I’m currently a 8th grader and I’ll be applying to a boarding school for my sophomore year. I wonder what my chance will be of being accepted. Is there anything I can do to increase my chance of getting in? Please let me know, thank you!
Schools I’m applying to:
St. Paul’s School
The Lawrenceville School
Blair Academy
Westminster School
Hun School of Princeton
Mercersburg Academy
School Clubs/Activities:
Junior Thespians
Band(Flute)
Johns Hopkins CTY Online Course(Honors Geometry)
Model United Nation
Extracurricular Activities:
Piano(Currently in ABRSM Grade 5. I’m taking the grade 6 exam this October)
Art Lesson(Still Life Sketching)
PS. Do I need more extracurricular activities and join more clubs? I haven’t taken the SSAT yet either so I didn’t include it here. Also next year in high school I’m joining Harvard Model Congress and the Debate Team. I’m also already placed in AP US history and all honors class for my freshman year too––though is one AP class enough or should I need more AP classes in my freshman year? Please let me know, Thank you!
Before much thought and decision, you should take the SSAT first.
However, based on the information you’ve posted I’ll try to make my best guess.
First of all, it seems that you’re a smart student given that your class scores are all As at the minimum. All honors courses and AP US History is very impressive- something schools will definitely notice. I think one AP course is enough, but if you’re unsure then why not take another if you’re qualified. As long as you can maintain your class scores until next year as well, you shouldn’t worry on improving them too much.
Your extra curricular&school activities aren’t bad, but you could try a few more. Flute, piano, art, MUN, Junior Thespians, the CTY online course, and debate next year is a respectable list, but if you’re worried try something else like a sport. IT would show schools that you have a variety of skills that would benefit the schools. Again, I wouldn’t worry too much because it seems that you’re a strong candidate.
Honestly, although I do not know what your SSAT score will be, I think you have a great chance at the schools listed. Unless you completely fail next year or get a major disciplinary notice you shouldn’t worry too much on improving.
My advice is that you focus on the following:
SSAT scores (VERY IMPORTANT, INCLUDING THE ESSAY SECTION)
Extracurricular/school activities- you could add one or two to your list, otherwise do your best to maintain your positions in them
Maintaining scores- it seems that you’re an excellent student in your classes, but you need to maintain them until next year. If not, schools won’t take you seriously. 9th grade will be very different, so watch out. Even if it means lowering the class from honors to regular, try to avoid Bs.
If you’re an introvert, or if you’re bad at speaking with people you don’t know, practice answering questions. Prepare for your interviews well, or else schools will not take you seriously.
Practice writing essays- the SSAT essay is crucial, and the essay/short answer portion of your application is most important to your decision.
That’s pretty much it. If you want more specific and accurate feedback, post your SSAT score. Good luck!
Great advice. Important to know that CTY = Center for Talented Youth (I think) at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. Similar to Duke University’s TIP (talent identification program) & Northwestern University’s Midwest talented & gifted youth program.
P.S. My misread. I see that you already participate in JHU’s CTY.
@Emma_L : I am familiar with St. Paul’s School, Lawrenceville, Blair Academy & Mercersburg Academy.
Based on your posted profile, you face an uphill battle for admission to St. Paul’s School & to the Lawrenceville School because many applicants have similar accomplishments as you. The most selective boarding schools, such as St. Paul’s & Lawrenceville, require a bit more. You do not list any sports participation or leadership positions, for example.
Of course, much depends upon your SSAT score. Many straight A students score in the 60s, 70s & low 80s which is low for non-impact athletes.
Thanks. For sports, I’m joining the volleyball team for my freshman year(it is only offered to freshmans and up). Though for leadership positions, our school only offers student council. I ran for the president though the other candidate won the election. What else may be considered as a “leadership position?”
Well it’s great that you’re joining the volleyball team. As long as you can show commitment you’re good to go with sports. But leadership positions are crucial and still are a necessity if you want to compete with other applicants when it comes to schools like St. Paul’s, or Lawrenceville.
It doesn’t have to be just student council. There are many more ways in which you can tell schools that you are capable of being a leader, other than just student council.
For example,
-being the leader of a club
-being the captain of your sports team
-being the captain of your chess team/robotics team/debate team/MUN team
-If you have a role in Junior Thespians then that counts
-If you are the first chair in your band
-leader of a bible study group
-if there is another leadership group in your school(mine has another one besides student council), then that counts if you’re part of it
There are tons of other examples, and you just have to find one. Make a list of things you are interested in, and try to become the top. If you think your school should have a ____ team but it doesn’t, propose to create one. You automatically become the leader. Start new things, and do your best to reach the top. For me, I was in student council, another leadership group at school, and I won a leadership award in my school’s awards assembly. There are many other ways, and maybe you already have been in a leadership position but you don’t realize it.
If you can’t think of any ask for help again, but I’m sure you’ll find something.
Also, just one other thing- make a list of all the awards you have won in your lifetime- excluding elementary school and below.
Good luck and if you have any more questions then feel free to ask here!
@Emma_L Well, can you describe the role of this “peer leader”? I’m guessing it’ll count as long as you can tell the school a legitimate lesson that you learned from the experience.
And you can always try something new in your freshmen year.
You’re a strong candidate. I don’t think driving yourself mad by adding activities to your already busy schedule is going to make a bit of difference. I’d focus on making sure your essays convey that you are the kind of student who will contribute greatly to the BS community… and to the world beyond, once you graduate.