Before anyone says anything, I have applied to other schools, but Choate is my number one choice and a school I REALLY want to go to. Since August, going to a school like Choate has been all I can think about, and with decision day coming up, I am freaking out and going crazy.
I know I am not the most special kid academically, but I think I did really well on my application — it was genuine and thoughtful and I think that may help me out. On my interview, the person said I did really good and we connected on so many different levels from when he was a kid in high school, to what paths he took, to books we’ve read. Of all the interviews I have done, the one with the person at Choate went the best. It felt like a conversation, unlike just answering questions. I was not nervous — it was fun talking to him.
My teachers said they gave me good recommendations and really hope I get in.
From sixth grade to the ending of eighth grade, my grades have skyrocketed. I had B-s in sixth grade (I was suffering from extreme depression; I mentioned that on my application) to an all A and A+ student in eighth grade. My standardized test scores from my school were really good, I sent those to the school. My graded essay was one of the best I have ever written. I got an A+ on it. I am planning to repeat ninth grade, and my first quarter (marking period or semester) grades were okay-ish. They were As, A-s and two B+s (that is really scaring me). My SSAT scores were eh. I got a 2100 though I only took it once and felt I could have done much better.
I know there are so many kids that are so much better than me and who deserve to get in. Since I have a perfectionist mentality, I want to be in the first round of acceptance letters. What do you guys think are my chances? Percentages would be nice if possible.
Thank you, everyone, for reading that long post. I cannot be more grateful for your time.
Hello there. Apologies for getting back to you so late.
Extracurricular wise — eh.
Well, I have done a Honors Pre-Medical Program that was offered to me by my school.
I have a good amount of volunteer hours through my schools.
I am a part of a selective writing club at my school, of which I have been published in a school newspaper and will be multiple times throughout the school year.
I did track and field for three years; I have always received second place or higher.
I have volunteered at my place of worship since I was a child.
I am in Model United Nations; I have done exceptionally well in a variety of different conferences; I am always working to improve my debating, public speaking, and researching skills.
I have received the student of the month (not big, but it is something worth mentioning).
I am normally on the A-honor roll in my school.
I have been a Student Council Representative for several years.
I am fluent in several different computer languages (all self-taught).
I have taken part in several writing contests of which I have gotten positive feedback from the judges, and it was made me a better writer. I am yet to win one, but I hope with the teachers at Choate, I can win a big contest one day.
There is probably more stuff that I talked about on my application, but to be honest, and again, I said this on my application, there are not many extracurricular activities in my neighborhood. I do not have that many opportunities. Most, or if not all of them come from my school. This is one of the infinite reasons regarding why I want to go to Choate. I want the opportunities there; I want to work hard and give it my everything and take advantage of every opportunity I missed there. Honestly, if March 10th goes my way, I would go crazy, but I would also be ready, with a head held high for every challenge that comes my way at Choate. I do not think that will happen, but if it does work out in my favor, that is what I will do.
Aside from me, what did your application look like? Thanks!
(I owe my apologies to you and anyone else reading this post. I am feeling a slightly ill and will be having surgery soon. Therefore, I apologize for any grammatical errors or any kind of informality in what I write. Thank you for understanding.)
Hey! Sorry I took so long to respond… I think that they’ll really like the Pre-med Program! That’s something that not a lot of 8th graders have done. Does your middle school actually have Model UN, or is it just through a local club? Either way: that’s pretty impressive for an 8th grader. Also the computer languages should help you because that shows that you’re curious and that you take initiative in your own learning outside of the classroom. Where are you from? You don’t have to tell me the state if you don’t want, just the region; depending on where you live, that could give you a possible boost as well. What percentile is 2100? I’m estimating mid 70’s, correct me if I’m wrong. Although that’s below Choate’s average, I would say that you still have a “good” chance (although nobody necessarily has a “good” chance at any of these hyper-selective schools TBH).
