trying to visit those 2 since they are only a few hours apart.
We are a swimming family (girl as well) and would be happy to chat offline if you want my advice for the NE schools.
@makp715: My kid is a senior at Westover. The school has exceeded our expectations in every way. Feel free to PM me if you have questions. Not sure what you mean about the swimming style… True, they do not have a pool, but I can assure you that the swim team is pretty serious!
About the swimming, I meant that it’s not on campus and I’m not totally sure how that works and if we find a school in looking that has similar offerings with swimming easily accessable it may bump it down, that’s all.
Peddie has great swimming. George has a new, beautiful pool aND a swimming program on the upswing. Although it sounds like swimming isn’t the driver, just an important consideration.
Have you considered Porter’s? They have a gorgeous pool building. And it’s a lovely school.
I think you need a longer list. But I’m glad Mercersburg made the cut. 
@twinsmama how many do you think there should be? I have to admit it was your posts about Mercersburg that had us looking at it in the first place because she was only interested in single sex schools to start with.
DD is an URM, swimmer, into visual art and foreign languages. She is an all around “good kid”, tied for the highest academics award with someone in her class, she volunteers here and there. Her practice tests for the SSAT’s could be better, but she takes it in October so it’s gonna be what it’s gonna be.
@makp715 , I don’t know what the right number is. Of course, it really only takes one! But when you need a lot of FA, the odds are against you, so the conventional wisdom is to apply to more schools.
I don’t know much about swimming, but I do know that at some schools, swimming is a year-round sport and at others it is only offered in the winter. I don’t know whether that matters to your daughter, but if so, it is something to check. (It is year-round at Mercersburg, FWIW.)
I would definitely add more schools is FA is that much a consideration. My daughter swims at St. Timothy’s. They don’t have a pool but they travel to the local college to swim each day during sports. She loves the school and the IB program is such a challenge.
If you need full FA, I’d broaden it to 10. Put in the time now, it will save you heartache later.
I agree with this ^^. And for close to full FA, your best shot is to choose some schools where her grades and scores make her a real standout. Good luck!
We have expanded the list - I think we are at 9 right now. And DD has decided to take the SSAT again and try to improve her math score. Thanks @Louisianamomof2 DD and I took a look at St. Timothy’s and she really liked certain aspects of it (like the art barn) it didn’t make the original list because of the uniforms - but she is coming around to the reality that uniforms may be in her future.
While I think it is smart to expand the list, I would make sure to keep some of the schools with significant endowments.
Here is our opinion on the size of Exeter. Exeter might feel big on paper, but our kids find it has a great sense of community. Since it has such a high percentage of kids that board, dorm life is an important aspect of identity. It is easy to make connections and be involved. They have an amazing art program and close knit swim community. For a student applying with significant financial aid need, their billion dollar plus endowment affords them the opportunity to offer significant financial aid.
I just read the 2016 report and approx 50% of kids are on financial aid with the average award being, $43k for boarders. When our oldest applied to a variety of smaller schools many years ago, after he was wait listed at a few, we were told they simply couldn’t (or wouldn’t) afford him. Good luck in your daughters admission results.
Good luck, @makp715 to your daughter!! My daughter wasn’t a fan of uniforms either but it’s no big deal now…lol. I hope your family finds the perfect fit!