My daughter has applied to few independent schools in NJ (as a freshman for 2018-2019). Her top choice is Lawrenceville, followed by Peddie, Pennington and few others. I do not know what these schools look for in a candidate, in addition to SSAT score? Does she have a chance by scoring 93 percentile on SSAT? she has good grades from last 3 years but teacher recommendations are very subjective. there are few teachers who take a lot of interests in these recommendations, while others don’t. She is American Mensa member, have received several high honors on ACT/SAT/SSAT but does not play any sport:( Decision will be out on March 10 and I’m really stressed. Can any of you share your stories, does she have a chance of getting accepted at any?
Did your daughter interview at these schools in person? This is important as they would have been able to get to know her better. Also, I think the SSAT and other scores are very important but not the only thing. The good thing is they level the playing field for those coming from schools with hard grading systems and rank kids nationally ( so important for some) I agree with you regarding the recommendations being subjective ( esp for kids who are not extroverts or like to speak to teachers). I don’t think not playing a sport will keep her out. It’s more about what she DOES do. Hopefully she has some community service and other interests. My kiddo applied only to very top schools. We’ll see. Don’t really know what will happen at this point. No one really knows. They might have liked something in the application, seen something in the interview, liked something a teacher said etc.
Most schools recognize the kind of kid who will do well there. Her scores are good enough that they won’t be her downfall so it’ll be a matter of whether the schools think she’s a fit, not whether she’s “good enough.”
I’d be surprised if she doesn’t get into Pennington. I’m guessing, based on the geography, that she’s applying as a day student?
Yes applying to total 6 private schools (all as day student), Lawrenceville, Peddie, Pennington, Hun, PDS and RPS
You will almost certainly have choice.
Thank you so much…hoping for the best…
Thank you so much for your response, appreciate it. She interviewed in person at all the schools she applied to. Like you mentioned, she isn’t an extrovert, she isn’t shy either. She plays few instruments Violin, piano and guitar, plays flute in school band, either on stage in school theatre or takes part as back stage crew…does a lot of school activities, like tech team, safety etc. in terms of volunteer work, she tutors neighbourhood kids and also did some volunteer work at a math center…does swimming as hubby but no competitive swim or any other sport…we have applied for aid since very few schools offer merit scholarships, which is another reason I’m worried, they may not consider her…I appreciate any feedback that you can provide…thanks again…
and good luck to your kid…I wish him/her the best!!
Wish you the best.
Good luck. Please let us know the results. We will be looking at some of those options next year. 
I surely will share all the results, both good and bad
My daughter received her first acceptance this morning from RPS.
RPS ??? Regular Public School ???
Congratulation! @Pansy23
@Publisher It seems Rutgers Prep School in Somerset, NJ. I also wait for my daughter’s RPS letter of NYC. B-)
Yeah, RPS = Rutgers Prep School in Somerset NJ. Sorry for the confusion
Congratulations @Pansy23 and good luck for March10!
Hun: R
Pennington: WL
PDS:WL
Rutgers prep: Yes
Wardlaw: Yes
Lawrenceville: decision not out yet
Peddie: decision not our yet
Does everyone who isn’t accepted get a WL notification?
WL at Peddie as well
Lawrenceville = R