I already posted most of this but I’ve updated the schools I’m applying to and list of awards, as well as a note in the ‘other’ section. I also forgot to add my other post this tag 
Demographics
- US Citizen
- Type of high school: Private gifted school
- Gender/Race/Ethnicity: Female, biracial (father: middle eastern, mother: white). I’m Muslim.
- Other special factors: Father was an immigrant from an Arab country.
- Current 8th grader
List item
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores:
- GPA: Current 3.9-4.0
- SSAT scores: Haven’t taken it yet but expected 90th-99th percentile. It’s been a while since I took 8th grade math and Algebra I so I’m currently brushing up on my skills.
Coursework
In highly advanced classes. I’m 4 grades ahead and taking AP classes. I was supposed to be in more AP classes this year, but I couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts. Taking AP Calc, AP Environmental Science, and did Pre-AP Literature last year. Other classes include Pre-AP Chemistry, Honors + high school literature/composition, propositional logic (college level), and high school + honors world history.
Awards
- Numerous horse show awards
- D-1 and D-2 certification in USPC
- American Citizenship Award winner
- Jane Goodall Award (given by school)
- Leonardo Da Vinci Award (given by school)
- William Shakespeare Award (given by school)
- (+4 more given by school)
- Current candidate for the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence (I was supposed to win it a couple years ago but sadly my school made an error)
- Essay contest winner (cannot say name for privacy reasons)
- NUMATS award winner
- Northwestern Talent Search award winner
- Won a prestigious selective five-year, pre-college scholarship this year
That’s all I can remember right now.
Extracurriculars
Leadership:
- Currently developing a human rights program that I will continue throughout high school
- Camp leader of a writing camp
- Many other small opportunities throughout school
Community service:
- Board member at cat rescue
- Trained and rehomed a horse when I was 11 (rehomed at 12)
- Has done a lot of Feed My Starving Children
- Volunteered at a horse rescue for quite a while. Groomed them, exercised them, fed them, mucked out stalls, etc.
- Aforementioned human rights program
I haven’t had a lot of opportunities to really get into the community service I’m passionate about, which is mainly social justice. However, I’m definitely planning on getting into that in high school.
Sports:
- Dancer for 9 years (jazz, tap, ballet). Multiple recitals.
- Equestrian for 3 years (horse training experience as well)
- Footballer (soccer player) for 4 years. Discontinued.
Arts:
- Music (vocals and guitar) for 7 years. I was a part of a band for a while. Multiple recitals, a few concert type things with the band.
- Theater (4 years). School plays and musicals. Very passionate about it, but haven’t had many opportunities recently.
- Digital artist (also a painter)
- Keep in mind that my small school has practically zero EC opportunities and I could not join any clubs.
Essays/LORs/Other
Very confident about both. Very close relationship with teachers recommending. A Tulane professor is doing my personal recommendation and my scholarship program is sending each school an advocacy letter on my behalf.
Confident in writing skills. I have a good essay writing strategy. I know what each school wants to see and I am able to convey those qualities in my essays while still being completely honest.
Cost Constraints / Budget
- I’m applying for financial aid. My scholarship also covers part of the tuition.
Schools
(Not in order of preference)
Choate Rosemary Hall
Phillips Exeter Academy
The Lawrenceville School
The Hotchkiss School
Phillips Andover Academy
Stanford OHS
Other
- I have clear goals, which I think is something that the schools I chose like to see.
- I was invited to participate in a fly-out program to Choate, and I took the opportunity. Have relationships with a few people on the admissions board now. It went well. I definitely made a positive impression on the faculty. I met my admissions officer while I was there and she was very nice. Expressed interest in a couple of their signature programs (Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies and the Science Research Program. I took part in the Arabic class during my visit and loved it). I think she’ll be the one interviewing me in January. I met a few students there and they were very nice. It was a really good community and the classes were fun.
- I’ve done a lot of research on these schools and have an idea of the ECs and courses I’d like to have at each one.
- I’ve completed my interview for Exeter already. It went very well with the exception of one tiny blunder in recalling information.
- Was invited to Stanford OHS when I was around 10-11 (still had to apply of course. I was ready for high school courses because I had already been in them but not necessarily the high school experience. All in all, I’m glad that I didn’t apply then.)
- My school doesn’t have a debate team, but I’m really passionate about debate. Definitely going to join the debate team at a future school.
- I’m submitting multimedia submissions for equestrian, ballet, vocals, and art. I feel that this will definitely help my application, especially if my finished essays turn out to be more academics-based.
I’m aware that chancing is very hard, and you can’t give me an accurate percentage or anything like that. I would just like to know if I’m a strong candidate/what the schools are looking for.
I’m just really anxious about my chances right now. Thanks in advance!
Thank you!