<p>I'm considering applying to Taft because it's a really a good school, and a little easier to get into than the other schools I'm applying to. How is the campus? Dorms? People? Is it possible to take two foreign languages there throughout high school?</p>
<p>Jonathan,</p>
<p>I know of a student who took two languages as a freshman at Taft and has continued up through this, her Junior year. She had to work with the academic dean to make sure she met her other graduation requirements, but I am sure you can do that at almost any Independent school if that is your passion. It might take some extra work on your part, but from what I remember, you're willing to put in the extra effort. You can PM me if you have any particular questions about Taft although my experience there is limited to one semsester of Sons attendance. So far it has been a rewarding experience and he absolutely loves his classes. His favorite is Chinese. The teacher has been teaching at Taft for many many years but prior to that he taught at Princeton for about 20 years I think, as well as stints at Stanford and MIT. That is just a memory from what my S told me so don't hold me to that.</p>
<p>Taft is a great school, Jonathan -- but it is still a reach for you. It has a 22% admission rate and average SSATs of 80.</p>
<p>You have some great schools on your list -- but all reaches/high reaches.</p>
<p>Have you taken a look at these schools:</p>
<p>Mercersburg/ 39% acceptance rate & average ssat scores of 65
Blair/ 59% acceptance rate & average ssat score of 61
Northfield Mount Hermon/ 59% acceptance rate & average ssat score of 60</p>
<p>there are many, many other excellent boarding schools with higher acceptance rates and lower average ssat scores -- which is what you need to add to your list.</p>
<p>hsmomstef....
Where did you get the stats for NMH? The only ones I can find are from the 205/2006 school year and show a 51% admission rate and no SSAT average. I don't ever recall them publishing an SSAT average. For 1999/2000, the admision rate was around 40%, then it went up right after the consolidation of the two campuses. I don't have the most recent figures.</p>
<p>Probably old boardingschoolreview info. For whatever it's worth, I think the acceptance rate at Blair is around 45-49% now and average SSAT is probably around 65-70% (This is a guess on my part). SAT scores have been going up marginally every year the last few years, but they haven't changed their SSAT info on boardingschoolreview.</p>
<p>Well..in any case, Jonathan, you can take two languages at NMH. My son is doing Honors Sp 2 as a freshman and next year will take Honors Spanish III and start French. He also plans on taking Arabic...right now they only offer it to upperclassmen and have just the intro course... and his advisor said they can work that in.</p>
<p>Jonathan -</p>
<p>The other thing to think about is applying to a school that you know very little about simply because you think you have a shot at getting in. You really want to have a good idea that you will enjoy your experiences at a school before you go to the effort of applying and, however much we here on CC may feel that we've gotten to know you, our opinions are no substitute for your own. What may seem great to one of us may leave you completely cold. So before you fill out the paperwork at least check out Taft's website (better yet, visit the school) and try to talk to an alum in some greater depth than can be achieved on this forum. </p>
<p>And I would second what hsmomstef said: Taft is not what I would consider anyone's safety.</p>
<p>All of that being said :), I will add that the Taft campus is unusual and lovely. The buildings are all of similar construction and built in a neo-neo-gothic style around a central pond. I understand the food isn't that good but kids can order out. Sports play a significant role in the life of the school. Academics are very serious. There isn't what I would call a great diversity of activities on campus (compared to Milton or Andover, or even Middlesex, all of which I know you are also considering) but the kids I've met who go there all seem to have enjoyed their time on campus.</p>
<p>sorry -- I should have posted some clarification. the info I posted was from 2005-2006 and it was obtained directly from the schools.</p>
<p>And all of the schools I posted about are great -- but no one can tell you which school is a good fit for you, Jonathan. my suggestion is that you check out some other schools that are not such high reaches. You must be realistic -- with a current GPA of ~3.0, SSAT scores of 43 overall and solid but not spectacular ECs and no sports, your chances of getting into a highly selective school are minimal.</p>
<p>keylyme, I watched the NMH video and I really like it! I'm thinking of applying.</p>
<p>hsmomstef, my current GPA is about a 3.3 for the first semester. First quarter was a 3.0, second was a 3.7, which I think is a huge jump. I also have been doing soccer for nine years, and I played JV Tennis this year. </p>
<p>I read on the Petersons article of Taft, "The minimum percentile score accepted is generally 50. Most entering students test between the 75th and 99th percentiles. " I'm not far from 50 and HOPEFULLY I will be able to score at least that when I retake it. </p>
<p>Also, I'd like to reiterate that I don't absolutely have to go to boarding school. My current school is decent, so I want to apply to schools that I feel are ahead of my school by a good amount, but not one's that only have minor differences. Does that make sense? haha. I think that I would be better at my current school than schools like Cushing, Berkshire, etc. I will take a look at all the schools suggested, though.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>I visited Taft and I really disliked it. The reason was that the people seemed quite snobby and I felt that if parents are willing to drop $40,000 a year, respect should be given. The tour guide was absolutley awful, he was quite rude. Also, the school is quite spread out. The academics however, are absolutely brilliant. If you want to apply and go for it, you should! Another thing is that someone stated that the minimum ssat acceptance was around 50% that is usually someone from a minority. If you want acceptance, you should get around 85% and you'll make it.</p>
<p>Jonathan -- I understand what you are saying and your current school is an excellent back-up, but I don't think you would find Blair, NMH or Mercersburg lacking academically compared to Greenhills. All three are excellent boarding schools --and there are quite a few others.</p>
<p>capriatifian -</p>
<p>Are you sure you're thinking of Taft when you say it's spread out? All the dorms/classrooms are within a few minutes walk of each other. I'm an alum and I absolutely loved it - I chose it because the kids seemed so much less snotty than anywhere else. I heartily recommend it - they seem to really like folks from a non boarding school background. But, as with anything, your mileage may vary and it's best if you can visit at some point.</p>