<p>Hi guys, I'm an eight grader trying out for Boarding School next year. I get fairly good grades and have been getting mostly As throughout middle school. For ECs I am in 10+ clubs at school including strings, band and chorus, I have joined a running team, I am known in the classical dance of Bharatnatyam, I love to help out and am planning on doing tons of fundraisers for various organizations this year,volunteer at a nursing home, but that is pretty much it. I have looked around this website and have seen the credentials of some of these people which is quite unnerving. It really just freaks me out.
I really want to know if there is anyone on here which got into Boarding School purely on their interview. For example, had As and Bs, good ECs, okay SSAT scores, but totally charmed the interviewer. Could you get in on pure personality?
Like, I guess I'm smart, kind, etc. But if they see some potential in you, would they just put you in based on that more so?</p>
<p>I just want to know that if you had not outstanding ECs, then could you make it in?</p>
<p>Does anyone want to consider replying?</p>
<p>As many have said, it’s a combination of everything. If you have a few things you are really passionate about and not a ton of EC’s, it’s fine. everything else balances together. But anyway, it seems like you have a ton of amazing EC’s, almost unrealistically so, so don’t worry.</p>
<p>Even if you didn’t have so many ECs, don’t worry. They are a small part of the overall application process. But having some could be to your advantage.</p>
<p>^ I disagree.
Most schools love well rounded kids, so it definitely is a big factor. They’re not looking for a great athlete, but a bad student; or a genius, who doesn’t do sports or ECs. They want well rounded kids. It is a huge hook to have good ECs.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for replying!</p>
<p>Of course I know that ECs matter, a lot. I just really do not want them them to totally base them on the things you have done before, I really hope the consider me more on the basis for what I can do and will do in the future than what I’ve accomplished in my small or big, depends on how you look at it, time on Earth.</p>
<p>I am pretty well-rounded. I think. I am mostly A, gifted/talented program, honor student. I play a sport, have learned dance, and I’m planning on starting the volunteering just in time for it to be able to written down on my application but most of the things I do will be done later on in the year. I haven’t really done to much yet.</p>
<p>I might just be stressing myself out but I don’t want to go into it feeling like I already do not have a chance.</p>
<p>Where are you trying to get into?</p>
<p>I’m trying for Hotchkiss which I’m aware of is a very high reach and Peddie which is lower but not exactly easy in any way.</p>
<p>You do have nice amount of EC’s. (Bharatnatyam buddy here too <3).
In response to your question, the probability is significantly low that adcoms will admit you overwhelmingly based on your interview. I am not saying you would not get in, just that an interview alone would not bear a huge impact on your ability to get accepted (unless you were at a border line to begin with). </p>
<p>Also your potential to do well in the future depends on what you have accomplished. So definitely adcoms will note that you have been doing wonderful EC’s and will probably expand on those. They might also see the amount of potential you have for your future grades in what you already accomplished. You definitely stand out with your EC’s, and by rocking those interviews you definitely increase your chances. </p>
<p>As you pointed out Hotchkiss is a reach, but hey that means you can reach it. Don’t freak out and rather prepare with the time you have.</p>
<p>Yes I know, I do kind overdo the worrying a bit and instead I should be studying for the ssat which I’m probably taking in January and </p>
<p>Thanks for your reply, it really means a lot.</p>