<p>As I look at the acceptance lists of 2010, I am struck by the fact that so many of you did not seem to have a chosen safety school. Applying to only HADES schools is the obvious example. Given the miniscule acceptance rate of the schools you all seem to apply to, I am left wondering why? My theory is that you must feel that if you don't get into one of the top schools, then it isn't worth going. Or perhaps your parents feel that way. Do you believe that you would not be challenged enough at a school you could count on getting into and therefore you would be better off staying at home? Honestly, that may be true, I don't know what anyone's current situation is. I do know, however, that any guidance counselor, or educational consultant, should always urge you to include a school where you could confidently predict an acceptance letter and a great education. It saddens me to see all these outstanding kids here who were overlooked (my preferred word) by the few schools they applied to, knowing that there were other almost equally good schools who would have fought over them.
zp</p>
<p>what schools would consider to fall under that category?</p>
<p>Often, a student’s public school or a local day school option is the safety school. Unlike college, you don’t necessarily need a BS safety school. I do think there are great schools out there that aren’t HADES schools that are overlooked on CC.</p>
<p>I didn’t, and in retrospect I should’ve.</p>
<p>On the other hand, what might be considered a ‘safety school’ is probably smaller, with a smaller endowment. Meaning I probably wouldn’t have gotten enough FA to go, anyways.</p>
<p>The competition for the top schools is insane, getting more so each year. If you are serious about going to a boarding school, it’s wise to include one or two safety schools. That said, I’ve been wondering - other than international students, among those that applied to 3 or more schools (whether or not a safety was included), who has not received at least one admission? I don’t see many in the “Master List”. Maybe they stopped posting? In any case, the CC’ers are an especially strong group of applicants - sorry for being off topic.</p>
<p>Not sure. But if I were applying to Hades schools,knowing that acceptances might be under 15%, then I might look at what are generally considered tier 2 schools. Perhaps schools like Berkshire, Mercersburg (you all knew that one was coming), the Hill School, Kent…Obviously, I can only speak for m’burg when I say you can get a first rate education at schools in this category.
zp</p>
<p>I didn’t apply to a safety school and people said it was bad, but I got into Exeter.</p>
<p>I agree Zuzu. There are so many wonderful schools that get overlooked. Why only apply to Andover/Exeter. It seems so many only applied to those two schools. St. Georges, Taft, Lawrenceville, Westminster, Brooks, Episcipal, Peddie come to mind.</p>
<p>No because I like my public school…</p>
<p>My daughter and I had different ideas…</p>
<p>I thought we had “safety” schools…schools not for sure, but great fit even though she had average higher scores then their average, but I felt we would consider all.</p>
<p>Well the school she loved it was in 2nd place Loomis- outright did not select her (I refuse to use the R word–lol).</p>
<p>She was a little hurt-honestly.</p>
<p>Did they think she was not serious? Or was it a FA, we needed almost 100% FA.</p>
<p>I would have rather gotten an acceptance letter with NO FA than just outright no.</p>
<p>I am somewhat happy that things turned out like they did so that school is out the running.</p>
<p>My feelings are mixed, as you can see —lolol</p>
<p>We got into 4 school, waitlisted 1 and not selected by 1:-)</p>
<p>I applied to a safety school- Hawaii Preparatory Academy. While I was accepted to a couple other more “prestigious” schools (not HADES), I’m seriously considering HPA! </p>
<p>Don’t underestimate schools just because they’re off the beaten path. There’s lots of unknown schools that are great all around.</p>
<p>The thing is I started a poll and amazingly 95% said they were determined to go to BS. Then this made me curious. Is everyone going to get in(HADES were all the schools they applied to)? Then, from the “master list”, I saw lots of rejections. And I assume some didn’t post there. So I’d say, it depends on whether you’re determined to go to BS, or a HADES school. </p>
<p>For me, my current school is just amazing. I’m international and I need aid. But…if I don’t need aid…a FREE education here at my school is way better than a $50k/year Andover one, considering my financial situation. And that’s why I’m applying for aid and that’s why BS is a bonus for me. It explains why I’m only applying to top schools next year. And plus, larger endowment means better chances to get aid. So that’s why. [hope it makes sense]</p>
<p>I applied to a safety school, The Webb School, which was the only school that actually accepted me. However, after I visited the campus, I did not like it as much.
While some of the first-tier school only wait-listed me, Webb was sort of the only bright light in my day on March 10th.</p>
<p>I didn’t apply to any safety schools. Got into Groton and Hotchkiss w/FA was Waitlisted at DA and SPS. Only places I applied. Clearly I don’t regret it but I can see why it’d be not be a good idea.</p>
<p>I applied to Groton, Exeter, Choate, Loomis, Westminster, and St.George’s so theres some variety there but they’re all schools I would like to except for Loomis when its raining cuz the mosquitoes go crazy.</p>
<p>My safety school was NMH. Not that I needed it, in the end, but hey, it was a smart move.</p>
<p>If your backup school is the private day school or public school, and you would be happy going there, than there is not really a need for a safety school. But for many applicants, their hearts are really set on boarding school, then they only apply to 5 top schools. Every year there are students who are unfortunately not accepted anywhere, despite being great applicants. If you really want to attend boarding school, you need to broaden your applications. If you plan wisely you will gain acceptances. There are an amazing number of great boarding schools in the country, so students shouldn’t limit themselves to only 5 or 10 of the best known.</p>
<p>Ya,I am fine with attending my local school,so I didn’t really think about adding safety schools to my possible list…</p>
<p>what are some recommendations for safeties?</p>
<p>It is all relative to your “reach” schools. Someone’s safety may be someone else’s reach.</p>