<p>Hi,
My son is taking the SSAT in a week to apply to a very selective private high school near us (trying for full scholarship--only a few offered). He really wants to go for it (best friend attends) even though I've mentioned it's an incredible long shot (kids all over the world attend).</p>
<p>Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions to maximize success in the private HS application process? He's going to include letters from those with whom he's been involved in (some) public service. He's got one (niche-type) sport he does & good grades (all honors classes--teachers seem impressed w/his natural intellect though he still skips the occasional homework :-( ). He's in 9th grade, but wants to apply to this school for 10-12.</p>
<p>Thanks much for any suggestions (I'm out of my league, never thought about private HS much before...) :-)</p>
<p>Just like in college apps, private prep schools like to see students who bring something to the mix- outstanding/passionate in a sport, the arts, etc.</p>
<p>Assuming he makes the cut in terms of marks & test scores, ideally he could still stand out from the crowd due to the things which make him an interesting person.</p>
<p>Of course, all that being said, no one knows the behind the scenes politics involved in the scholarships. He could be an incredible kid and not be chosen due to something which is totally unrelated to him, but rather has to do with school political goals.</p>
<p>hazmat--it's a combo boarding/day--about 75% of the kids board (his best friend's family relocated to live near to the school and attend day!). I called--they didn't give me figures on how many kids applied for 10th grade, tho said the full-ride scholarship was available to applicants for 10th. </p>
<p>Thanks, somemom--I guess I sort of thought that too (similar to college process). Just didn't know if there was something 'extra' I should know about. :-)</p>
<p>Son did take SAT last year ('bout 660/670 math/verbal) & they said I could send that along for what it's worth. He's trying to concoct an interesting science experiement for this spring (working w/a college prof) so maybe that will be something too...</p>
<p>Hate to see him disappointed (v. long shot) but he seems geared up to try.</p>
<p>This school has its own planetarium and they do DNA research in the labs. </p>
<p>Perhaps I wasn't clear.......not how many students applied but how many students will the school be accepting INTO the class as second year students??? Is your son in competition for 5 male places of which legacy,or other special interest[fac brat] get priority? That is what you need to know. How many students are in the graduating class and how many are in the FROSH class with your son's best friend? You can do some figuring if the school won't tell you.</p>
<p>Well, to be honest I don't really know any of that! Not sure it would make a difference...son has a strong interest in that particular school (no other) so I guess we'll just go for it. Like--if his shots were 1 to 10,000 vs. 1 to 400 I think he'd still apply. :-)</p>
<p>Youthful optimism! :-) :-) We'll do our best and hope for th best.</p>
<p>Of course you should apply. It must be a wonderful school for your son to want soooo much to be there. Good luck on your SSAT exam and let us know how it goes for you.</p>
<p>Do you know any current parents or faculty at the school well enough to ask them for a recommendation? </p>
<p>Private high schools use their schoarship funds to increase the diversity of the school--diversity of talent, socioeconomic level, ethnicity etc. The endowments are earmarked for deserving kids.</p>
<p>The interviews are very very important--as aare visiting days. The school will want to make sure your son blends in with his future classmates. Though it is not necessary to speak up in those classroom visits--it is important to smile and initiate conversations. Notes are made thorughout those visits.</p>
<p>The recommendation from his primary school is critical. It gives the secondary school a picture of what sort of student they will get.</p>
<p>SEcondary schools have a range of intellect they look for--which is established by the SSAT. Beyond that, they seek bright happy students from bright happy families who can support them during the rigors of high school. If they as for a parent interview and you are married--be sure to bring both parents.</p>
<p>It is possible to screw up the process and still get in. My twelve year old S1 was asked to write and essay for his entrance. The SSAT essay question was "What would you take with you on a trip to Outer Space?"</p>
<p>To my horror, he wrote : "Guns, knives and money." He still got into the three schools he applied to. </p>
<p>Oh my gosh cheers, LOL at your son's line! That is really funny! Good for him for getting in--probably they saw the youthful boy humor. </p>
<p>Thanks for that advice. It was exactly what I was looking for. We do know a family (best friend's parents) who are in their first year w/the school. Parents are fabulous and always say very nice, complimentary things about my son (they are very generous). I'll ask the school if parent recommendations are appropriate (that would be great) and also see about visiting the school. Hadn't considered that. Deadline application is in Jan--son takes the SSAT next week, thinking he could squeeze in another before the deadline. We'll get a few recommendations----last year he started a school-wide charity project w/one teacher, maybe he's one to talk to. </p>
<p>My only concern w/the visit would be that son would fall in love w/the school and make a possible turn down even harder. I think I'll bring him to some colleges, though, and show him that he could get a similar experience (huge campus w/rolling green hills, state of the art science lab, smart kids) in a few short years!</p>
<p>PS the thing that's kind of unfortunate is that although son might have a shot at qualifying for admission to the school (he tests well, etc.) the only way he could attend this $28k a year institution is w/the full-ride scholarship (only one or a very few offered per grade). I feel for him, gearing up for such an incredible long shot. However, the SSAT prep will at least help him w/his eventual PSAT! </p>
<p>I had a thought about sneaking in an application or two to a few other private schools that offer merit aid (even though he hasn't expressed an interest) just to see what the outcomes might be....! I've been searching the web, but it's slow going, since many of these super-competitve schools seem not to need to offer merit.</p>
<p>There are Educational Consultants who specialize in this sort of thing. In my area, many parents use Jody Dobson. His website might have useful tips for you (I can't be sure, I haven't browsed his entire site). <a href="http://www.dobconsult.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.dobconsult.com/</a>
He specializes in assisting with Independent school admission. He has also taken the time to respond to me via email to answer short questions, even thogh I have never actually hired him.</p>
