<p>Although this isn't really a Chance me thread, it's somewhat has to do with it.
I'm student applying to boarding schools. As an applicant, I was wondering what exactly the school looks for in a student and how they pick students.
Thanks!</p>
<p>good grades (so they can do well at the school)
sports
other extra curriculars (quality not quantity)
can adapt well
SSAT around 80% or above
good essays (not too boring, but not off topic)
good interviews (good impression of student)</p>
<p>also something that makes them stand out.</p>
<p>what, then, do you suppose is the hardest part in applying to boarding schools?
probably the part about standing out?
are you a student applying as well?</p>
<p>well for me, the hardest part is that i am asian =(</p>
<p>easy parts of application:
recommendations, filling out the basic info</p>
<p>hard parts:
interviews, essays, SSATs</p>
<p>if you have a particular talent, send in something that shows it. if you’re good at art, send in some of your work; music, then send like a CD. not sure about others, but figure out a way to let them see your talent.</p>
<p>interviews are a lot of fun</p>
<p>@missrat: what BS are you applying to?</p>
<p>@Lovelylife96
I’m applying to Exeter and Andover
@vivsters
I’m Asian too!</p>
<p>if you are applying for E and A, you should have more than 85% on SSAT</p>
<p>oh my ssat score is higher than a 85%</p>
<p>@missrat,
I’m not an AO so keep in mind that my answer is SPECULATION on an INTERNET BOARD. For all you know, I could be a fat 30- year old in my mom’s basement. But I’m not. 
But here is what I speculate AOs do. They try to answer several questions about an applicant. </p>
<p>1) Can this kid handle the academic work? (Demonstrated by SSAT scores, grades, recs, etc…)</p>
<p>2) Will this kid be a part of and active in the community? (ECs, interview, recs, etc…)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What makes this kid special? (ECs, essays, recs, interview, etc…)</p></li>
<li><p>Do we need this kid? </p></li>
<li><p>Can we pay for this kid?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>The first 3 are things that are in your control. But the last two, are ones that are out of your control. Number 4 is one that you can influence more than number 5. Suppose that you’re a great hockey goalie, but Academy X already has too many goalies at their school. So, they won’t admit you b/c they don’t need you. Number 5 is an important question if you’re applying for FA. (Financial Aid) If they can’t pay for you, no matter how awesome you are, they won’t accept you. </p>
<p>If you want to hear how Andover picks applicants you can read this entry in the Dean’s Journal:
[Phillips</a> Academy - No Table Big Enough](<a href=“http://www.andover.edu/Admission/DeansJournal/Pages/NoTableBigEnough.aspx]Phillips”>http://www.andover.edu/Admission/DeansJournal/Pages/NoTableBigEnough.aspx)</p>
<p>Good luck and I hope that you have good news March 10th.</p>
<p>that journal link you gave helped ALOT thanks!</p>