<p>How about if I don’t need FA? Would It be easier?</p>
<p>It’s relatively easier. But that depends on where you’re from. It’s a lot easier if you’re applying as a URM(underrepresented minority). But for east Asians, canadians(?)—really hard.
Schools want to admit kids from every quarter of the world, so being a URM is definitely a hook.
But you still have to do well in tests and have decent ECs and grades. </p>
<p>I’m just saying that the decision may involve some randomness if you’re applying for FA, since no one knows how much money is left and whether they want to give out aid to int’ls. You still have to work hard if applying as a FP(full-pay), but yes, relatively easier.</p>
<p>I’m from the asian continent.</p>
<p>FP will help but with the stats that u presented. I’m sorry dude if u LACK a report card I hate 2 tell u but then u are screwed. Also your rankings aren’t nearly high enough for these schools, I’m sorry but you’ll face almost certain rejection. And as I’ve told u b4 u were around 12 years old when the recession hit your school work shouldn’t be affected nearly as much as yours was. Unless there are EXCEPTIONAL circumstances they won’t care since the recession hit other places probably even worse than they hit ur country.</p>
<p>Also how on earth are u gonna come up with the around 200000$-150000$ that it’ll cost to attend these schools (depending on when u apply and their tuition, boarding etc) if you lack income and asked about full ride FA. Also as an international you’ll probably spend around 4000-5000 $ in the application process so there are expenses there to.</p>
<p>I can tell u as a FP admit and a URM (being Swedish) that it may edge out other applicants in your favor but it won’t be a dance on roses 'cause of it. I would probably stand out as a strong applicant if I didn’t apply from a URM but I think it certainly helped me. </p>
<p>You need to have a natural talent, I’m (not to brag) a very skilled debater,popular,athletic, member of the student council and the Swedish Young Conservatives. These are some of my personal qualities but I think they make my application a bit stronger than some other applicants who focus solely on academics. Note that I’m also on par academically with most other posters here who also got into a HADES school. But I’ve managed to balance my academic and personal life in such a way that I can have the best of both and I think that boarding schools may look for that. If you feel like these qualities apply to you, your chances will increase but they will still be exceptionally low. I’m sorry but that’s just how it is.</p>
<p>In conclusion FP helps but it’s mostly a guarantee for yourself that if you’re admitted u won’t have to say no 'cause u don’t get any FA. It won’t change their view on you as an applicant in a major way. More likely it might help tip the bowl in your favor against other int’ls but that’s about it. Sorry but these facts are coming from a VERY reliable source (and by that I don’t mean myself ofc ;), seriously though )</p>
<p>Your best bet is probably to apply to a tier 2/tier 3 school. Again I’m sorry but that’s just how it is.</p>
<p><em>cough</em>NMH loves internationals!<em>cough</em>just thought I’d put that out there…</p>
<p>That’s what I meant with tier 2 
, no but NMH is great however you should probably take a look at his stats first…</p>
<p>Again dude no offence but NMH is also a competetive school especially if u need FA.</p>
<p>seconded on the ’ It’s hard out there for an FA student’ :(</p>
<p>and NMH is great! ;)</p>
<p>Previously, my dad had a very good job, I aim to be like him. One of his colleagues told my dad about Phillips Exeter because he was an alumni of Exeter. So I started getting interested. If my dad can get a new job, I think he may be able to afford. Though, It’s a risk and everyone in life has to take risks sometimes. I have been looking at NMH, It seems quite good. BTW, could you guys give me a list of 2nd tier/3rd tier schools, the one you are talking about. Thanks.</p>
<p>Best wishes and GL to your dad! 1st i think there’s a list called 2010 rankings or something like that there may be some tier 2/ tier 3 schools there. Also there are some lower tier 1 schools that may be reaches but u should always try!</p>
<p>There have been plenty of threads about tiered schools - use the Search bar.</p>
<p>Also, to correct Gonnastop’s post, at many schools Canadian applicants are considered domestic, which means it’s not as hard for Canadian to get scholarships.</p>
<p>BTW, DeerfieldSwede, what grade are you in?</p>
<p>9th why so?? The school system in Sweden is quite different than in the States. We start school one year later and our equivalent to high school begins in the 10th grade so I’m goin’ to Deerfield as an incoming sophomore.</p>
<p>Try williston- they could use some intl’s…</p>
<p>and Mercersburg (not quite tier 2 but not on PEA level)
Kent</p>
<p>My friend studies in Kent. Looks OK.</p>
<p>How about Middlesex, Milton, Peddie, Loomis, Lawrenceville, Groton, Cate, Georgetown Prep, Hockaday or Taft, St. Mark, NMH, Concord, Porter’s, Emma Willard? I like Lawrenceville, Groton, Taft, NMH, and Milton from that list.</p>
<p>You really like those “top” ones. I’m just saying, the schools listed in the 2010 ranking or something are extremely hard to get in(even applying as a domestic FP). </p>
<p>For lower tier schools, go to boardingschoolreview.com and look for schools with a 30%-50% acceptance rate. (all the schools you mentioned above, excluding Hockaday, Emma and NMH have a roughly 20%) Emma and Hockaday are girl schools so that’s why. NMH…well it’s rising so fast and I’d say it’s one of the best among those tier 2 schools. They do take a lot of internationals. </p>
<p>But again, you need decent stats to qualify for the first round. Then comes EC, the ability to pay, etc. </p>
<p>(I do think that you’re aiming a little too high) You do have chance if applying to those schools as a FP, but a very slim one. Sorry. </p>
<p>And about your country—it helps if you’re from the middle east I guess.</p>
<p>I really want to start a thread for newbies. People are posting the same kind of threads every year! Isn’t it better if we provide some info first? (newbies, feel free to ask, I’m just trying to make the CC BS forum better)</p>
<p>I swear that newbies are always welcomed here. However, why don’t you use the search bar? Even though I’m not so much of a veteran, I’m starting to get tired of answering the same questions.
BTW, Hockaday has a 40% acceptance rate for boarders. Just thought I’d share because I talked to the director of admission.</p>
<p>Yeah that’s what I think. We really need to start an FAQ thread. </p>
<p>Are you applying to Hockaday??(next year of course)</p>
<p>TheGeek:
Feel free to ask questions.</p>
<p>I love this title, it sounds better than just a “Chance Thread”. TheGeek, just work hard and listen to all of these experinced people on cc and you will have a fair shot. Good Luck.</p>
<p>No, not ALL of these “experienced” people. There are many worthwhile advice here, but take everything with a grain of salt and see if the advice applies to you.</p>