Hello! I’m applying to a couple of the main boarding schools (Exeter, Andover, Choate, etc.) for junior year, this is my first time applying, and I wanted to ask if boarding schools care a lot about your grades? I have one B so far, as a freshman, and was wondering if that would affect my chances. Do they tend to care more about the interview, essay, and extracurriculars or do they care more about your test scores and school grades?
Yes.
One B will not ruin you.
They tend to care about them all. They care about finding out if you as a person will benefit from their school and they care about what they think you can contribute to life at that school. There is no magic formula.
Also, if you really want to go to boarding school, you may want to cast a wider net than just the “main” ones. There are fewer slots for juniors than for freshman. Every year there are some very well qualified kids who do not get admitted to any schools.
You can certainly use the the go-big-or-stay-home approach in choosing schools to which you want to apply - as long as you are prepared to live with the potential stay home consequence of that choice.
I drank the Kool-Aid and thought they cared about having a well-rounded & well-balanced student. My kids feels they want “perfect” students on paper & let your charm show above it. One can either feel hopeful or feel discouraged by the results read on CC .
IMHO I hear it’s tough as an applicant for a Junior year— there may be thread you can read just on Junior year–better if you are a star athlete or if they need you. It may be different at the all-boys or all-girls schools for Junior applicants. Also look beyond NE. Some AO’s may be snooty if you’re not from a school they know- just our experience and a tough lesson for DS1 a few years ago. ;)!! Sorry, but now have crossed over into the cynicism of the CC dark side . But seriously folks, there will be well-meaning people who tell you that test scores are not as important as other factors, but I would tell you that the test scores really do hold a lot if weight. You better have all the stats on paper because it will get you to the first round, or to the table. Be a creative and dynamic writer for the essays-- they read hundreds so you need to stand out. Sometimes the schools may just not be looking for YOU. They may want someone else, or something else. Honestly, think that some schools are looking to become more international & some want/need $$. Don’t take it personally. Some schools want smart AND nice. Convinced it’s like a crap shoot – are those British betting sites taking bets on CC? Just joking about that!
They want a well-rounded class. Some of the students may be well-rounded, but others may be pointy.
I think for Junior applicants you need a strong passion or two. Maybe a sport or something else that the student is “needed” for. Also, try to find out which schools take new Juniors as some schools really only take a couple for attrition.
“Cast a wide net” but also show a lot of interest in the school(s) your student is truly interested in (and not just because they are “the best” but because of a specific interest or program or something that makes the student feel a connection there.
I think grades and test scores matter possibly more for Junior applicants. But, one or two B’s is not a problem. It tells the school you are normal…and that your school doesn’t inflate grades. Perfect grades are suspect imo.
Also…and this is just a personal thing…I think some applicants have huge laundry lists of awards and “passions” but I feel that some of this is contrived…done just for the resume. I’m not sure how the schools eveluate that because it does seem to work (ie many of those kids seem to get into a number of schools). I think it creates competitive and stressed out kids; I would not be surprised if this evolves.
^They want a well-rounded class. Some of the students may be well-rounded, but others may be pointy.
If that’s all it took, I’d be in like Flynn! Lol
I’ve been trying to figure this out, too, OP. And as per @sunnyschool 's response, I am wondering if DS’s application appeared contrived or too manicured and the ACs didn’t think they were getting the “real” picture of him. When , in reality, they were…you should see this kid’s emailed birthday list he sends to relatives…my sister actually forwards it to people because it is worded almost like a legal debriefing. And we laugh…because we know the kid behind it. But the AO does not get a chance to see the multiple layers hidden behind his written word — the kid that can’t wait to go to Disney, has Eeyore sketches in his bedroom and carries stuffed lions in his pocket on Revisit day. Everything he’s done so far is because he wanted to…but he is a very matter-of-fact, stoic kid who comes across very analytical, at first. On paper, he is an ideal candidate (grades, scores, sports, volunteering, URM, etc) So, I can see how his application facts may not have appeared genuine, but more of “I did this so I can get in”. I don’t think we will ever know the secret formula, so my advice is to work your tushy off, do the best you can in everything and most of all, be yourself!
I’m not saying this applies to your kid’s application - it probably does not. However, I have said many times on the college boards, and it can apply to BS’s as well: There is no secret formula (or if there is, the BS is not telling what it is).
I will also say that I have seen many students here view the application process as though if they complete the checklist, they are in. Score 1550 + on the SAT’s. Check. Have a 4.0 GPA. Check. Start a non-profit. Check. Go on a service mission to Peru. Check. Obviously admissions does not work that way.
Well OP- what do BS really care about? Someone asked iDS1 a few years ago if we had connections or if “we knew someone” . He was speechless. My DH wishes he said that we know 55 Grover Clevalands each year ;)! Fun fact: Some schools are need blind and some may not be. But it’s a consideration. Here’s the good news-- work hard, look at people more than your phone, be kind to others, be respectful to your parents & teachers, be appreciative for your blessings, and carry a big smile – you will meet great people like you ;)!..and you may get to play golf with@golfgr8!