Advice for Applying to Prep Schools

Florentsy
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:00:30 +0000

If you may not have as much achievements or academic successes as other candidates there are other ways to stand out in your application. It is important to keep in mind that extracurriculars are crucial and your overall presentation. (I am sharing based off my own experience applying as a 9th grader.)

1. Show Ambition and Passion

From what I have noticed in my application, extracurriculars help form a good perspective of what you do in your free time. While it may be that you do not have as much lists of achievements and things you have done, showing consistency in sports, hobbies, or learning outside of schoolwork shows dedication. This boosts your presentation especially for your work-ethic and having strong character.

2. How Can You Contribute to The Community?

Most schools want students that can the community of people can benefit from, this usually comes from strong passions in activities or subjects. This does not only include academic subjects but also things such as playing the violin, doing sports, and so on. Emphasizing on how you can contribute to the diversity and your background allows admission teams to see your potential at the prep school.

3. Essay Writing

Most schools advise you get an early head-start on essays as when rushed can often lower your chances of getting in due to minor details. Giving yourself time allows you to brainstorm ideas about what you find as an important answer to the essay questions. While some topics may seem dumb as you search the internet to think of some ideas, it is best to first consider your own values and things you do in your life.
There are no exact “winning” things you can talk about. Sharing your experience about sentimental moments or things brings character into your essays. Sometimes talking about your biggest theatre performance and the stress during that moment can appear cliché. One example, of a unique topic would be like a sentimental necklace you have had for a long time, or experiences that can connect to it. It may sound simple but when you add your thought into your writing you can produce something different from other applicants. It can show your writing skills along with things that are special specifically for you.

Read full thread