<p>My D applied to 3 schools this year. She is currently in an independent day school with a strong program. She scored above the reported average SSAT scores for every one of the schools to which she applied. She has no "hook". Good student at a good school, a few advanced courses, not LD, not a discipline issue at all! Does everything - music, theater, sports, etc. well, but no awards. Do industrious, good kids ever get into these schools without a hook?</p>
<p>I am not sure what BS are really looking for in their applicants but I think you’re daughter could have a good chance of getting in based on AO of Andover. He said that he is looking for a student who has a strong academic background which may be linked to Class Rank or GPA and SSAT, and has a kindess which could be linked to how a student involved to community such as club, sports, art, music and so on. If a student has good academic background and has participated in reasonable amount of extra-curricular activities, he or she could be good candidate without having a award. For the student who’s academic background is not strong or below average, they need additional points to get in such as excellent essay, awards and so on. Do,'t worry too much if your daughter has a good academic background. If she can not get in, you and your daughter should learn which area has to be improved for the colleage and it’s be a good ending of a story. I see many students get in BS and they lost good GPA or class rank, finally they lost their confidence and fail to go to the colleage they really want to get in. Therefore, there is no win or loose for BS admission. Good luck.</p>
<p>@Allgirls,
I don’t like the term “hook.” Just because your daughter hasn’t cured cancer, or AIDS, or won a national competition doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a “hook.” Maybe the school your daughter’s applying to needs a new well-rounded kid and your daughter matches that perfectly. And btw, I don’t think having awards counts as a “hook.” So, don’t worry and good luck to you and your daughter.</p>
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<p>Yes they do.</p>
<p>Realizing that “FIT” is a two-way street was quite important in helping our child decide where to apply.</p>