Repeating Freshman Year

Unfortunately last year, I did not get into the schools I wanted to so I’ll be starting the lovely application process again.
Anyways, while I’m beginning my apps it’s dawned on me that I have no clue what grade to apply for! I’m currently in grade 9 at a public high school, but for my prep schools do I apply for grade 9 or grade 10? I constantly hear of friends, or mutual repeating a year, yet I’ve never heard why. My friends have ridiculously argued that I shouldn’t repeat because " being the oldest in class would suck" while my prep school friends would argue that age doesn’t matter at all.

I was wondering if I could hear some arguments from both students who repeated and didn’t to see where I sort of stand.
Any specific information on academics, athletics, or relationships with your peers would be highly appreciated. Thank you for your time <3

This is one of the most frequently asked questions on this board. The search tool will help you find those previous discussions. Here’s one on this very page, just a couple of threads below yours:

http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/2093184-should-i-repeat-9th-or-apply-for-10th.html

Thanks so much!

My daughter found herself in the same situation after 8th grade. She did her ninth grade year at a very prestigious exam school in New York City and re-applied as a repeat 9th grader. She’s now in her third year at one of the top boarding schools. After being waitlisted at 3 schools and rejected at 2 she was accepted at nine schools as a repeat ninth grader. Now please keep in mind she was in the top 1% at the exam school and a two sport athlete so there are more factors at play than just the repeat aspect of her application. Socially she is doing wonderful at her new school and her additional maturity is putting her in line for leadership opportunities. Best to you in your search and in my opinion you can only benefit from an additional year of school.