<p>I heard that every year there are more than 600 boys applied to Roxbury Latin and only about 42 are accepted. Considering this fierce competition, I am looking for some parents to share experiences from their past applications (whether accepted or not). I am especially interested in your thoughts about the qualifications (such as ISEE testing score percentage, special talents/achievements (sports, music, arts, math, spelling bee, debate)) RL is seeking and the interviews you did. Thanks.</p>
<p>mom:</p>
<p>Your numbers are a bit skewed. But you are correct, admission to Roxbury Latin is extremely competitive. </p>
<p>ISSE testing score percentages: No minimum. They are not seeking a specific number. Don’t let scores not in the 90s dictate application decisions. They care more about the child than a score but they want to insure that he can do the ample academic requirement.</p>
<p>Special Talents/Achievements: The school is very honest with what they seek in applicants. They are looking for above all: character and the willingness to be a part of the RL community. They value a generalist willing to work hard and actively participate in the school.</p>
<p>Interviews: The school will interview parents and applicants seperately. They want to insure that both parties understand the school and the academic challenges and unique culture. They will give your child a 40 minute internal test during the interview process for which the applicant really can not prepare. One note:you will only be interviewed if your application has been received. They are not “selling” you on the school as much as insuring that the applicants are committed to being there and understand the school and its culture. This in large part, accounts for RL’s > 90% annual yield (those who are admitted to those who attend. One year it was 100%).</p>
<p>The school is so much more than outstanding academics. Its a remarkable community with so many talented and giving people,. I wish you and your son the best of luck!</p>
<p>Colonel, I deeply appreciate your enlightening information. I will keep my finger crossed for the March 10th decision day.</p>
<p>I agree with Colonel 100%. I am the lucky mom of an RL boy and I can attest to the fact this this school is far more than excellent academics. It truly builds leaders and men of character. I cannot say enough about the welcoming and close family community. It is far more than just a great school for us - my son’s experience is priceless. That said, from my observation of what they look for… they first make sure a boy can handle the intense, unrelenting workload. Then, they look for a boy who is a “doer” - willing to join in, try and put himself out there in extra curricular activities. They are not looking for specialists (although several boys have incredible talent in specific areas like music). The football player must also be a choral singer, ,the math wizz must be willing to be on the wrestling team, etc. </p>
<p>My S did not apply, but each year boys from his school apply for 7th & 9th. It is a very competitive school with many qualified applicants. Some boys I know have been accepted, but most are not (in line with their general numbers). Good luck on M10. </p>
<p>A friend of mine was planning to apply for ninth grade 2014-15, decided not to after looking at the application process. His SSAT scores took him out of the running, according to him. RL is a fabulous school, I’ve met some really nice guys that attend, and the academics are just incredible. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the comments from you as an insider or outsider. One month to go for the D-day.</p>
<p>Our son is there. I echo many previous posters’ comments, but I’ll add this: there’s a true “mix” that the school targets. And, that GREATLY influences admissions chances.</p>
<p>I went through the RL directory and was surprised to find this consistency from year to year: 1/3 of a class are legacies (that includes brothers, not just fathers), 1/3 are from Boston proper (mostly W. Roxbury, Milton, Dorchester), and 1/3 are “other”. That last category tends to be kids from private and public schools and who reside in the suburbs.</p>
<p>The admit rate for legacies is about 30%, according to a fellow RL mom who asked Admissions. If you assume the admit rate for Boston applicants is slightly higher for than for “other” (the school definitely wants to have a strong city of Boston element due to its original Mission), then the admit rate for the unhooked is probably around 7% to 11%.</p>
<p>In other words, it’s very tough to get in for anyone, but particularly if the child isn’t living in Boston city proper or is the son or the brother of a current or prior RL student.</p>
<p>Having said that, after family, RL has been the single-most important influence on our son. He loves the school and his classmates. The teachers genuinely love the boys and want them to be men of character. I suspect many of his best friends in life will be fellow RL classmates. As parents, we are so grateful to the school.</p>
<p>In other words, it’s worth applying…</p>
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<p>On what map is Milton a Boston neighborhood?</p>