I am currently going into 8th grade and I am a female. I played piano at Carnegie Hall a few times, I play tennis on a national scale and have a decent ranking. I also have won some internal art competitions. I am going to take the SSAT or ISEE (how hard is it?) this winter. My grades are mostly As but a few Bs. Any advice on how to study for SSATs or how to increase my chances to get into Lawrenceville? Thanks for the help!
I have no idea about how to study about SATs cause im taking mine in the future! Anyway ecs seem really impressive so it will be a big advantage for you! Keep up the good work with them! Try to improve your grades a little in order to have a perfect gpa. When youre able to, take as many ap classes as you can handle and of course put your best effort in SAT exams (aim for a 1500 and 33 for sure). To make your ecs even better you can try volunteering or apply for an internship in the future. Another thing that i find important is that all your profile (ap classes, ecs and essay) will show your passion for your prospective major. Leadership is important too so maybe go for the student counsil or something like that! Im truly impressed with your ecs so far though! Please chance me back
They key is to give them something they need. If they already have a few fantastic pianists, they may not need one more. But you definitely have some outstanding accomplishments that make you attractive. Unfortunately, I’ve seen talent give way to legacy admits at all these top BSs (unfair). Have your orchestra or piano teacher call the head of orchestra and see what kind of musicians they need! Also the tennis coach.
Wow thanks so much for the advice and kind words! I will be sure to chance you too!
Thanks for the suggestions, hope it works out!
I’m afraid my chances are slim to none. I’m about a half century too late for Lawrenceville. But when I took a tour with my two students it quickly rose to a top 5 position. In the end, the decision was a 2 hour driving limit from home to BS one way, i.e. 4 hour RT, so LVLLE dropped off the list. But it is a great BS. Good Luck. Fingers crossed!
@njgirl1218 , are you applying as day or boarding and how do you see yourself continuing your piano studies and tennis? Your accomplishments are impressive, but Lawrenceville, with Saturday classes and very rigorous classes, might leave you little time to pursue those other activities if that’s your goal.
It’s hard to predict chances without the SSAT score. One of the things that will matter to any school is the fit. This is not just the social or academic but how the school can help you be your best self. Make sure you have a plan that works for all of you, not just academics.
Are you applying as day or boarder? Getting in as day is much harder.
Do you need financial aid?
What is your national USTA ranking? Have you contacted the coach?
Shoot for at least low 90th percentile SSAT overall to be competitive
I’m trying for day, I don’t need financial aid, my USTA ranking in 12s was top 50s Easter and in 14s was about 150s but my 14s has dropped a lot because I haven’t won in a while…what ranking should I strive for? and thanks for the advice helps a lot!
@gardenstategal I am going for day and I want to play on the tennis team for sure but I don’t know if I will continue piano much far in high school. Thanks for the advice though, hope it works out too lol!
well, you’ve got a good chance. nothing you can really do to “increase” your chances except for having a great interview, writing thank-you notes, and having a good essay
i’ve been super stressed haha do u think my GPA and ECs are good enough? but thanks for the response
Yeah, they’re fine. I took the SSAT and the ISEE around three times, and I got 75, 75, and then 95–just to show how unpredictable the scores can be. Plus, your grades are god and your ECs are amazing. Good luck
Thanks so much!! is the SSAT easier or ISEE??
I am currently going into 8th grade and I am a female. I played piano at Carnegie Hall a few times from winning international piano competitions, I play tennis on a national scale and have a decent ranking, although it has dropped recently. I also have won some international art competitions. I am going to take the SSAT or ISEE (how hard is it?) this winter. I have been getting mostly mid 80s on the practice test and my GPA so far are mostly As but a few Bs. I am definitely going for the tennis team and do not need financial aid, but I have yet to decide if I am going day (probably) or boarding. Any advice on how to study for SSATs or how to increase my chances to get into Lawrenceville? Thanks for the help!
Your best shot is to contact the tennis coach. How does your ranking compare to current students on the varsity team?
If you are a competitive varsity player as a freshman then the coach can pull for you with admissions.