I agree, and that’s exactly what I did, asked about admissions. I really appreciate your helpful response.
That’s so cool, so those opportunities were available to you! Not everyone’s situation, though. All the best!
@thiwinters I think you would benefit from being a little less defensive. If you approach asking a question as a argument, you’re unlikely to get constructive advice.
I think it would be helpful if you listed your specific accomplishments and I’d be happy do give you advice for how to frame them in your application. Your initial question is a bit vague, but I get where you’re coming from! As a former applicant, I think most of us would love to know exactly what schools’ are looking for. Unfortunately, beyond getting a sense of the values and main strengths each school is known for, there is no formula for the “perfect applicant”. @Golfgr8 gave some great suggestions. All of the schools on your list are looking for applicants who demonstrate maturity and intellectual curiosity. It really does not matter if you are interested in the arts, or sports, or science. Schools want you to show them what you’re passionate about. And listing community service as an EC is not uncommon. I did so myself.
If I were you, I’d take a few minutes to come up with a some more specific questions. Please don’t bother with feeling that you need to refute any other responses (I know how tempting it can be!). Everyone who has responded to this thread is trying to give you constructive advice. You’re allowed to take it or leave it. However, if you calm down a bit you will likely end up with a far more beneficial conversation. I get how stressful and challenging this process is! Just hang in there.
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The btdt folks around here tend to approach advice from a “match the school to the kid” not a “match the kid to the school” perspective.
You probably would get a more helpful response with some info about what you like to do in your spare time. Be prepared to get suggestions of schools that aren’t on your list.
You want to apply to a place that wants you at your best, authentic self. If you take on ECs just to get into a school, it will show. There are bucketloads of kids applying who are authentically excited and talented in their activities, so unless you are likewise authentic, it is a tough market to compete in. It can be anything and you don’t have to be world class, but it has to be about who you are.
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If you are applying for 11th grade, you have another obstacle coming your way. I would repeat 10th. No need to get all mad, I’m simply stating my opinion. I never said top schools aren’t for you, I just said they may not be and that you should research. You may think you know everything, but you may not. There is always more to learn.
11th grade spots are pretty much mostly for recruited athletes
Thank you! The problem is that star athletes and musicians are not the only people they admit, but of course, stars athletes and musicians are what gives them the most press, that’s why I have a little bit of trouble finding people with similar backgrounds as me.
I did not bash anyone interests, I just mentioned how they criticized me for asking questions about admissions, and asked questions about admissions themselves.
I agree. If you want to go to a boarding school, apply to some less prestigious schools that accept more 11th graders if you don’t want to repeat. Junior and Senior spots are usually reserved for well accomplished athletes who can be recruited.
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I have spoken with several AO’s over the years….so, to add more to what I posted earlier, try to highlight what makes you an interesting? What are some experiences you have had, not just achievements? If a school gets 2,000+ applicants each year, then try to highlight what will make you memorable and/or interesting to those AO’s.
Maybe there are things that your teachers will also state in their recommendations? How will you become a vibrant member of the school community?
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I have e-mailed all schools I’m applying to and I have assessed if applying for my intended grade is in my best interest or not, as sometimes they rarely accept incoming 10th or 11th graders.
They are for me, and I have done my research.
Again, all the best.
That’s why I have added many schools in my list, not only the ones I mentioned (I’m not even applying to some of the schools I mentioned).
All the best!
That’s great! Glad you have some more schools in mind
Great, great, AWESOME advice. I really really appreciate it.
No schools that I know of will tell you getting in as a 10th grader is rare. I got in as a 10th grader. Just because “top schools” might be a better fit, doesn’t mean they are the only schools that you would do wonderful at. I hope you are applying to at least a few schools with 30%+ admit rates.
What schools are you applying to?
For BS applicants in particular, experiences matter just as much as accomplishments.
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I try to ask general questions because other people can benefit from threads that ask general questions in the future. I leave specific questions for the schools I’m applying to.
For a school, I browsed all their website pages, and came up with 17 questions. I’m dividing them between asking by email, and asking in the interview day
I, and I assume you too, can differentiate when a criticism is negative, and when it is positive. There are many people in this thread that believe they “know it all” about the admissions process, and there are others that although don’t know it all (as no one does other than AOs), gave extremely helpful advice, in a non attacking way.
I agree with you in general, though. Thank you
Yes, I’m applying to many schools. I added them to my list based on if I deem them fit for my personal goals, not based on their acceptance rates and if they’re prestigious or not. I asked about top schools because their admissions process is often hard to crack, as (I believe) most applicants have top scores/ECs/achievements.
I’m applying to schools all over the US, but mostly ones in the East Coast.
Exactly which schools are you applying to? Many BS reserve their 11th grade spots for recruited athletes.
Please do us all a favor and list where specifically you’re applying. It would also be helpful if you mentioned what your interests and stats are. We really can’t help you if you’re unwilling to share basic information.
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I’m not sure what to expect from @thiwinters considering their previous posts….
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OP, would you please pm me? I would love to give further application tips if you would like 
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