<p>We're considering day school for our 8th grade son. We're basing it on 2 criteria 1) incredible academic education; 2) great track record of setting kids up to get to top tier colleges. </p>
<p>Sorry some of this maybe posted but could find only bits and pieces - have 2 major questions:</p>
<p>1) We're trying to narrow down who we want to focus on. We know 100% sure we want to apply to Delbarton, Regis. Trying to dig up stats to narrow down the larger list of Montclair Kimberly, Dwight Engelwood, Seton Hall Prep, St Peters, Newark Academy, Bergen Academies, Morristown Beard.</p>
<p>2) What's the best way to prep our son. Seems consistent that there is the test, application and interview. Guessing we could do all three but should we get someone else to help prep him fort he interview or other processes?</p>
<p>Thanks all for your help!!!</p>
<p>From the Discussion Home page, scroll to the bottom and you will see the High School student area. This forum is for college admissions.</p>
<p>Do you have a family friend who can conduct a practice interview? Most interviews will include standard questions, and the experience of thinking through answers to those questions can be easily done without professional help.</p>
<p>Prepping a child for an interview, short of the standard advice (don’t slouch, be polite, be yourself, etc.) is probably counterproductive. Our experience is very much that adcoms are looking for a fit, and having a child who has been trained to game the interview is not to anyone’s benefit. You’re better off preparing yourself for your interview.</p>
<p>My kids took the ISEE test without any specific preparation. If your son is accustomed to standardized testing, I don’t think it pays to prep for it specifically, although I guess it won’t hurt anything.</p>
<p>My personal view, and it is strictly my opinion based on a relatively small sample size:</p>
<p>Newark Academy and Pingry (why not on your list, geography?) are the toughest to get into and are very strong academically.
Next tier: MKA.
Delbarton is in the next tier, has great sports (ice hockey powerhouse!).<br>
Mo Beard and Seton Hall are in the next tier.
Not personally familiar with the others on your list.</p>
<p>Your timing is good. I assume that you’re planning on having him enter 9th grade.</p>