<p>Ok, I have looked at my situation and my chances at schools... I think my chances at Exeter are fair. You never know till you get that letter in march though...
Anyway I am applying Junior year. My dad finally said that maybe I should look at schools with higher acceptance rates... I have a list of schools now. My dad only wants me to pick 4-6. I am into math, economics, history and not so much into art. I plan to go into finance. I like Model UN, debate, Youth Legislature, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee ect.
1. Exeter(By far my #1)
2. Hotchkiss(I hear alot of business, debate and logic)
3. SPS/Andover/Choate(Picking two... Most likely SPS and Andover)
5. Kent- Higher than most acceptance rates(I feel I can get in academically)
6. NHM- High acceptance rate and a school on the rise...</p>
<p>Any advice on picking "less selective" schools? I know I don't want a third tier school... Really top 2nd tier.</p>
<p>I think you need to have 2-3 schools with higher admission rates. There were still a number of kids rejected from NMH and Kent who had good stats (I think they were surprised at the rejection). Definitely keep NMH and Kent, if they offer what you like -- but look at adding another 1-2 schools in the same range. What about Mercersburg? Peddie? Blair? St. Andrew's Delaware? There are quite a few excellent schools that will offer you what you are looking for, but have slightly higher admissions rates than Exeter and SPS.</p>
<p>My dad really only wants me to have it down to five... We are talking right now and five is that magic number for him.
Exeter and Hotchkiss are for sure in. Andover and SPS will be decided when I visit/interview. No more choate I guess. </p>
<p>I only have two spots for safety schools... Kent and NHM are the only ones I can really confidently put on the list. St andrew's maybe</p>
<p>I guess I kind of have this figured out... sorry for the post. Just a little nervous about getting in... The process seems to just take a while. Visit in october, take the ssat in november, send it all in by December.</p>
<p>If Exeter is your top choice, it is your top choice. Saer is right. No mater for what reasons as well maybe you liked your interviewer or you have a friend that goes there if it's your personal preference the place that you think will make you happy most don't think twice just go. I honestly hope you get in mate. Just make sure prestige is not an issue. most people have never heard of Winchester school (in england) but most have heard of Eton, Winchester is by far the superior school academically). Never let a name sell you a school let a school sell you a school. Just be wary about that. </p>
<p>As for your school choices. I think you have a terrific list lined up congrats. </p>
<p>This would be my list if i were you:
1. Exeter (it's your personal favourite and that is all that matters)
2. Hotchkiss (it's the best for your career path and your interests)
3. SPS (You mentioned that you are a strong christian ealier)
4. Groton ( Chrisnity thing again - it's a great all round school)
5. Milton (very academic)</p>
<p>I did not include andover because you mentioned you were a very strong christian and Anvdover is one of the most liberal schools out there. I love that aspect of it but you may not considering you are religous. Normally for business I would have put it at Number 2 after Hotchkiss. But this is about your personal preferences not neccesarily the so-called best school at this in this or that because the best school for you is ALWAYS the school you love the most. Which i'm geussing is Exeter. Good luck mate !</p>
<p>Of course, to make your list, you only should include schools you'd be ecstatic to attend. For 90% or more of those attending, the concept of a "safety" should not be treated like it is for those attending college. </p>
<p>With college, if you don't get admitted to one of your schools, then you're not attending college. So your safety a) needs to be a near certainty, and b) isn't necessarily going to be the place where you'll be happy.</p>
<p>With boarding school, your local public school or perhaps some day prep school or your current school is your safety net. You can go 0-for-# with boarding school admissions and be in a terrific position. Now, there are some people who live in an educational black hole or need to escape civil war in their country or some equally desperate situation in which attending a boarding school is an imperative. In those situations I would think it would be well worth applying to a few more schools than, say, five.</p>
<p>For your final five schools, stick with the ones you love. But be open about loving some of the schools that aren't that group where your chances of admission are no better than a crapshoot no matter how wonderful you look on paper. Don't box yourself in by letting the hype and PR generated by others guide your choices. Do your own thinking and try to discover what your heart desires.</p>