<p>For those who have been through the High School admissions process already, I am wondering what your opinion is on what counts the most. I realize that there are MANY factors and each school handles it in their own unique way. I wonder because from what I've watched over the years, I occasionally see that "perfect" applicant get denied of their top choice and wonder why. If you had to rank order of importance, how would you: SSAT Scores, Grades, Teacher Recommendations, Student Interview, Student Essay, Community Service?</p>
<p>This would be a great question to ask in the Prep School Admission Forum. You may get a wider audience.</p>
<p>[Prep</a> School Admissions - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/]Prep”>Prep School Admissions - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>Just depends on the school. At the one my kids attended the director of admissions was sick one year and a substitute came in. The class she chose was very different, personality wise, from the ones the long term director had chosen.</p>
<p>Some schools value leaders, some athletes, others focus on grades and scores. Most have needs to fill–artists, musicians, scientists, kids for the math team and band…if it’s boarding they want kids from many states and countries. </p>
<p>So when you see perfect looking turned down, the issue is that a lot of great applicants look a lot alike. They are high achieving, great scoring kids from affluent suburbs or cities and there’s just not room for them all at top schools.</p>