<p>I will definitely be applying to Andover, Choate, Deerfield, Exeter, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, St. Paul's, and Groton for ninth grade, but I wanted some opinions on which are the best for me individually. I'd just like to narrow it down and pick out my top ones. Currently, I think I like Hotchkiss, but what do I know?</p>
<p>So I am currently in seventh grade. I have gone to private school my whole life (2 different ones). On my most recent report card, my received grades were:
English - A
History - A
French - A-
Biology - A
8th Grade Algebra - B+
My math grade isn't too great, but I did skip a grade in math class, which I think is pretty good. I have also recently taken a placement test to attempt to skip a grade in English, but my grades have not been returned yet on those.</p>
<p>I am an aspiring writer and actress. My writing and photography have both been published on multiple occasions. I'm not good at, nor do I enjoy any sports aside from horseback riding, which is not offered at any of the better boarding schools. I had a question concerning whether people would care about that? I tried out for student council this year, but didn't make it. I also plan to try out for it again next year (for president). Community service is not required at my school, but I do a lot of it with my mom. I try to be involved in as much as possible at my school (newspaper, lead in the play, choir). Also, I must admit that cliques and popularity kind of matter to me, so if any one would be kind enough to tell me how those things are at these schools, please do.</p>
<p>I know boarding school is two years away for me, but based on the information I have shared, what do you think my chances are for all of the schools? And which school(s) do you think suit me best? Please let me know your opinion!</p>
<p>Please do not think I’m trying to be mean by anything I say. Based on that, I think that your grades are not that great. I mean, yes, they are all As and 1 B+, but it doesn’t seem like you’re taking any advanced classes. Anybody who goes to my school and actually cares about school, let alone would consider boarding school, is taking advanced classes. Advanced science (1-2 years ahead), an extremely difficult English/History program, and obviously we are all at least a couple of grades ahead when it comes to math. And I go to a public school. Also, you should build up your extracurriculars b/c that’s SO important. Institut Le Rosey has horseback riding, take a look at it. Overall, try and increase your classload, you’re obviously doing well so aim higher for next year/semester and increase your extracurriculars.</p>
<p>My school doesn’t have advanced classes. I’m in honors French and 8th grade honors math, but those are the only advanced classes my school has. Also, I am taking every extracurricular offered. I also play soccer in the spring, bball in winter, and softball in the fall at school. I forgot to mention that. And I am teaching myself guitar, since we don’t have the money for lessons.
I’m currently out of sports for now though since I messed up my knee. And I can’t go to a horseback riding school if I am going to get into Princeton, which I will succeed in. Plus, we can’t afford horseback riding lessons at the moment.</p>
<p>And I am the only person in my school who was allowed to skip a grade in math, so do not begin to take to me about advanced classes. THEY ARE NOT OFFERED. Don’t shoot me for not taking them if it is not possible.</p>
<p>You clearly need to mature a bit before heading to BS…
She made a point that she wasn’t trying to be mean by saying it. It was only beneficial to your knowledge about applying, so you should calm down.</p>
<p>Alana- I beg to differ the above remarks. Please take the comments here with care. Everyone who applies and gets in to bs’s (even tier 1) arent taking all AP’s, 5 sports or 1 or 2 years ahead in math. Dont increase your course load, do what makes you happy not just what might look good on an application</p>
<p>Take the SSAT and go from that as a guide. Look at the schools that interest you not others. Read and consider what parents and students that have gone/going to bs have to say about their experiences. </p>
<p>My bs daughter told me in the car for her that her bs is not perfect for everyone-but perfect for HER. Everyone shouldnt go to her school and every place was not right for her. You hear the conversation about “fit” especially from parents. Review old post and seriously do some self-reflection on what your needs, wants and desires are. If you are looking for the maximum number of classes and/or AP’s then small schools may not be the way to go. If you want sit down meals with adults then maybe a large school isnt what you want. Do you want city living or being in the rural hills make you happy? Answer those questions and you will get an idea of your direction.</p>
<p>I believe that there is a bs out there for all students who desire it, but they must find their match to be happy, and successful.</p>
<p>Good Luck… feel free to pm me if you would like.</p>
<p>Anna, Alaxmom is right. You`ll have a good idea by this time next yr. as to where you want to go. I started to look in 7th grade and my list changed a lot until my final 4 schools. You are on the right track. Your grades are fine and your ECs are good. I think you should consider a few schools that offer your sport, riding. If your knee gets better. You may also want to consider an all girl school.</p>
I’m just being mean now quoting that. But in all seriousness, don’t worry that you’re not in a class titled “honors.” You won’t be rejected just b/c you’re not taking “honors” classes that your school doesn’t offer.</p>
<p>My friend’s son skipped two full grades in elementary school, had an excellent academic record, and some great extracurriculars related to music and community service. Last year, he applied to several top notch private schools, with the plan of reversing one of his skips. Guess what? He didn’t get in to a single school. I know this boy and he is a very nice, well spoken young man. </p>
<p>I commend you for getting involved in your search early and considering which school will fit you best. But you might want to select a safety school, to give you better odds, and try to tone down the attitude a bit.</p>
<p>@Rellielou, what happened? Your friend’s son sounds like a great applicant. Did he get any feedback from any school about why they didn’t accept him? What was your and his parents’ hunch?</p>
<p>Honestly, we were shocked by this outcome. I have no idea why he didn’t get accepted. I think it just serves to illustrate that nobody is a shoo-in, and everyone should have a back up plan.</p>