First, I understand summer program does not add much value to your BS applications. However, it does show some strengths such as independence, time management, and social skills etc. My question is how to present this experience from one a specific school to OTHER schools you apply to.
DD had great report card from Andover Summer, stating she is over-achieving. However, Andover is a far reach for us. So should we mention this experience to other schools? Will other schools view this as strong commitment to Andover so reduce her chance?
Yes, mention it, in the context that your DD had such a wonderful experience at Andover Summer that it sold her and your family on the benefits of boarding school in general, not necessarily for Andover in particular. That’s what my child did, and it certainly didn’t hurt his/her chances, and may have enhanced them.
I would imagine every boarding school interview includes the question, “Why do you want to go to boarding school?” Among a host of reasons he/she mentioned, including a desire for opportunities, rigor and friendships with a diverse community of peers, my child included that he/she had had a wonderful experience attending Andover ESummer, which he/she did during that first COVID summer.
And yes, we did share the report card with other schools. We figured it provided some evidence that he/she could do the work successfully, especially as we come from an area not generally associated with sending a lot of kids to boarding schools.