<p>I don’t remember submitting any additional letters of rec…but maybe my parents did. You should reapply and hope for the best!</p>
<p>Thanks - we will! What are your thoughts about hiring one of those consultants who work with the students to improve SSAT and application? Her scores were good but not super high like 98%.</p>
<p>Keep in mind recommendation letters are only one part of the puzzle. My understanding based on what I read on this board and what I have done personally is that, if you feel like there is something unique about you and you have something to share, you should do so even if it is not on the school list. In that spirit, submitting an extra rec would be fine, but may not be a deal clincher. Hope that helps.</p>
<p>A</p>
<p>Regarding SSAT scores–our average is in the mid 80s, so if your daughter could get above an 80, I wouldn’t fret about it.</p>
<p>Thank you both. I appreciate all of your tips and advice. (-:</p>
<p>On paper I know I have the “stats”. In the end I was rejected. All of the people I asked to write my recs gave me a copy so I know they were absolutely amazing. I honestly believe it comes down to
~Needing FA
~Being Asian
~Living in an overrepresented state
~Applying for junior year</p>
<p>I could be wrong, but those thoughts are helping me cope.</p>
<p>Congrats to all accepted and condolences to those who didn’t get into their choices, from viewing my children’s effort, it is a time consuming process.</p>
<p>My S and D were both accepted at Lawrenceville, Deerfield and Westminster. We are comparing the three schools very closely… would love to hear opinions on why anyone would choose one over the others. Not including references to SAT scores or University admissions since I expect my children will continue to do well and determine their own fate: so I am more interested in things like culture, style, reputation, differences in learning, etc.</p>
<p>We are European so we don’t know so well ‘scuttlebut’ in the US. Of course we will be doinng revisits.</p>
<p>Lawrenceville and Deerfield claim a slightly better reputation than Westminster. Regarding style, Lawrenceville feels more relaxed, whereas Deerfield is more preppy, according to what I have garnered on this board.</p>
<p>Lawrenceville’s greatest academic strength lies in the humanities, with our great depth and breadth of exotic history, english and religion course offerings. Our math curriculum prepares the students well for college, though admittedly not as developed as the humanities. We do have courses beyond BC Calculus (Multivariable Calc, Number Theory, Infinity, etc.), and for the math maniacs that have exhausted our math course offerings, the school will arrange for them to take classes at Princeton down the street.</p>
<p>Moreover, Lawrenceville makes use of the Harkness system to enhance discussions and enrich the students’ academic endeavors (in all Humanities classrooms and some Math and Science classes depending on the teachers). As at Exeter, this is a distinguished feature of our education. I don’t know if Deerfield uses Harkness.</p>
<p>Another thing to note is Lville has a larger student body than Deerfield. However, the House residential system really makes the size seem much more intimate. So I think it offers the best of both worlds–the diversity of a large student body as well as the closeknitted community of a smaller school.</p>
<p>We’re also a better school than Deerfield because we just beat them and Andover in the recent Green Cup Challenge :D.</p>
<p>I would say Deerfield has smaller school size and has better academics than Lawrenceville, but that is just my take. I would choose Deerfield for my dcs but that is because Deerfield would be the better fit. Do revisits.</p>
<p>Lawrenceville also has a strong boys tennis team.</p>
<p>Thanks… it is a really important decision (a good one to have)</p>
<p>Europarent, I believe the revisits will be the most important aspect of your decision and will help you and your children to determine “fit.” Academics, facilities, resources are all similar, I would imagine. I understand from these boards that Deerfield has a “preppy” culture. I believe Lawrenceville is more diverse, it is certainly larger. </p>
<p>Congratulations on two amazing choices.</p>