@one1ofeach Hi! Yes, I’m a boy. While I probably can run a 5:17 mile (1600m) on its own now, I know that I wouldn’t be able to sustain that pace for a 5k. In that aspect, I am working on my endurance. So I’m not like a star athlete, but I have decent times, and (I hope) potential for growth and improvement. Thank you for all your help!
@CateCAParent I agree. While I do like math, I definitely want to explore the humanities and some of the applied sciences as well as possible majors and/or career paths. Thank you for your input!
@Mercurrii Thanks so much for the suggestions. Yeah, I’m mainly applying to the ‘bigger’ schools, but I’ll definitely look into some of the others. I’ve heard that they can sometimes offer a more specialized experience and education, which I think would be a huge plus!
@PrepDad2018 Ok, thank you! I’ll definitely send some emails over to the coaches. Even if they don’t have that much ‘pull’, I guess if I do get accepted and go to the school, it would be nice to have contacted them prior.
@CaliPops For sure. Though my Andover interview went fine, since it was my first interview I was a tad nervous, and didn’t really connect with the interviewer as much as I had hoped. Hopefully I can relax and be better for the Exeter and Thacher interviews. Thanks!
I can’t speak for Andover or Exeter. While your scores are amazing and you’re certainly a smart kid, a school like Thacher will see that academic and testing record, check a couple of “he can do the work” boxes and then move on to what they care about more: what kind of person you are, determining whether you are the type who goes out of his way for others, trying to decide if will you be engaged in the community and whether you will make Thacher a better place to be for everyone, and lastly whether you love the outdoors.
You asked only about Exeter and Andover. I assume that you threw Thacher into the mix as your “local” option. Don’t be too quick to pass it over however. It’s cut from completely different cloth and will give you a wholly different experience.
What @ThacherParent said.
@ThacherParent Thank you! Yes, I hope that I can express my love for running and hiking through my essays. As for Thacher, you’re probably right. If I get the opportunity to attend it, I may love it more than the others for its emphasis on the outdoors… hopefully I get to have that tough decision ahead of me 
How do you think one should email a faculty member of the school? I’m been wondering about it and just shoving what you’ve done in their face isn’t going to be good at all, and just beating around the bush for permission seems worse. Does anyone have some advice?
@SolarJ if you mean coaches a direct email is appropriate and expected. “I’m applying to x school and I hope to play on x team. Here’s a link to my highlight video. Please let me know if you’d like to speak to my current coach. I’ll be on campus on x/x/x to watch a game and hope to be able to meet you.”
If you mean teachers you email the AO and ask for an introduction. “Hi Ms X, it was so lovely to speak to you yesterday. I was hoping to speak to someone in the theatre department about how I can contribute to the arts program at x. Would you please let me know whom I should contact?”
It’s not beating around the bush. Be simple direct honest. This isn’t a game. It’s an exploration for you to find out if that school is the right school for you and vice versa.
This is something your parents should be able to help you with unless they don’t care or don’t speak English.
@one1ofeach Wow, thanks! That’s really helpful for me as well. Are you applying to PA and PEA as well, @SolarJ?
@ttK5050
Yeah, I am! I’m applying for a spot in 10th grade. It’s my first time trying out for boarding schools so I’m pretty pumped.
Update for those interested: I had my Exeter interview off-campus, and I think it went great! I have my Thacher interview coming up next weekend in San Francisco. I wanted to see the campus, but this was the only option that worked for me.
Good luck, everyone!
wait dude
are you in cali?
crapadoodledo i cant compete with you bro.
if you’re near SF did you go to the exeter open house event?
(@ttK5050)
Hi again! Yes, I live near the Sacramento area. Unfortunately, I had other commitments, so I couldn’t attend the Open House. It would be awesome if you could share what it was like!
P.S. A lot of people have noted that academics are one only part of the admissions process. It would be awesome if we end up going to Exeter or somewhere together!
That’s an odd mix of schools. Two enormous schools that feel more like college and give kids lots of autonomy/freedom vs. a very tiny school with lots of structure and mandatory horse care and outdoors activities.
What are you looking for in a school?
My guess is high level academics. But in general I agree with you, which is why one of those listed is my son’s top choice, one I really hope rejects him as it only made the list because my husband insisted, and the third didn’t even make the list. .
@CaliMex, That’s a very good point!
As @CrimsonWife mentioned, one of my main priorities is to have access to academic opportunities. All three schools have their benefits; I know Thacher has their seniors explore/research any topic of their interest, and that they have a great astronomy program. I’m also interested in running, so a school like Thacher would be great in that respect (though each school has excellent athletics, from what I’ve heard ).
In any case, I do hope that I have a difficult decision coming up! Thank you so very much for your input, it gave me some pause to really think about my goals!
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Ayyy you did Think! I’m probably going this summer, are you planning on going back? Maybe I’ll see you there:)
How did your other interviews go?