Hi,
I have recently taken in interest in applying to Choate, and I was wonder what my chances are. Next year, I would be applying for 10th grade, since I am in 8th grade currently. I go to a small private school in MA. There are no honors or AP courses there, so I can’t take higher level courses, but, I have 1 b+ (science) 1 (A-) English 2 (A) Math and Art 3 (A+) French, Civics and health. I love learning and being challenged. I have been in chorus since 4th grade and I did a cappella this semester. I have done basketball for the past two years, soccer this year and frisbee for two years. I love to make art, especially drawing, ceramics and painting. I have not taken the SSAT yet, but I will this summer (I just ordered two books for prepping). I love hanging out with friends and animals. My main interests are math, languages and art. I would need a lot of FA and I would board. Just wondering if I had a chance.
Thanks!
I was wondering what the interview was like, and if you participate in classes during your tour. I know that it’s a little early to tell, considering I haven’t taken the SSAT yet or done the interview. I was just wondering if I was a good fit. Also, should I raise my grades?
Thanks!
which private school are you at right now
You would definitely want ssat’s at LEAST 85% which is Choate’s average(ideally even higher than 90%). That way you can really stand out in the applicant pool. Also, you definitely want to worry about your grades. Definitely getting A+'s, A’s, and A-'s for all subjects are important(one b+ won’t hurt but try to get that up.). Also, another thing that most people don’t talk about is the graded writing sample. You definitely want an A or an A- on that too. Once you meet all these standards you can really work on your essay. The essay is what will determine your admission chance after meeting the required ssat scores, grades, and writing sample grade. Don’t worry, you have a chance. Good luck!
Thank you so much for this advice! I will be sure to use it well!
Hi,
I just have a few more questions:
- If I apply during the summer, how recent should the essay be?
- Is it better to apply during the summer or the fall? Would applying during the summer show more dedication?
- If you went to choate, do you know how many people normally were in a dorm room?
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
A/ That sort of defeats the “confidential” part of this website’s name.
B/ The answer has no bearing on the original question.
Response deleted.
You cannot apply over the summer. The application forms for the new application cycle don’t even get posted until September 1 or so. There is only one application cycle annually, with a deadline around January 15 - February 1, depending on the school. It’s especially difficult to get admission to Choate when you need lots of FA. You may want to apply to a wider range of schools.
Thanks, I was unaware that there was a certain time to apply. I will try to widen my range of schools I am applying to .
I’ve read so many times on here that Choate will FA wait list a student if they cannot offer financial aid. Consider expanding your search to include schools where (1) the school is need blind or has a very large endowment/FA budget and/or (2) your scores and talent will really shine (e.g. your SSAT score is 90 and the school’s average is 70). Several school have funds to draw in students that will be leaders among their classmates.
To better target schools you might consider taking a late spring SSAT sitting as a dry run to know where you stand and their areas you might spend more time prepping during the summer.
Choate is not unique in this regard.
I had two Choaties, the last one graduating in 2016. First, if you don’t need FA, all the better. Whether you do or not, Choate is a community of scholars #1, then a community of students and faculty who care for one another and try to make the world a better place. Focus your activities and essays on these 2 things. hint hint
I guess I should have been more clear – I think Choate is very transparent and actually tells applicants in their wait list letter that they are not able to meet financial need. I don’t know this from personal experience as my child did not apply there but I’ve read it many times on this board. Other schools probably simply wait list.
HOWEVER, financial aid budgets (and the complementary endowment) tell a lot. Quick comparison with smallest enrollment to largest:
SPS 530 students $11.3m FA budget ($21,320/student) $549m endowment
Deerfield 650 students $10.1m FA budget ($15,538/student) $532m endowment
Choate 862 students $11.7m FA budget ($13,573/student) $346m endowment
Exeter 1085 students $22m FA budget ($20,276/student) $1.15b endowment
These are just a few examples but this is the money they are using to fund needy students.
Hi all,
I have been researching some other schools, and I found that I’d like to apply to is Loomis. What do you think my chances are for that?
I’ve heard (and even from one AO) that you should consider applying to about six schools with a mix of safety, match, and reach. Your test scores and strengths on academics and ECs should help mold that list. Since you are local you might plan to visit each of them this year to get a bind for each campus. Maybe late spring before classes end. Loomis Chaffee is a great school and the campus while compact, is really nice. NMH has a very nice arts building FWIW.
Middlesex does spring tours and has been very supportive of its arts program. Also Brooks is building a new arts center. Just a couple more which may be close to you!
Have you looked at Berkshire school? It has a lot of what you seem to be looking for (math, language, arts, soccer,etc.) I’m a current student so feel free to pm me with any questions. Best of luck!