<p>Hi i'm in fifth applying to Deerfield Academy, Exeter, Andover, and Groton for ninth grade - 12th grade. I play sports and excel at school and currently helping out in the soup kitchen and play guitar. But i need more things to do to make me stand out can you give me a few things i can try to do to make myself stand out ( and i mean really stand out in my applications)! Thank you!
BTW i am doing ssats soon do you guys know any good study books thanks</p>
<p>I think I replied to your other post! However, my favorite ssat book is the Princeton review book, and I ended up with really good scores (in my opinion). I would highly recommend it, you could probably buy it off amazon. Good luck!</p>
<p>I also used the SSAT study book(but by Kaplan) I also got the app called SAT words 1 because many of the words I was tested on there showed up in the reading comprehension and analogies section. I think one of the best things you can do is show dedication to something. For instance I’ve been playing piano 8 years and basketball for 6 years. If community service is something you like definitely continue it I think my community service(my foundation) might have been a big help. Hope this helps :)</p>
<p>I borrowed a book published in the 1990s from a library a week or so before I was supposed to take the SSAT. I don’t recommend this; but I did get a 95 percentile. :p</p>
<p>Is there any way you can go abroad for language study, community service, or sports? Something non leisure travel or camp related - something with real academic and/or athletic value. Having some international experience might show that you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. There are summer study abroad opportunities for kids in middle school. There are also a ton of international volunteering opportunities out there that you could do with your parents if they are willing to go with you. </p>
<p>I would also start really thinking about what matters to you. What social issues really concern you? You volunteer at a food bank, so it sounds like social justice matters to you. What are some social justice organizations for youth that you could get involved with? Could you start your own charity to help those in need in your community? Start there - what does your community need? Could you organize a food drive to help the food pantry and get kids and teachers in your school to bring canned goods to school for you to collect and deliver?</p>
<p>Look around and see if there are any local or regional competitions that interest you and enter them. Think about what you’re good at. If you’re really good at math, why not join a math club and compete? </p>
<p>Look for honor societies that you’re eligible for and sign up for them. If that means opening a chapter at your school, talk to the principal and find out how to do it.</p>
<p>Look at the requirements for gifted programs, like the ones at Johns Hopkins and Stanford. Sometimes, depending on the program, a specific qualifying test score isn’t needed. You don’t know until you investigate. You could take some gifted courses from either one online.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>