<p>Your assumption is that she would easily be the top student at the merit scholarship schools. It is possible that there will be other top students who would give your daughter some competition. This is what you should probe.</p>
<p>What are the outcomes of top students at the schools recruiting your daughter? My suggestion is that she apply for the merit scholarships. Once accepted with a merit scholarship, you can find out what the outcomes are for top students. It would be best to do this after acceptance. Admissions might not appreciate too much probing before acceptance. Of course, if you know any current parents or current students, you can ask. Admissions can put you in touch with current parents now, but Admissions usually asks for a follow-up discussion with that parent afterwards.</p>
<p>Merit scholarships are difficult to get. If your daughter is getting solicitations, you can be sure that she is not the only one getting these letters. </p>
<p>You should also take a look at the academics offered by these schools. How many honors and AP courses? All the independent schools I know of offer independent study in which a student who wants to study something not offered by the schools find a faculty member qualified and willing to teach the subject. What I am suggesting is that she can probably take some independent studies to go beyond the curriculum.</p>
<p>If a school has an average SSAT score of 60%, it doesn’t necessarily mean that most students there have an SSAT score of 60%. What it often means is that the school has a broad range of SSAT scores. If the school also offers a range of classes, then your daughter will probably be challenged. </p>
<p>A student who can be at the top 10-20% of a class can often have good outcomes. If she is happy there, it is likely that her college applications will stand out with good recommendations, toughest courses, top grades, leadership, awards, etc. I don’t remember if they were fa or merit students, but I’ve read on this board about one student who went to Mercersburg and then went to Princeton, another who went to a small girls school in Virginia (I don’t remember the school but I think her name was naoka) – I think went to Duke. Recently I read somewhere (I think it was this board), about a top student from Darrow going to a top 10 university (I forget which). </p>
<p>Whatever her outcomes on March 10th, compare acceptances to her current school.</p>
<p>Good luck to you and your daughter!</p>