Okay so I basically only decided to apply for boarding school around a month ago, though the application deadline of most of the schools I’m considering are a few weeks from now and/or next month. I still want to be able to participate in additional extracurriculars and such to make my application stronger over the next couple of months, because I’m not sure if my current activities and grades will be sufficient. I’m thinking of applying in maybe March, but do you think that will be too late? Will the schools I’ll be eventually applying to (Deerfield, St. George’s, Milton, Culver, and Andover) still accept my application & consider it? My dad and granddad are both Culver alumni, so I suppose that would help, but I’d appreciate some insight. Also, I won’t be applying for financial aid to any of the schools.
P.S. What’s a safe number of reach schools to apply to?
I’d appreciate the help so so much!
Yes, it will be too late. You really need to apply now (or simply wait until next year). You can supplement with the other things that you hope will make your application stronger as you get closer to the decision deadline of March 10.
Understand that your level of interest in and commitment to attending boarding school is a major factor because schools don’t want to accept kids who aren’t already sure that it is what they want. Late applications are not an indication of a clear mind on the topic or commitment to the process.
There are, however, a few schools that offer rolling admissions to which you can apply later. In addition, after March 10th there will be a list of schools on the SSAT site that did not meet their admissions quota and will accept additional applications. I don’t believe any of the schools you want to apply to will be on that list. Certainly, Culver might make an exception based on your legacy status, but that should be addressed prior their application deadline.
Because you are only referencing highly selective schools and say that your grades might be insufficient, you need to expand your horizons.
Thank you so much for the reply! On Deerfield’s website it is stated that “If you are not able to submit your application by January 15, be aware that we will make every effort to consider late applications, however we cannot guarantee a March 10 notification.” Based on that, is there any chance at all that I might have a shot next school year? I’m sorry if I sound stubborn, I just really want to make sure that I’m doing everything that I can!
I do apologize if I sound uninformed, I’ve only just begun my research on BSs and the whole admissions process so I really appreciate any help I can get 
I don’t know for the other schools, but I know Culver requires the application on January 15 (application, merit scholarship app, financial aid). I’m not sure when the next SSAT is and if they’d take SSAT scores past January 15 but you could call and ask. I’m applying as well. I’d advise to call the admissions office and ask about all of this.
Have you taken the SSAT yet? If not you can in theory still register for this Saturday’s test through the 4th. The test score provides a baseline for the range of schools that would be good matches for you, but your applications will also depend on your grades, EC’s, recommendations, essays and interviews plus anything unique that you may bring to the table. I agree that you should contact Culver directly if you want to apply for next year but don’t think that you will have your application ready to submit by the published deadline.
For a recommended number of schools to which to apply I’ve read on this forum that 6 is a reasonable number if you aren’t applying for financial aid: 2 “reach”, 2 “match” and 2 “safeties” (I personally dislike that term; you should be excited to attend any school to which you apply including ones that you select in which your scores, grades etc. might be higher than those of their “average” student).
I haven’t taken the SSATs, but I most definitely plan to eventually. I also plan to contact the tennis coaches of the schools and such. Ultimately, my primary worry is that although I am able to pull up my grades to the schools’ standards and work on my ECs, the schools won’t even consider my application due to it being late. I just really would like to know if there’s any hope for me going at all with my late application!
Based on what I’ve read on this forum, not applying for FA gives you a leg up - I won’t be applying, so if that makes any difference I’d love to know!
Also, I’ll be attending Brown University’s summer programme this summer - do you think a recommendation letter or something similar from a professor or administrator I worked with would heighten my chances at the more selective schools?
Sorry this was so long! Again, I really appreciate all the help I can get!
Honestly, for all of the schools that you mention (except Culver, which I don’t know about) applying after their deadline will simply put you out of the running. You do realize that they only accept 10-15% of their applicants, right? These schools are very competitive and reject many many qualified applicants all of whom manage to apply on time. Apply next year, when you’re ready and feel satisfied that your grades, test scores and ECs are where you want them.
I agree - if it is possible to wait a year, you will likely have better results and you will have time to find the schools that are the best fit for you. This is the only way you will have time to raise your grades and include a reference from Brown in time. Alternatively, you can contact schools after April 1 (schools will know in April if they have any spots after they learn how many accepted kids are enrolling). It is unusual for the most popular schools to have more than a few spots open, and they keep a wait list of qualified kids to fill these spots but there are some very good schools who have “rolling admissions”. If your grades are just a little below your ideal gpa, you should consider applying by the deadline - take the Jan or Feb ssat- and then send any missing bits asap as well as an updated report card if your grades improve.
I just made the connection between this thread and the other one you created. I see that you are a sophomore that is hoping to go to bs for junior year this coming fall. Given the very good advice above to wait to apply for the year after, perhaps you may also want to consider applying as a repeat junior.
Yea you can, my dad called he admission office because he just found out about Culver and he said I can still apply as long as I don’t need FA.
I’d apply to Culver only for now…it may be less competitive, plus you have legacy status there.
The other schools are highly competitive/selective.