Dear @vwlizard — maybe “average” can also mean something really positive. I think most AO’s are looking for kids with the right fit, rather than miniature adults. Most kids applying to 9th grade BS are about 14 years old (some 13)…they are kids, right? As other parents have posted before, I want to also share with you that the biggest impression on my kid has been if the students on campus seem happy. Yep - HAPPY. Guess what? The AO’s also take note of the applicant who seems happy. Take a look around at the schools. There may be some schools that are looking for “the numbers”, but I think most schools want kids who will have a successful journey as well rounded students on their campus. We had a tour at a school early in this process (last year) at one of the historic (Alphabet) schools (lock-jaw helps to pronounce it). As our small group approached the stairs in the academic building, students didn’t move from their perch to let us pass - they sat there on the steps in arrogance while adults and prospective students had to walk around them or wait. Approaching the chapel, some students snickered at our group (“suckers” muttered one student under his cloak while his classmates laughed). My kid didn’t even want to waste time with the interview - observing how very unhappy the students seemed on this campus. By contrast, we visited other schools this year where the young men & women opened doors for us visitors, greeted visitors with a spirted “hello”, accompanied lost parents to the admissions building, and went out of their way to make us feel welcome on their campus. The boarding school you choose will ultimately be your child’s home for the next few and very important years. Hopefully, you will find the schools that your DS or DD will feel at home, thrive, gain confidence and love the learning at.