<p>One thing to take into consideration: the admittance rate at Andover was 14% for this upcoming year. 14%! I'm sure Exeter's is not too far behind, nor St. Pauls. </p>
<p>However, when I read the "resumes" people post asking for their chances at school X or Y, I'm a bit worried. Realize that doing every extracurricular on earth and getting straight As are not the only things admissions officers consider. The INTERVIEW is very important! If you appear to be a confident, well-rounded individual, and you act like YOURSELF, this could tip the scale in your favor. </p>
<p>In other words, each top school gets thousands of applications from people who "do everything" so they need to narrow the number down. Sometimes individuality and proving to be a good fit for a school outweigh how many AP classes you've taken, or how many instruments you play. So FOCUS ON THAT INTERVIEW and on the essay. Make it unique! Make yourself stand out. BE YOU!</p>
<p>After the college aps were sent in, my child showed me the common application. I cringed when I saw that for the essay on “3 words that describe you,” one was silly. I read on and what followed was a great essay on not being afraid to laugh at yourself, using humor to diffuse difficult situations, cheering up your friends etc. It was spot on–my child is silly, but in a good way, and is serious about the important stuff.</p>
<p>Got into both of the “reach” colleges. where friends with more AP classes and activities did not. I often wonder if it was because the admissions officers don’t see too many self-described silly applicants!</p>
<p>That’s such a good point!! That’s probably why I didn’t get into a lot of schools (well, i got waitlisted. sucker.) because I did too many stuff, and wasn’t extremely good at any one thing. My essays and interview weren’t too hot either, especially not at Exeter :P</p>
<p>Easier said than done for 13 year olds. What kind of unique things have you seen as an adcom from these 13 year olds? Can you give some examples?</p>
<p>School #1 (Waitlisted) - This was my best interview. During the interview I just acted like myself and answered the questions truthfully. The thing different about this interview was that the questions weren’t as harsh. The questions were more relaxed like: what do you like to do for fun and what are your favorite parts about school. The questions weren’t like essay topics so I think it took some of the stress off. It was also my first interview so that may have had an effect??</p>
<p>School #2 (rejected) - The interview at this school was decent. My interviewer was extremely nice but threw in a couple of hard questions. The interview went well except for the fact that I kept repeating one phrase over and over again after many of my responses. I felt this interview was important because it was one of my top two choices so I was extra nervous at this one so that may have worked against me.</p>
<p>School #3 (rejected) - This interview was one of the worst interviews I had. I felt like the questions I encountered were practically all essay-like questions. It was harder to answer these questions because it seemed like the interviewer kept trying to drag more information out of me once I finished my response. The interviewer had a sheet of paper where he wrote down all of my responses. I think this is what put me on edge and caused me to fail. haha</p>
<p>School #4 (rejected) - I had my School #4 interview with an alumni because the date of my interview conflicted with my SSAT test date.I tried to reschedule but no other dates were available. This interview was also horrible. The interviewer just went down the list of questions and filled in his responses. I didn’t feel much warmth from this interview and felt a rejection looming. </p>
<p>School #5 (rejected) - This actually was tied with School #5 for being my best interview. My interviewer was extremely kind and seemed genuinely interested in me as a person rather than my stats. The types of questions seemed to revolve around my interests and passions and included no very difficult questions. I regret saying this… but I went to School #5 thinking that it would be at the bottom of my list and thinking that it would be a blow-off interview. Once I got there and had my tour + interview, my opinion was changed and now it is towards the top of my list. </p>
<p>I think that some key things for interviews is to not overtly stress over the interview but don’t go into it un-prepared. Definately look into old interview threads for sample questions and think of a response that fits into your beliefs (Don’t think of a response that you think will fit into what the interviewer is looking for). Try to think of creative responses too. Don’t memorize what you will say just remember the key points you would like to make. Don’t be too rehearsed. Also make sure you ask questions (I was drained after my interviews so I “forgot” to ask questions). This will make you seem interested in the school you are interviewing at. Make sure you let down all of your preconceived notions before going into an interview because most likely the order of the schools you internally ranked in your head will change dramatically. Most importantly just be yourself. Don’t act like someone else. Try and visit the schools if you have the transportation capabilities. I think that the interviews are vital in every acceptance because it is the only human contact you will have with the admission office. haha</p>
<p>I specifically edited my post so the schools would be anonymous to avoid this situation. If I had a bad experience at one school, it doesn’t mean everyone will. I don’t want someone to not apply to a school just because I didn’t like my interview or to hurt a school’s reputation. </p>
<p>Sometimes interviews are just luck. You may be placed with someone who is warm and friendly or someone who you don’t exactly mesh with.</p>
<p>Haha, pulsar, 14, but nice try on the counting anyway. And, um… I thought swimming from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco was pretty unique for an 8th grader. Do correct me if I’m wrong.</p>