Rising Junior Looking at BS...Please Help!

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>I have a huge dilemna on my hands. Let me explain.</p>

<p>I am currently enrolled in a public high school at New Jersey. While the experience is enjoyable, I don't feel it is what I want. I have been told to suck it up and take the next two years in preparation for college, but that is too long of a time to hold. Sometimes I don't feel like I connect at all with people in my school, even though I play two varsity sports (Lacrosse and Ice Hockey), am a principal in the orchestra while having a huge part in the general music program, have a lot of "friends", and have an excellent report card. Several of my friends have suggested that I look into changing schools, specifically a prep/boarding school. While I think it is a great idea, I have many doubts.</p>

<p>My family's financial situation isn't what anyone would consider great for the change I'm considering partaking. My sister already attends a prep school, which is a large sum of money. If I applied and was accepted to a BS, the cost of my sister and I would increase over double what is already being paid. I might have the time of my life in BS, but I might possibly have no money for college, and I am looking at Ivy League and similar non-Ivy counterparts.</p>

<p>So what I want to ask you guys is:</p>

<p>1) Is it worth it to apply and possibly get accepted at a BS and enrolling for my junior and senior year?
2) Does my situation with public school justify the change?
3) Is this financially wise?
4) Will this affect my college applications/hopes?
5) What kind of scores (SAT?) do I need to get into a school like SPS or Loomis or Choate or Hotchkiss (or something similar)</p>

<p>I greatly appreciate any and all input on this matter. I will be looking closely.</p>

<p>Thank you,</p>

<p>Humble Rising Junior</p>

2

<p>A few problems here…</p>

<p>1) Looking at your posting history, you are class of '11 which means you are looking at attending next year as a junior. Not going to happen at this point even if you could take the SSAT tomorrow. You were around here last year at this time and I’m surprised you didn’t learn about the application process then. </p>

<p>2) Prep school isn’t going to increase your chances for Ivy Admissions. If you read enough around here, you will find that out. Actually, since there are so many well-qualified students at the top prep schools, it well be even more competitive than your Lawrenceville area public for Ivy Admission. </p>

<p>3) Ice Hockey. Not sure if you are male or female. Hockey can help for admissions for guys, but there are plenty of full-pay quality male players, so FA is not in the cards at this time of year. If you are female, there is a distinct shortage and for a team needing a player late in the process (like now) FA is a possibility, but you had better be good enough to play on either the NJ Rockets or the Tigerlillies top team if you want FA. And probably first line to boot. You’d need that skill level if you were going to use hockey as an entre to Ivy League admissions as well.</p>

<p>If you are bound and determined for a prep experience next fall (instead of waiting another year and repeating 11th grade), you will need to be female, a top hockey player, and flexible about your school choice. </p>

<p>Sorry if this seems harsh, but you are late to the party and can’t expect to push your way past those who have spent a whole year in the process without having some impressive credentials.</p>