<p>So, after going through the process, what do you guys think is the most important part of the admission process and why?</p>
<p>Interview, because it’s where they see the person they’re actually going to get.</p>
<p>Really? So, for example, having a fantastic interview, a 3.5 and maybe a high SSAT score(95+) would be better(I use that word for a lack of a better one) than having a high SSAT score, an alright and a 4.0 average? Just curious, I don’t know too much about the process right now.</p>
<p>Not really…it’s more that, given SSAT’s and GPA that are the norm or better for the particular school to which you are applying, your essay and interview may well make you stand out from the pack. It’s a both and scenario, not an either or.</p>
<p>thanks for the info!</p>
<p>IMO – the most important part of your application is that no part is really that important.</p>
<p>I feel that in my daughter’s case the interview was the hook. The AD interviewed her and seemed to be really wowed by her. He came out and sang her praises to me, and I had watched him almost kick kids out of his office (not quite…but you know) before. However her application was also rounded off by excellent grades and test scores and ECs that he seemed to like. But I DEFINATELY think the interview is what differentiated her from the other strong applicants.</p>
<p>MDMomofTwo:</p>
<p>What ECs do you think he likes a lot?</p>
<p>I feel really lost. (you may search my S’s detail Stat with my id) SSAT 99%, Rank 1, won competitions on Math/music… (but not international nor national) fair amount of services. All interviews he felt went really well. But he is waitlisted for Exeter… no news from Andover (maybe rejection/WL) and Deerfield (only hope).</p>
<p>Sorry if it sounds like bold… but I never expect rejections… I really want to know what to improve further… since this is not the end. College is more important. But I don’t know how to guide my S. </p>
<p>I am not a native… never got k-12 education… working mom with 3 year old little one.
I don’t have any clue how to make his case stronger than now… (maybe wining national award something…)</p>
<p>I feel so hopeless now.</p>
<p>maybe essay… but he won a couple writing competitions… (although they are regional)… we live in a small town. 
not able to compete with kids from big cities?</p>
<p>I rank my applicant schools after how well the interview went. I also tried using it to estimate how things would go and was right. So I agree with the other poster, I think the interview(+essays) is the most important part. </p>
<p>But of course good grades + SSAT scores are usually a must as well.</p>
<p>ma1023, no one expects rejections, they are just part of life your son sounds like a good student though! Even if you son is not accepted and stays on waitlists, a lot of schools still have openings after april 10th! Try calling schools in late april, I have also heard that calling coaches is a good idea.</p>
<p>@ma1023
First of all not being accepted is not a rejection of your son…he sounds wonderfully talented and I am sure has a great future ahead of him. Were you asking for FA?? I know that with the economy being as bad as it is, there is some real feeling out there that asking for FA plays a part.
I can’t say that my daughter had the perfect application, she just had what they needed in a package that worked for the school. Read ExieMIT’s comment on the Rejection thread and you will see it is a multitude of things. In my D’s case, it sounds corny but she really just charmed the AD. With respect to ECs: she is first chair flute in the wind ensemble of a very competitive school band program, she is in Advanced Choir, a tournament tennis player and placed 4th in a large county science fair. She also makes crafts for charity, volunteers at our church , has a straight A average (including high school courses
in 7th grade) and had a 99% on her SSAT. However none of this would guarantee her an acceptance at any school she applied. AOs look for a balance of geography, gender, personalities etc… I am sure the orchestra gets filled, school teams, and choirs and then other needs are balanced out.
Dont get depressed…have him call his WL school and reinforce his interest and you never know, he may get off the list. Many do!!Best of luck!!! This is just a glich in a very brught future</p>