Hi, I’m a 13 y/o looking to go to L’ville. I’ve been playing cello consistently for 6 yrs and am first chair in my school orchestra. I’ve played volleyball for almost 4 years now and am the co-captain of my school’s main competitive v-ball team. I’m in a club where we plan out major events for educational things(supported by the school). I’ve also been in my school’s advanced orchestra for two years. I’m trained in oil and acrylic painting, graphite art, and oil pastel drawing. I have over 70 hours of service learning hours and I am partially involved in tennis(tennis club member last year). I got 84 percentile on the ssat(I know not the best). I look to apply to L’ville for ninth grade, what are my chances?
Btw I forgot to mention, I’ve gotten straight As for every quarter other than a few B’s in sixth grade.
More info would be helpful e.g. grades/GPA/rank in school, why you want to go to BS, why (only) Lawrenceville, whether you are URM, need FA, etc.
The conventional wisdom here is that unless you have a really solid, happy-making Plan B (e.g. a great local high school you’d be more than happy to attend) you should apply to more schools including a few with meaningfully higher acceptance rates (30-50%).
Also probably worth checking out this post I made a while back. Still applies:
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It also matters whether you are applying as a day student or boarder.
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Thanks for replying, I would love to be accepted into lawrenceville because of a specific course they offer. It’s always been my dream to study it and get a job in that field so I was really excited about that(+lawrenceville is the only school near me that offers the course). Another major reason would be harkness, I’m sure that harkness would really take my education journey to another level. The last major thing is just that Lawrenceville is pretty close to me so I wouldn’t need to board. After taking a look at the list I’m pretty convinced i’m not going to get in lol(I’m an Asian, 4.0 GPA, plus I’ll need a lot of FA. I also don’t have many achievements), being able to attend Lawrenceville would be a really really good start for my dream career and future goals but even if I don’t make it in I’ll try my best to pursue my passions.
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I’m applying as a day student because I live somewhat close, I’ve heard that it greatly lessens your chances so I’m worried about that
In most years, that has been the case.
You have a good record, but it’s hatd to predict. It’s coming up on the deafline, but if you can commute to L’ville, you can also probably get to Hun, Peddie, and George. All different places, but perhaps worth a look.
Many families have kids at more than one.
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I would be stunned if Lawrenceville is the only BS which offers this course (or at least similar/adjacent courses). That said, I’d add respectfully that there is a meaningful chance that the thing you want to do/be as a 13 year old is more likely than not to change as you go through high school, college, and life. IOW I wouldn’t pin all my hopes on this one course at this one school as the be all end all for you.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with pursuing your (current) dreams! And regardless of “the rest” (ORM, FA, etc.) there’s one surefire way not to get into LV and that is to not apply. So, apply!
And honestly, broaden the search. Even if you don’t want to board, as @gardenstategal points out there are other schools within commuting distance. Dive into their course catalogs. You may be surprised at what you find. And maybe check out same at a few schools where you’d have to board.
Finally, in the meantime, do “this year” well! Lean in. Stay with those ECs. Sounds like you have some leadership positions which is great. And honestly the combo of sports (volleyball), and art (cello and painting/drawing) could work in your favor. I’d love to hear more about these “service learning hours” as I’m not sure what that means. Is that community service? You also mention planning “events for educational things” - here too I’d be interested to know more.
Which is not to say that you have to report back here. But, leadership, sports + arts + community service + straight A’s is a pretty nice package! Maybe work a tad to get that SSAT up a bit (though honestly every year kids get into top schools with SSATs in the 80s). Otherwise, keep at it this year, and give the applications your best shot! Note your letters of recommendation will be important so maybe work this year to cultivate relationships with a few of your teachers.
Good luck!
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Lawrenceville senior here—which course? I’d highly caution against choosing the school because of this; the course may be gone by the time you’re able to take it, or you won’t be able to get in due to scheduling issues. I’ve unfortunately had such a thing happen to me multiple times 
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because of a specific course they offer
.
Many (most?) schools will offer students an independent study of sorts to design their own “class”. And honestly, the likelihood of you wanting to go into this field is going to mean you will probably be taking many classes in college focused on this topic, too. Whether you have this class in HS will more than likely have zero bearing on what you will need to take in college (it’s not an AP course you can get credit for or this wouldn’t be the “only school” with this class).
Are you male or female if you don’t mind me asking?
Thanks a lot for these suggestions. I’ve thought it over and I agree that going to one school just because of a singular course is a bit impulsive. I think I’ll apply to some other schools around me in addition to L’ville, though the deadline is coming up and it might be a bit rushed. As for the service learning hours, I’m Christian so when I have time(mostly during summer break) I like to help out local churches like looking after kids or serving foods. I love my religion so it gives me joy to be able to assist others on their religious journeys.
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I looked up the schools and I think I would be able to attend them if I board. The deadline is a major issue especially since today’s a Friday but I’ll do what I can. Thank you for this information 
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That sucks :’) it’d be terrible to be so excited for a course then suddenly you can’t attend. I’m planning on taking the Architecture course + a programming course if I do get in. I would like to become an architect and assist with making architectural structures that make positive impacts on the environment ex. Carbon neutral/negative buildings.
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I’m female
Yes, I think that whether I take this course or not probably wouldn’t impact my college studies but I think that it’s a good way to really get to know the field before fully committing to it(also maybe it’ll look good on paper for when I’m applying to college 
). I chose L’ville mostly because of it’s location and college preparation.
Of course it gives you a feeling for the field, but from what you say, so could some courses in environmental studies, horticulture, materials science, biomimicry, design, CAD, a whole host of different options in different places. There is so much more than simply an “architecture” course that goes into your desire of carbon neutral design! Embrace particular classes for what you can take and apply to your desired career path. Heck, even taking French could lead you to an opportunity to study in a French speaking country where you could explore your path in eco friendly design. You just never know.
So true, @Pharmingturtles ! I looked at the George School catalog (nothing called Architecture!) and saw a number of "adjacent " courses.
You make a good point. My obsession with architecture did stem from my concerns for environmental issues but after I found out the potential benefits new and innovative architecture could bring I was fascinated and didn’t bother looking into other ways/careers that might be equally impactful. I must say though, architecture has grown on me. At first my determination to study architecture was purely because of issues like global warming. However as I researched more I discovered a whole new world and possibilities that I want to help bring to reality(Designing buildings that are gorgeous, sturdier, more innovative, etc. A great example would be the recent Downtown circle proposal of Dubai). Nevertheless, all the paths you have stated are definitely worth looking into. Architecture may be my life’s passion now but as someone else said, no one knows what might happen a few years down the line. I will definitely be looking into schools other than L’ville to pursue my love for the environment(and if I do actually make it into L’ville architecture will for sure not be the only course I take for my dreams). Thanks for these suggestions!
ps: that thing you said about French might be a joke but I’m honestly considering it lol
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If you haven’t already seen this, check out
Or just Google the invisible house in Joshua Tree. It’s incredible and I think, based on what you said, you’d be fascinated by it.
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