What are my chances?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

Hi, I am currently in 8th grade and applying to Exeter, Andover, Choate, Deerfield, Loomis Chaffee, and Hotchkiss.
I’m an international student from Korea, and I go to a small private school in California. (I heard that it is harder for international students, especially for Asians, to get into these boarding schools…)

Here are my achievements. (Also, for school grades, I’ve got all As for three years. no A- (s), I mean it’s easy to get As in my school)

I’m a typical math and science kid.

  1. I got 98th percentile on SSAT, and I'm planning to take TOEFL on December.( It's embarrassing to mention this, but when I first came here I got like 30th percentile, even though I got a perfect score on math sections, verbal and reading part were almost like 10~20%) Although, I got a pretty decent score on SSAT (or maybe not, cz I failed reading section..), my English isn't perfect like other native speakers, since I didn't have chance to learn English when I was in Korea. (btw, I came here 1.5 years ago)
  2. I was qualified for AIME through AMC12 in 7th grade ( Since I took the test right after I came to the US, I had lot's of word problems, and got most questions wrong, because I couldn't understand the questions properly. I know it's not a valid reason for this tho lol)
  3. I've been doing a research (physics) with two seniors from other schools. (2 years), and the people I've worked with are doing USC internship program (I couldn't participate, because of age limitation). 4.I've taken college level physics courses (using Halliday Physics Korean version). 5.I'm currently involved in student government.
  4. I've been doing cheer and taking theater classes for 2 years, and I've played the piano for 7 years. 7.Currently taking AP Calculus AB (but taking BC exam), Chemistry honors, Spanish3, and 9th grade English.

I’m worried, because I didn’t have many chances to participate in competitions, since I came here 2 years ago. Also, I am not good at talking in front of other people (Like, I’m not good at speaking things coherently, and I think it will affect my interviews)
Although I’ve spent 8 hours everyday (by staying up all night) memorizing vocabulary words and reading books to improve my SSAT score, I occasionally make mistakes when I speak or write something.

I really want to get into these boarding schools, but if it’s unlikely for me to get in, I’m considering some schools that are easier to get in.

Plus, if there’s any helpful advice regarding these schools, I would be more than happy to know about it:)

2

I think you are making a mistake choosing these schools if you are not completely adept at English. I would suggest schools with dual language programs for international kids. Your grades will likely suffer at these schools even if you are admitted.

3

I think that @Center is right, however, you sound like a perfect candidate other than that. I can’t think of much else for you to do. Also, your SSAT score is outstanding, you really don’t have to retake it.

4

Is your 9th grade English class in a classroom with native English speakers? Or in a classroom with other kids mastering English?

5

@CaliMex with native English speakers
I don’t have problems with reading, listening, and writing, and my TOEFL score is pretty good compared to other international students.
However, the only concern is for speaking, since I have a bad accent. Also, I am not a kind of a person who can speak coherently in front of other people. lol

6

Plus, I’ve done interviews for the schools that I’m applying. All of my interviewers said that despite that I came to the U.S 2 years ago, my English proficiency is amazing.
But, I think I’m competing with native speakers (if I’m right) in terms of admission, and I am not confident.

7

They just want to know that you will be able to hold your own academically in English class, and it sounds as if you can! You will get increasingly comfortable with your oral skills once you are in boarding school! You’ll see!

8

That makes one more reason why I should apply to boarding schools!:slight_smile: (Even though, I first have to get admitted lol)
I appreciate your information!