<p>First, csi=love, I have to say I admire you. Putting your story out here and having to face all the criticism isn’t easy, yet you still reply to these response. And this story is a great one to share. It shouldn’t scare the new applicants away, but inform them more. To those new applicants on CC already, know that you are in a way better position than some of us last year. Many of us didn’t hear about boarding school until the school year had started. Those of you who know about these schools have a head start. I encourage you to apply to as many schools as possible. csi=love has put herself in a position to be told that she could be lying and such, but take her advice and don’t be overconfident if you do make it in, don’t be bitter and turn away from everyone if you don’t make it in, and just have fun, embrace this experience and hope for the best!</p>
<p>If any of you do read through this long post, here’s just my advice and such!
I’ve read through all the posts up to mine so I’ve had a lot of thoughts (sorry they’re long!) </p>
<p>If there are any ‘11 applicants, what I want to say to you is, please try not to be overconfident about your application, and do have hope! Be proud of your work and your accomplishments, but don’t show them off at every chance you have. Also, use the time you have now wisely. You know about boarding school before many others. Most students find out through admission officers’ recruitment tours during the year. This is how I found out about my future school. And during my revisit, the original admission officer that I first met at my school approached my parent and talked to him about my application. My parents had no idea she knew all this and figured it must’ve been from my file. She personally looked over my file during the admission process. Having said this, don’t overdo yourself, but in the essays most schools require you to write, use your space wisely. Make your essay truly memorable, but not unrealistic. From what keylyme said about schools not wanting “cookie-cutter classes,” I think she has the point down exactly. If schools wanted straight-A, perfect SSAT score, model student, what’s the point of the school? These schools want a student who is self-driven, but has goals and something about them that just appeals. Most students who apply have what it takes to just pass the first stage of admission, “Does he/she have all the requirements?” But after that, if all students are the same, what’s so special? There’s got to be something to show the school that you are who you are and that you can contribute to the school.</p>
<p>About the financial aid…I would like to say that the school I was originally drawn to declined me because of my financial status, but I can’t say that for sure. I was accepted to Exeter which met my financial needs. Andover is need-blind, but I was rejected. Both schools are known to be highly competitive and have basically the same criteria. So why was I rejected from the need-blind school and not the other? Many reasons. The main one being, these two schools have separate applicant pools. Schools look for what they need. Say a star quarterback graduates and they need one, they’ll look for one. Doesn’t mean BOTH schools need a quarterback. They’re two different applicant pools. And the first thing my parents said to me when I approached them about boarding school was, “You do know that if you don’t get the financial aid you need, then you can’t go right? No buts. No money, we can’t afford it.” So financial status does matter plenty.</p>
<p>And even though a legacy is completely different. I do want to say this. I’m not sure if this person does secure a spot, but this person is my classmate. (I’m a rising freshman) When I was talking to them earlier, they told me that they were going to go to Exeter in Upper year. I was curious as to how they were so sure they were getting in. To this they responded, “Oh my dad is really close friends with the Dean of Admissions!” I don’t even know if this will get them a spot, but if it does, I think this is totally unfair to those of us who spend an entire lifetime (well from 1st grade in my county) working extremely hard to keep high grades up and do many EC’s and community service. Just saying. </p>
<p>Almost done! I promise! 
Just some random stuff here and there. Where I’m from, (not where I live now, but where I’m actually from), it’s a small country. I don’t think there are any boarding schools there. Boarding school really is an amazing opportunity. Give it a shot no matter what you think. If you don’t think you’ll get enough money, who knows? They might surprise you, but if you don’t get enough or get rejected, try again next year. Different applicant pool, different financial status. Never hurts to try right? And remember, everything happens for a reason. Maybe something better will come along
I have a friend who was rejected at the two schools they applied to. Don’t apply to ONLY top notch schools and think you have a perfect shot of getting in. If you really want to go, don’t aim for only like Andover/Exeter/St. Pauls/Deerfield/many more and expect to get in if only applying to very few (ex. 2). Also look into a few closer to home if you’re not from the New England area. (Nobody here really has kids go off to boarding school. I know of one other student. One. In a pretty populated state. I get odd looks and dissed at why I would leave my family now for this.) I have some great schools where I live. But some recent events happened at my school (too much drama) and I felt like I wanted to get away, get a fresh start. And no I’m not running away from my problems. Just need a breath of fresh air.
One last thing! Sorry! Just remember that the interviewer is not the only person deciding your application. If you two click, it doesn’t say anything. You still have essays and grades, SSAT scores, and EC’s/community service to consider. </p>
<p>All in all, good luck to you new applicants next year! Have high hopes, but not arrogant, support friends who apply to, and have fun! It’s a great experience! Sorry again for a longgg post! Just putting in MY thoughts. Hope I was some help.</p>