Missed Opportunity...Kinda Bummed Out..

Prep School Admissions
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<p>So I'm a Junior rite now at a Prep school in the DC area. Originally I thought it was the best school in the nation, but eventually as I went on summer programs at colleges like UPenn and such I realized that was not the case by a long shot. Actually my school, now that I'm thinking of it, isnt that great academically and college wise I'm kinda scared since I know a lot of good northern boarding and day schools have good reports/connections with the colleges and my parents are basically wasting 30,000 bones a year paying for my tuition.</p>

<p>The reason I'm bummed out is because in 8th grade I didnt know any of this. I had perfect SSAT scores (99% across the board for all 3 sections nationally) great EC and volunteer and played 3 sports and I was actually a shoo in at my HS rite now (at the interview the guy told me I was in and even tried selling the school to me). I was originally considering Lawrenceville since my uncle went there, but my parents really didnt/still dont see a difference in private schools. Now that I'm looking back and wondering if instead of spending all 4 years at my HS if I took the money (120,000) and spent it at 3 years a Lawernceville (which I think I could have gotten into) if I would be better off in the college process. I know its kinda pathetic but this really bothers me since I'm seeing people going to feeder schools who seem less qualified but getting into top colleges when I have a 2220 SAT score (took Oct) and am considering retaking it just to solidify my chances at Cornell (Dartmouth is really my dream school but my school rarely sends anyone there). I dunno, maybe I just need to vent a little.</p>

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<p>PM me the school you go to, and ill try to give you a comparison. i know a TON about DC area schools, and i also have boarding school experience.</p>

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<p>Thanks inspiration08 PM sent</p>

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<p>There have been a number of threads on whether going to a top BS actually improves your chances of getting into a top college. I think the general consensus is that if you are at the very top of your class at Exeter, Andover, SPS, Deerfield, Choate, etc. you have a better chance of getting into an Ivy than if you are at the very top of your class at a less competative school. However, it is also much tougher to be a standout student at a top BS than a more mediocre school. </p>

<p>So I guess what I'm saying is that you shouldn't bum out all that much. Rather than focusing on what you don't have and can't change you should be focusing on making the most of what you do have. Strive to be at the top of your class where you are and to really stand out. If you can do this, you have a shot at any school in the country.</p>

<p>BTW - I'm an alum of the University of Pennsylvania and we say "Penn" not "UPenn". :)</p>