<p>Well I am in the ninth grade right now, graduating in '11. Right now I'm in public school, but I really have a desire to go to private school or boarding school. Unfortunately, I didn't apply for tenth grade, so I would probably have to apply for the eleventh grade, which is very hard (it seems.) What I ask is: What should I work at and how? Should I take the SAT, or leave it at the PSAT? Would athletic potential work? How much do the extracurrics play in admission (I do a lot!) Obviously the recommendation forms are crucial, as well as my applicant form. Should I strive to take summer courses to jump to the next level? </p>
<p>These are just some of many questions that I would like to have light shed on. My parents are quite well off, but with two kids for private school, it might be too much.</p>
<p>Also, for a school, I have been looking at Choate Rosemary Hall, Hotchkiss, and Deerfield. All three seem to be relatively smaller than their competitors, which I like. Although a big environment would be livable (such as Andover or Exeter), I am not sure that I want that (but I can change my mind of course.) So, what schools are connected internally well where it is not just about the grades and the study, but also the entire high school experience, student support (like counseling) and peer connection?</p>
<p>apply as a repeat tenth grader.</p>
<p>that could work.</p>
<p>If you are extraordinarily set on going to a private high school, I would strongly recommend keeping an open mind and looking at schools beyond the "top 10" (Choate, H*kiss, Andover, etc) because people find their perfect fit in places they'd never imagine.
Go to <a href="http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.boardingschoolreview.com/</a> and look up the statistics for where you look like you'd fit academically, financially and what atmosphere (big or small, co-ed or single-sex, tier 1 or tier 2).
If you are worried about the competition for getting in as a junior, either reapply for 10th grade, or try to find a school thats suitable for you that has rolling admissions. Some schools accept applications all year long, maybe you could get into one starting next fall! (Northfield Mount Hermon is one example) You can find schools with rolling admissions at BSR
GOOD LUCK!!</p>
<p>Applying for eleventh grade isn't harder at most schools. I emailed Andover and Exeter last year and both said it was relatively the same % acceptance. People probably just say that on here so if they get accepted they can have more bragging rights, although there are a few schools that accept only a few juniors, such as SPS, but it varies every year.</p>
<p>Choate is the third largest of the top schools (848 students), after Andover (1096) and Exeter (1045). Deerfield has around 600 students, while Hotchkiss has 574.</p>
<p>I would keep it at the PSAT. No where on my forms was I asked to record an SAT score, but as a junior you'll need both the PSAT and the SSAT. Some schools don't require both, but I would take them both anyways. You may have a good test day and a bad test day, so doing both will balance it out.</p>
<p>If you are a good athlete they will LOVE you. BUT I know DA has a lot of PGs (not sure about Choate/Hotchkiss) which I hear limits playing time for really good players grade 9-12. </p>
<p>I'm sure extracurrics help a LOT. They want to see you'll get involved and not just do the standard class then sports. </p>
<p>I don't think summer courses are necessary, unless you're behind in a class. I suppose you could, and it may give you a leg up, but I don't know how much of a difference it would make.</p>
<p>I know nothing about FA, sorry!</p>
<p>Now I have a question. Are you set on boarding schools, or those schools? Because those schools are gonna be killer to get into as a rising junior. I would add a school that accepts more students.</p>
<p>Also, if you're applying for 11th grade you are only required to take the SSAT, however the PSAT is also accepted.</p>
<p>if you would consider it,
there are also schools,
although they are not the top, most talked about schools,
that have rolling admission,
but if you have your heart set on a deerfield type school,
i would apply as a 10th grader,
ive heard about alot of people doing this,
and school isnt a race,
so it doesnt matter your age when you graduate.</p>
<p>Jonathan1, it isn't harder at SOME schools.</p>
<p>I applied as a rising junior (hence the username). There are two types of schools when it comes to rising juniors. One keeps spots open during a certain class's freshman/sophomore years just for juniors to take later on, such as Andover and Exeter.</p>
<p>Others, Lawrenceville I know, and I think Middlesex, see how many openings they end up with over the years. If no one leaves, no one gets accepted.</p>
<p>I don't think that I would like to apply as repeat tenth-grader. It just doesn't seem very flattering for me, but that is not to say that I wouldn't consider it. I like the "school isn't a race" comment. :D</p>
<p>Personally, I would like to go to boarding school. The independence and need for self-reliance is something I truly think I will benefit from in a boarding school. And, I hope to get a thrilling HS experience.</p>
<p>I play a plethora of sports, most freshman varsity, and Taekwondo (1st dan.) I don't think I'm too worried about PGs, but it's something remember I suppose.</p>
<p>Risingjunior, what do mean by either a "boarding school or those schools"? Do you mean (in those schools) like not necessarily top-tier? </p>
<p>For me, I benefit a lot from a more intimate environment, where you don't really have the chance to be anonymous. I enjoy socialising and creating bonds and relationships with other students and faculty. The entire Experience with excellent academics, arts (music!!!!!), sports (but not need for nationally ranked, because it depends on the person, not your school), social integration, and atmosphere is what I really want.</p>
<p>Btw, I live very close to the Lawrenceville School, so that might be an option. Not a first-choice, or even second, but more like a "backup."</p>
<p>if/when you apply,
paraphrase the last
paragraph in your essay!
that's what schools want
you to say, i think.</p>
<p>Red Panda, I just wanted to know if it was those schools or no schools, because if you just really LIKE those schools but would be fine elsewhere, I would make sure to apply elsewhere. Not because you can't get in (I don't know if you can) but just in case.</p>
<p>Those three (or four) schools were just schools that "hit my mind" when thinking about prospective schools. Part of the thread was to gain perspective on other options besides those, especially ones that fit my criteria.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Btw, I live very close to the Lawrenceville School, so that might be an option. Not a first-choice, or even second, but more like a "backup."
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Lawrenvceville is very competitive, almost as competitive as the other schools you listed. No offense, but it should not be considered a "backup".</p>
<p>I agree with crosscountry12 on the Lville thing.</p>
<p>Perhaps I'm mistaken, however, I think he means "backup" as a day school option. He lives near Lawrenceville, so he could attend as a day student.</p>
<p>Once you visit schools they will tell you what grade you should apply for. Also something to consider is your age. Some schools have an older student population. Ask when you are there - especially if you are an athlete. Also ask your tour guides. Our tour guide at Deerfield said most of the freshmen were 15, admissions said 14/15. Middlesex said they had some 17 year old 10th graders. Ages really vary. Also some schools with PG's have great classes for upper level students that you can take advantage of if you are a repeat. Watch out for the converse, schools that you will top out at if you repeat a year - some schools only have a 4 year track for some classes. Good luck!</p>
<p>Jonathan1:
I emailed Andover and Exeter last year and both said it was relatively the same % acceptance. People probably just say that on here so if they get accepted they can have more bragging rights, although there are a few schools that accept only a few juniors, such as SPS, but it varies every year</p>
<p>The person who was interviewing me told me that it is much harder to get FA in grades above 9th because they want kids to attend all 4 years. My friend in 9th grade currently has the same stats as me (better SSAT, more EC's) got Waitlisted for FA.</p>
<p>Someone with lots of experience posted that the admit percent is about the same but the applicant pool tends to be much stronger in the upper grades. So technically your changes are the same, in reality it may be harder because most students who apply for 11th have great stats. That makes sense to me, I was always saying what you did tanyoosha, but I think probably the comptition is stronger.</p>
<p>how far are you willing to commute to go to a really good day school?</p>
<p>there's a girl in my grade who commutes 3 hours a day to come to my school</p>
<p>are you a boy or girl?</p>