<p>It sounds like OP may be experiencing a different obstacle to BS attendance (@OP: A quick note to the AO who interviewed you may be in order - simply explaining that your plans have changed for this year, and that you’d be delighted to resume the application process with SMS next fall, if your circumstances allow; thank you, etc.). </p>
<p>With that noted, I see it’s time for a shout-out to Chatham Hall, another all-girls BS in Virginia, and one of CC’s “Hidden Gems.” With all due respect to Emma Willard, which I’ve given much love in other posts and which indeed has merit scholarships - a rarity for BSs - and generous FA, Chatham Hall has, by far, the best merit-based scholarship program of any boarding school, single-sex or coed. With an average entering class size of about 30, up to 10 girls might receive a merit scholarship up to and including “full-rides,” regardless of demonstrated need. On top of it’s merit scholarships, Chatham is extremely generous with need-based grants in aid (the sort of FA most posters are familiar with). Though the school is small, its endowment per student ranks near the very top, as does its percentage of students boarding (>80%) and percentage of students receiving aid. I realize it’s “hidden,” but with these stats, girls looking for a BS experience shouldn’t have as much trouble stumbling across it on these pages as they apparently do.</p>