What can I do to improve my chances of getting into top boarding schools like exeter and hotchkiss?

@phearts Doing art is my new founded passion now and I plan on starting a cartoon club at my school since I like to draw anime to.I plan on focusing on art now and I have many ambitions I want to fulfill in terms of my art.

About the prep club, I decided not to create that club because i rather create a club on something Im more passionate about. I may do something else concerning that idea though…

Art sounds good! I would advise you to start showing full interest in a passion sooner rather than later, because if you start too late boarding schools might see it as just something you are doing just so you can list an EC on your application (I’m not saying that is true). Maybe try to do some camps or other activities concerning art this summer? You also mentioned you would like to do some volunteer work… is there something you could do that pertains to art? I’m by no means an expert, but IMO boarding schools would love to see that you are using your passion to help the community. I’m a current 7th grader as well so good luck with the upcoming application process. :stuck_out_tongue:

P.S.- Feel free to talk to me anytime, as I probably will be just as stressed as you this fall :frowning:

Actually I’m a part of CJSF now, I should probably start a updated chance me thread sometimes in the future though.
@phearts

Can taking summer classes and camps on ec interests make my application stronge by alot?I’m thinking of taking a summer class and also doing a summer camp if possible.

By a lot? No.

Schools want to know that you’ve done something productive with your downtime, rather than sitting on the couch all summer with your Xbox. They don’t care if it’s volunteer work, soccer camp, whatever. If it’s an experience that adds a new dimension to you and excites you, so much the better.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of academic work over the summer (maybe one summer if there’s a compelling reason). You need some time to recharge your batteries in advance of August, and most schools are not really interested in having students being total academic drones.

Same advice applies for college admissions.

SSAT doesn’t matter that much as long as you have above 90%, which I think you will be able to achieve given your effort. Just choose something that your really interested in and try to show the AO’s that that is an area for you to contribute to the community. Do not try to be “the perfect applicant” bc the truly perfect applicant doesn’t know that they’re perfect. And maybe cast a wider net than just 2 schools. There are other wonderful schools that are similar to Exeter and Hotchkiss. Good Luck!!