<p>hey;
i know this is proably the 100th "do i have a chance?" thread in the last 10 minutes, but like others, im very curious. =D</p>
<p>these are the schools i am applying too:
- st. pauls
- choate r.h.
- hotchkiss
- phillips andover
- phillips exeter
- groton</p>
<p>im in 8th grade applying for the year 2007. i've gotten all A's on my report card since letter grades began in my school (except for a B in language for one marking period in 7th grade...my first B ever); i havent taken my SSATs yet, but i have high vocabulary and good math skills (im starting Algebra 2 soon at a separate learning center) and i take the highest math class available at my school. im also fluent in 3 languages (korean, english, and spanish) & my teachers like me. i read alot...especially classics.</p>
<p>my ECs:
- student council
- band (flute)
- concert choir
- spirit committee
- rec. basketball
- track
- tutoring (other people)
- math club
- Olympics of the Mind (handpicked students only)</p>
<p>also, i was featured in a newspaper article about my academic life and how i was running for president of student body (but sadly i lost by 2 votes) ..should i bring that with me to my interviews? do i include it in my applications when i mail them? im very confused.</p>
<p>Of course you have a chance--the only sure way not to get in is not to apply. You are however applying to the most competitive cohort of the boarding schools. Your a priori odds are thus only 20% and probably only half that if you are an unhooked FA applicant. This was extensively discussed on the "Jonathan" threads, so maybe read through those and then provide some more information about why you think you particularly fit these schools.</p>
<p>I'm assuming you're Korean. If you are, you have tremendous competition at all of your chosen schools. Competition from both Korean Americans and Koreans direct from Asia. </p>
<p>All of the schools get many many more apps from qualified Koreans than they can possibly accept. </p>
<p>So when you apply, look to differentiate yourself from the stereotype. I would also add more schools. Good schools not in the NE that don't get as many Asian applicants and some one tier below these.</p>
<p>You certainly have a chance. However, the schools you have selected all have more qualified applicants than they have spots for those applicants, Korean or not. They are reaches for almost all applicants. I second Suze on adding more schools to your list that are not as competitive as the schools you have selected. There are many boarding schools to select from that might not have the "name recognition" of your list, but offer a top-notch boarding experience and quality academics. There are many wonderful boarding schools that routinely send the top 10 - 30% or more of their graduates to the top colleges you probably want. </p>
<p>When you visit the schools, keep in mind that this will be your home away from home. You may find that some the schools, while stellar in reputation, are just not the right fit for you. It is fine to visit more schools but not apply to all of them. </p>
<p>I am not an expert in this area, but here is my suggestion for the newspaper article: Don't bring it to the interview. The interview is your brief opportunity to let your personality shine through face-to-face. You can discuss it during the interview if it is relevant, and then include the article in a thank you note to make a point. The application is the place for you to shine on paper. Include the article in your application if you like. You might even build an essay on what you learned from running but not winning, even with a newpaper article written on you.</p>