In response to your question about my application: My grades are all fine I guess; maybe a B+ or two in 6th grade. My SSAT superscore is a 2253. In terms of EC’s, I’m not doing too well. Coming from Colorado, we don’t really get the same opportunities as those on the East Coast… it sucks. I play piano well, I have an interesting story about how I taught myself for a while before getting lessons. I also am on MathCounts, Math Club, Reading Club. I also volunteered for a group of kids to go collect water samples from the local creek for scientific purposes. I travel to Jamaica every year to distribute books to kids. I started a food donation system in my school, also I peer tutor. BTW, my Choate interview was great, too. By far my best out of nine interviews; the guy was so kind and we really got along!
Anyways, I would say that you have as good a shot as anyone, so keep your thoughts positive for the next 7 days! Where else did you apply?
If you are interested, you can look at my thread where I write a super (too) long description of my application.
Good luck! Don’t let the stress get the best of you!
Hello! I am actually not an eighth grader. I found out about Choate the summer of my eighth-grade year and applying as a current freshman in high school. However, I do want to repeat the ninth-grade and regret so much I did not find Choate earlier. The Pre-medical program was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. I mentioned the program to my interviewer, and he really liked it too. My high school has a legitimate Model United Nations Club that is pretty good. We go to national, local, training, and regional conference and debate on a variety of issues. I have done it for two years now and regret not enrolling earlier. I am from the east coast, New York-New Jersey area. That was my concern. I only took the SSAT once and was suffering from an illness. It did compromise my results and I could not apply for another test in time. I think I mentioned that on my application. I believe it is the high sixties. I’d have to double-check. Yeah, I am really scared my SSAT score will hurt me.
That is a really good score! How many times did you take it? My neighborhood just does not get much as we are a minuscule dot on the map in comparison to other places. I have an interesting story too about things in my life which I was sure to mention on my applications. Those are some really good ECs. My friend goes to Jamaica to do that exact same thing. I think you may even know her. Interesting. Small world. I did a food donation drive through several clubs in my school too. I agree on the interview part.
I hope I can. This is going to be the most agonizing week of my life! Best of luck to you too and I hope to see you at Choate if you go!
Hey! I took the SSAT twice. For a second there I thought that your middle school had a Model UN team and I was moping about how lame mine was in comparison :)) ONLY (ALMOST) FIVE MORE DAYS!!! I’ve decided that I’m not even going to school on M10 and that I’m pulling an all nighter so I can get those decisions that come in at 3-4 AM my time.
Ironic: I’m skipping school to stay home all day and obsess about my future education
Trust me not worth it [-X … I have had to pull two this week and would refuse to pull one voluntarily/when not under duress ;)… You’ll be tired and grumpy by the M10 evening…
If you rly cannot resist… Then sleep early on M9 (like 6pm) and wake up at the time your first school releases their decision…
Honestly, if I wasn’t the way that I am, I wouldn’t be doing it. I rarely sleep as it is (I have serious insomnia it sucks) and sadly I end up not sleeping probably one night every week or so… it sucks but I’ve become used to it :-S
My middle school had a decent Model United Nations team too. We won quite a few awards and I joined Model UN because of my middle school team. I have quite a few absences from illnesses, but I might stay home that day too.
My school uses laptops, so, I might just not pay attention to anything the whole day and just stay updated.
That’s really lucky that your middle school had a team! I’ve decided to stay up until 10 PM M9 when NMH releases decisions, then I sleep until about 9AM, and when I wake up, I’ll have two or three decisions to read…
You say it so casually. Just thinking about “reading” the decisions makes me really anxious. I am set to not have high hopes because I do have confidence issues (=/), but still. Nevertheless, I wish thee and everyone reading this the best of luck this coming week.
Hahah trust me I’m the epitome of insecurity! For the past couple of weeks I’ve been mentally prepping myself for the worst. I’d rather expect to get in nowhere on M10 and be pleasantly surprised than to think I’ll get into Andover or Choate and have the worst day of my life!
Same. I am expecting the worse. Nonetheless, I have this fantasy of being accepted into the schools I applied to; being rejected or reading the decisions is the most agonizing part.
Honestly I feel really panicked all of the sudden and I have no idea what to do… according to Boardingschoolreview their acceptance rate is 19%… I have no chance
I saw that too. I saw in other places (referring to Choate) that their acceptance rate is in the single digits. Then again, I do not know how they get those numbers. It could all just be fake and there to crush our hopes, but who knows…
