<p>@whimsicalwhims 10. 8 waitlists, 2 rejections. </p>
<p>
Way too many “far reach” schools and not enough “match” schools</p>
<p>Can u articulate why specifically u have selected a particular school???</p>
<p>That’s an excellent question, @GMTplus7. </p>
<p>I suppose so…I mean I selected them for their strengths in certain departments-- I really love Milton’s wonderful English department, but I also like Exeter’s math department… </p>
<p>Just curious, on what are you basing your assessment of the strength of specific departments at each of these schools?</p>
<p>To push further on @GMTplus7’s point, I think this list is too long. If you have a perfectly respectable school to go to if you are rejected, why shotgun it? I cannot imagine the same child being a great fit for all of these schools.</p>
<p>As a thought experiment, can you REALLY imagine the same kid, the same temperament/personality, being a perfect fit at Andover, Middlesex, and Hotchkiss? Are we too lazy to bust out “The Sorting Hat” before undertaking the work involved in all those applications?</p>
<p>I see many here apply to many schools to increase their odds, and I realize that is usually done across various levels of selectivity. But is it usual to have a list with such a wide range of “personality”?</p>
<p>And another question, if you are looking at Hotchkiss, Andover, Deerfield, and Exeter, shouldn’t you complete the Pentumvirate by applying to SPS? ;)</p>
<p>Seriously, best of luck on your applications. See if you can pinpoint how your values and accomplishments align with those of the schools you are considering. The application process will have times of stress, but I’m sure it will come out for the best!</p>
<p>The 8 schools you have chosen are super competitive, but have surprisingly little else in common. Are you choosing them for their competitiveness alone? I would suggest you think more about whether you want a large school, a small school, a focus on certain subjects, arts, athletics? If you will fly in some are a lot easier to get to than others (and 6 times a year spending a day traveling each way eats up time with family fast). Visit a few, they are very different communities. </p>