<p>I thought I would have some chances to go to one of the top boarding school. But as I read about some members here, for example hotchkisshopes, my self-esteem sinked...a lot.
My extracurriculars are lousy. I play piano since 5 years, but the only thing I do in public is to play in a concert every year with all the other piano students. I do archery since 1 year and hope to win some competitions next year, because that´s the only sport I´m talented in. Next year, I want to found a new after-school "class" at my school, but I didn´t get the allowance yet (I just finished 7th grade). I don´t think it´s important but I take a dog-training class.
My academics are also not what I want them to be. I am the 2nd or 3rd best student in class, but I still have 2 Bs (maths and arts) and I will not tell you my sports grade because that´s really embarassing. I have to take the TOEFL because I´m an international student but I´m not worried about that, more about the SSAT. MY problem is that my maths is really weak (in 6th grade I had a D) and I´m taking an extra maths class and still get a B. The other parts of the SSAT are fine.
I try to better my grades next year but I don´t think I´ll get an A in maths. Sports is also a huge problem. My only hope is that I´m in the best class in my school: my class does a bilingual French program, and you are prepared to make the German and French graduaton.
But you have to understand that in Germany, NOBODY gets straight As. NOBODY. Not because we´re that bad but if you compare a German public school to an American one, you will mostly see that what an American public school does in senior year is the same as a German one does in 10th grade (out of 13). And we don´t have such things as student of the month etc. And it´s difficult to find an extracurricular activities because most programs, organisations etc. just let you do something when you are at least 16.
I would be good if you could help me. Do I have a chance to better myself?
Ps: I don´t know if it fits in any of these categories, but I am currently in a five week summer program at Choate and my mid-term grades are pretty good (B, A and A) and I made an exchange to France for 2 months and my grades there were really good.</p>
<p>Are you a German? If not, your living experience of schooling in Germany as an international student (that may include your short experience in France) may make you an interesting candidate. How many students live outside their home country? </p>
<p>Your ECs, especially archery, look intriguing to me. Again, how many students play archery? You mentioned you haven’t played the piano big, but it has been consistent. To play it in public every year in a team is not a small achievement. </p>
<p>I don’t think the top boarding schools are only for the academic or athletic prodigy. What they would look is the balance and the potential of a candidate who could fit well in their school culture. </p>
<p>You can also explain the German grading system during the interview. Prepare well for the SSAT and get a good score. If you think you are relatively weak at math, try to show them you try hard and show them an improving trend. That may be more important than just the grade unless you want to be a math major in college. </p>
<p>Show them what you are strong at. Show them how good a person you are. Be confident about yourself but always remain modest. Lastly, if the boarding school is really what you want to go to, show them your passion and believe in it. Don’t be intimidated by some super stats here. </p>
<p>I wish you all the best!</p>
<p>Look for boarding schools that offer archery.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot!
Patronyork you just made my day!
I thought maybe everybody needs 100 EC etc.
I am German. 
But when you read of some students and compare yourself to them, you forget everything that´s good about you. For example I always forget that I skipped a grade and wonder why everybody´s older than me…
Again thank you!!! You are so nice and I really need some people who have some experience in the world of boarding schools becase my parents don´t know anything about it…You´re really great!</p>
<p>Newagnel, thanks for your nice comment. I sent you a private message.</p>
<p>Newangel, if you skipped a grade and are younger than your peers, you might think about repeating a year. Or at least being willing to do so and talking about it in your interviews. There are lots of kids coming into boarding school who repeat a year, for many different reasons. It actually can be viewed by the schools as a big plus. Particularly where you are coming from a very different school system (and English isn’t your first language), schools might feel that you’d have an easier time adjusting if you came in at the grade your age-peers are in.</p>
<p>Thanks Patronyork. I´d like to send you a PM, too but I can´t (is that normal?)</p>
<p>You can use the quick reply box below the main message box and click it.</p>
<p>Oh it says I must at least have 15 posts.</p>
<p>Look through schools that don’t have Germany listed on their “countries represented” list. (though this is probably extremely rare) You will have a significantly better chance at getting into these schools.</p>