<p>My son engaged in the process of applying to a highly selective independent school for 9th grade and it was quite the experience. Like your son, my son could only attend if he was awarded scholarship money. Our situation was complicated by the fact that he HAD to change schools (his elementary school ended at 8th) and decisions from his application were to be released at various dates. He had a full ride offer at another school, and the deadline for our commitment to them was due prior to the decision coming out from the independent school he really wanted to attend. It took lots of open and honest communication to get to the desired end state. </p>
<p>Does this school interview parents? If so, you'll then have the opportunity to really express how much your son wants to attend (I'm not sure I would mention that he wants to attend because of his friends). I believe these schools like families who really understand the value system of the school and can easily embody it or already bring a similar value system. For example: our school, though expensive, is Quaker. Parents typically driver older cars and dress very casually....clogs, jeans, etc. Most moms don't even wear make-up. A magazine article about the school once described it as "so crunchy you can crack a tooth". </p>
<p>Ok, so if I had shown up for my interview in a fancy suit and driving a flashy car, I would clearly not have fit in well. </p>
<p>That being said, I would make sure you understand the culture of this school and can articulate that back to them in your conversation. Be able to tell them what you find appealing about the school and how that transcends into your home life and family values. </p>
<p>If your son hasn't visited this school, that's a major concern - on both ends, IMHO. I really thought most of these schools required not only a simple visit, but a half or full day spent shadowing a current student. If he doesn't visit, they may wonder how serious he is. My son's school required 2 separate visits, as well as a parent interview. I think at least one visit is required. How will they know if he's a good fit if he doesn't visit? </p>
<p>I'll check out the educ consultant website.</p>
<p>Interesting that your son could attend only on scholarship, yet got into several schools. That's great! And encouraging. We're locked out of any need aid, unfortunately, so have to look only to merit. There are a number of super-schools within about 40 mins of us (in another state) that only offer need. </p>
<p>I'll keep looking. I figure he's at a little disadvantage w/the 10th grade app., but that's where we are.</p>
<p>I'll definitely check into him visiting the school, asap. He's met a few of the other students (when visiting friend) and has heard all about it -- would really like to go. The parents of friend and I have (I think) similar values re: education/balance/future/etc. So, I'm assuming it's a good place. :-)</p>
<p>Nothing like checking it out in person, though! I figured for nearly $30k the place had to be outstanding. Maybe worthwhile to visit, although it might (unfortunately, given the chances) jack up his hopes all the more... necessary, though, I suppose, if we're going for it. </p>
<p>" figured for nearly $30k the place had to be outstanding"</p>
<p>We can only hope. I wonder why they offer merit aid. If they're that outstansing, why do they need to shell out merit dollars to attract top scholars? The school my son wound up attending doesn't offer merit - only need. The other scholarship offers were all merit based, but from less rigorous schools. We didn't get a full ride at the need-based aid school, so that complicated it more. He gave up full ride merit scholarships (with 4 year guarantees) in favor of partial need-based aid, which was cut after the first year (due to change in financial circumstacnes). It was the right decision and I'm glad we went that route. Other family members and friends didn't agree. They thought we should have followed the money. </p>
<p>$30k is tough pill to swallow. I'm rooting for you son.</p>
<p>Hmmmmm....why are you locked out of need aid? Are you certain of that? </p>
<p>In my experience (past board member), private schools expect parents to stretch to their last eyeteeth to pay tuition. They reserve their scholarship money for students who cannot pay. I have never heard of a full ride 'merit' scholarship to an expensive private school--though I could be wrong. You will be expected to pay something. I imagine those full ride scholarships are financial-need scholarships.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that not only do families from outside the school apply for those schoalrships--there are often several exisitng families who apply each year too. Some have fallen on difficult finanical circumstances--and some underestimated the cost and their ability to pay. And finally, there are always a few who feel they are 'entitled' to some schoarship money.</p>
<p>Also, a wellknown $30K boarding school WILL REQUIRE a visit and an interview.</p>
<p>Well, there is <em>only</em> one merit scholarship a year at this school--it's from some individual that endowed it specifically for that purpose. School has <em>huge</em> regular endownment, so they really don't need to offer merit scholarships. And, interesting to hear that such are rare, anyway. Sort of answers that question, before I start scouring the web looking for that kind of thing at other schools.</p>
<p>Re: need based. Things are a little tight right now---we need to focus on allotting any spare money for son's <em>college</em> instead of HS (he's got a pretty good public school at which he does well...). So, we can't contribute to a partial need-based scholarship. And, w/a salary a bit over $100k I really don't think anyone's giving us anything! Hence the big effort for a free ride!! :-)</p>
<p>"And, w/a salary a bit over $100k I really don't think anyone's giving us anything! Hence the big effort for a free ride!! :-)"</p>
<p>Don't be too sure (raising hand as a "salary a bit over $100k" club member). You might be surprised. I didn't get anything after I reached $100k, but that was with tuition being only $17k. For a $30k tuition, I would try. Where do you live? $100-$125k doesn't rule you out - at least around here in the NE.</p>
<p>I wouldn't get too into this school. With only one merit scholarship awarded, your son will have to be pretty outstanding. Public school education is not the devil as some would lead you to believe. Personally I can't see how you could justify $30k tuition for a high school. Is 4 years at a private school worth $120k--I think not.</p>
<p>Private high school has been worth every penny of the cost for our family. Every family has different circumstances, and my two kids went to two totally different boarding schools. I NEVER would have thought I would send my kids to boarding school. You can't judge whether $120K for 4 years of high school is worth it until you know the situation the family is in.</p>