@CaliMex I didn’t look at NMH before for no reason,Now that you mentioned it though,I’ll take a look at the school.
There isn’t really a criteria for schools for me,as long as it can offer needed fa and has something i like about ,I’ll consider it.
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You may want to consider starting with a list of criteria first, then researching schools to compile your list.
Size of school?
Location? (Rural? Suburban? Near airport?)
Specialized programs? (Music? Sports?)
Approach to academics (traditional, progressive, something in between?)
Etcetera…
Well I guess my criteria for schools is Diversity;A good percentage of students of color
High percentage of students boarding
Has good programs in the arts not just academics
Can give enough FA
Location preferably not in california
I feel like you should get more specific. That pretty much keeps all of the top schools / GLADCHEMMS (if that’s what you’re aiming for) except for Milton which is 50/50 boarding/day.
Maybe research each individual school you may apply to and find things that you like about each?
There is something to like about EVERY school.
Do you prefer a lot of structure or a lot of freedom?
A large school with more options in terms of clubs, classes, and friends, or a small, tightly knit community where you know everyone and are known?
Casual dress or formal?
Sitting with friends at every meal or having assigned seats?
Would your parents prefer you be near an airport since you live in CA? Do you want to be near a city or town where you have family or friends?
Is there an EC, sport, program, or advanced academic subject you care about that isn’t available everywhere?
Are you open to single sex schools?
What is your % threshold for boarding vs day?
What is your threshold for kids and faculty of color?
I’m sure there are more I haven’t thought of…
If you answer these Qs and then prioritize them by ranking them or assigning points, you will be better able to find the school that is right for YOU.
@CottenCandyTrill I know you don’t want California, but you’re describing Cate pretty accurately 
Not to open up another diversity can o’ worms BUT, Cate (and Thacher) appeared more “visibly diverse” to me than most of the New England schools with the exception of Andover.
@GMC2918 I think I’ll checkout Cate ,I’m not to sure about Thacher though.I remember in 6th grade when I was looking at schools I read a review for thacher about how the food their is terrible and how the teachers are horrible. I’m pretty sure it’s not true but I already don’t want to go to a school in california so thacher is off the list for me.
Would you consider a single sex school? Reading from your criteria for schools, I have a couple in mind that would fit the bill.
SSAT is not the single most important factor for getting into the top schools you have in mind but it will not do you harm if your score is at or above the school average. A high score alone may not get you in, but a low score can always get you denied.
As for the food at Thacher, it may not have the best food but at least it is not worse than average. I have a son who is a senior at Thacher with a picky taste. He never complains about their food. I visited several schools of similar caliber and the foods were all similar. Food and nutrition were important criteria for us and we found Thacher had very healthy dishes - many of them organic. I have no intention of being protective but the quality of food at Thacher being terrible? Absolutely nonsense. Be noted that the taste is all subjective and many kids at Thacher like their food. I have not heard people complain there about the food in general.
Teachers at Thacher are one of the most open-minded. There will always be a kid or two with terrible comments about teacher quality. It happens to any school. Don’t get biased by a single extremely negative (or positive) comment.
Sometimes I think a plain old job would be a nice change of pace for the AO. I mean, straight A’s, debate clubs, flute playing are great, but also not unique. If I’m an AO, I might be more impressed by that rare kid whose extracurricular time was spent working at an animal rescue shelter, or keeping a store cleaned and stocked etc. If I read a recommendation from a small business owner that praised a young man or woman for being a hard worker, smart, reliable, a pleasure to be around, I’d like that very much.
@ThacherParent I made that chance me post a while back,I didn’t start a debate club actually but I am doing otherstuff. I guess if I did something more unique then I would be considered more interesting.I actually wanted to make a business selling plushies the only problem being I cant make them…So I think maybe i’ll take your suggestion and do something out of the box.
@monica20 I may consider single sex schools
I think that you need to actually start your plans now. Schools actually care about the time you start with your EC’s. If you start late, they could be thinking your rather unorganized.
How would be starting ecs late be considered unorganized?
Because they want to see dedication over multiple years. Also it may be hard to add on tons of activities at once in 8th grade.
Its not hard for me to add on ecs, I dont feel like im doing much to be honest. @Nico.campbell.
That’s great, but either way they like to see dedication over a longer period of time.
Im not really looking to add new ecs now really. Im just developing the ones I have now and trying to add accomplishments to them to show Iḿ dedicated to them.
How accomplished are you in flute and tennis? (Those are your main ECs, right?)
I used to be 1st chair in band for flutes but I got demoted to 3rd chair.In tennis I haven’t entered competitions or anything like that, though my school is going to participate in the league for the first time so I may participate in that.I’m also considering joining a tennis summer camp hosted at my school for a week.November was long ago so I changed and I’m definitely doing more things.I don’t consider the flute and tennis as my main ec’s anymore tbh,I found a new passion in something else. @CaliMex
I’m a little late on this thread…but what is your new passion? I remember you saying something about starting a prep club.