<p>I wouldn't say LOTS. I do see a lot of replies where half of what the person said was bragging on what they felt they did well and not really answering anything. If I were a parents that would frustrate me also :)</p>
<p>mpicz-it happens every year. After March 10, you don't hear from many of them again.</p>
<p>Ouch -- that's gonna leave a mark.</p>
<p>Actually, there don't seem to be as many of them this year! And at least those bogus "rankings" by parents attempting to lift their own kids' schools seem to have disappeared as well. Interestingly, at my own kids' school, they warned the parents about believing everything they read on college admissions chat boards. It's always good to remind people to take what they read with a grain of salt...and to consider the source.</p>
<p>Amen to that -- thank God that phony Bunkel Index has gone away!</p>
<p>Hmmm...
so what would be a good safety school to apply to? I've looked heaps up in boardingschoolreview.com but i just don't know how the school is a safety school... like not as highly ranked, lower sat score...?</p>
<p>I think that a safety is a school with a higher admit rate, and where your child's statistics are well within the benchmarks. The part about the statistics is not so easy to figure out since data on ssat and gpa is not always readily available. The single sex schools may be well ranked, but due to some applicants desire for co ed, some may be easier to get admitted. None of this is easy, sadly.</p>
<p>fif--I still feel silly when I read about the Bunkel index. I thought/think it's an inside joke, but I never know for sure. Isn't it all bunk?</p>
<p>In response to the question, I think that an interview doesn't guarantee an admission no matter how well it went. But I do think that a very bad impression could possibly hinder one's chances of getting in. Also, I'm only applying to three schools. Exeter, Andover, and Deerfield. I'm not confident that I'll be admitted, but I don't have a safety school. If I do not get in, I'll just go to a public school. Especially because I'm so far out (Los Angeles). If it's not a fantastic school, I'm not sure if it will be worth it. Besides, Palos Verdes High is ranked one of the top schools (public of course) in the country. What is your opinion?</p>
<p>mpicz-it happens every year. After March 10, you don't hear from many of them again.</p>
<p>^ HAHAHAHAH
this was by far the best line I have ever heard from a CC'er to date.
though I shouldn't be talking. I will likely be one of those people you never hear from again by march 10 XD</p>
<p>
[quote]
If it's not a fantastic school, I'm not sure if it will be worth it.
[/quote]
There are MANY MANY fantastic schools that are not EADS. Clearly if you are comfortable with your public school, then that is your safety, but to imply that the only "fantastic" schools are the ones with the big names, is simply not true.</p>
<p>I can only second what others have said in relation to the "advise" given here. But I can say I know many people who have gotten handwritten thank yous, Thanksgiving cards and such, from "top" schools and not been accepted.</p>
<p>Same here, Linda, and in another week or so they will be sending out handwritten Christmas cards too. It's just good manners, salesmanship - it doesn't mean anything about being admitted. </p>
<p>I also want to say that there is no such thing as a safety school. My daughter was accepted to her "reach" school after being rejected by a "safety."</p>
<p>I think the only "safety" school is one that has already admitted you or a public school. What are some other fantastic schools that don't have big names? I'm not being impertinent, I have only heard of the big name school being so far out. Most people here haven't even heard of the more famous ones. Actually, most people here think New England is a state. :P</p>
<p>There is a thread somewhere that is something like "great schools that don't get mentioned a lot." If you search, lots are listed there.</p>
<p>I found this last night. It's a good, short overview of the college admissions process, and directly applicable to the prep school admissions process. Getting</a> in: What Will an Admissions Committee Look for in me?</p>
<p>This section caught my eye. (Read the original page. I've taken out some interesting material, to make the quote shorter.)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Three tiers of credentials
Your high school record is by far the most important document. While your class rank or GPA is an important summary statistic, colleges will also look carefully at your courses, grading standards and overall competition in your high school, and their history with your school.
The next level of credentials includes standardized tests (some colleges dont require them); your essay and other writing samples; depth and breadth of extracurricular activities; letters of recommendation from your counselor, teachers, and others; diversity of your background or culture; and at some institutions, the personal interview.
(...)
If youre a good writer, be sure to include a writing sample that reflects your skills. If youre an athlete, contact coaches to supply the information requested. If youre a musician, send a musical resumé and an audio- or videotape. Any major activityacademic, extracurricular, or personalthat you hope to continue at college ought to be highlighted in your application.
(...)
The third evaluation level consists of what colleges call tippersitems that rarely determine decisions, but can tip them in close cases. Common third-level factors are geographic diversity, legacy status (where a family member has attended the college), or a commitment to attending a particular college (usually through an early-decision application). Some colleges may also consider factors that are part of their commitment or history: religious heritage, a particular geographic area, or service to particular populations of students.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Interviews are important, but so are all the other factors of your application. The admissions committee will look at a holistic picture of the applicant. I admit that a terrible interview can decrease your chances, but I don't think a great interview will salvage an application with mediocre grades and bad recommendations.</p>
<p>There's also no way to know how effective your interviewer is in the admissions committee stage of the process.</p>
<p>Periwinkle, </p>
<p>If you know how to do it, could you move this post to the useful links thread? It would be so helpful if we had all the admissions tips related articles in one thread. I don't know how to do it because I'm a ding dong.</p>