Hi! I am a newbie here (and to the prep school admission world), so I know I am probably asking questions here that have been asked a thousand times.
I know some people are cut out for top prep schools and others aren’t. My sister and I both graduated from Andover years ago. My sister was very smart, quite interested in math and science, and I think was “a cut above.” I was a good student but didn’t come close to her. I think when I got into Andover several years later, it was partially due to my sister’s accomplishments.
I now have a daughter who I think is “a cut above.” (I know – everyone thinks that about their child – lol.) She is in the 7th grade and really wants to go to Andover, so she would be applying next year. I am just starting to think about this whole world and am hoping some of you can help me out.
Forgive me if I am sounding as if my daughter is so great. lol. I know there are many incredibly bright, talented people out there and my daughter may not even come close to them.
I am wondering:
(1) Do you think attending the Andover Summer Session helps an applicant get in? Do you know anything about it? The web site says it is 5 weeks. We live nearby, so I am wondering if my daughter can just take a class there a few hours a week, or if the kids are in school all day for 5 weeks.
(2) How does an applicant truly show they are “a cut above” some other applicants? My daughter shines MUCH more than some of the other kids in school, but I don’t know that admissions counselors would see that. For example, she is on math team and adores it. She talks about it all the time and is one of the top scorers. However, there are other kids at school who are also “on” math team, but they just show up and aren’t that good or interested in it. On an application, I think my daughter and these other students may look the same.
(3) Do you think SSAT scores show that someone is quite smart, or do some kids study for these tests and boost their scores? I ask because I think – hope – my daughter will end up with a high score and that this will differentiate her. Someone else was telling me that may not be the case, that some kids are able to inflate their scores by studying practice books and learning how the test works, making them appear smarter. Again, I am trying to differentiate my daughter.
(4) Can we reach out to the Andover sports coaches or is that a no-no? If yes, is there a certain way to do it. My daughter is athletic and on several sports travel teams so Andover coaches may be interested in that.
(5) How can an applicant improve their interview skills? My daughter’s big weak spot is that she is quiet and reserved. I think her big weakness in applying may be a lack of tooting her own horn.
(6) Lastly, can you give me any suggestions on how to increase my daughter’s chances in general? Are there any particular articles, web pages or books you’d suggest?
Thanks very much. This is all new to me and I know some people are seasoned pros at it.
Who knows what will happen. I’d just like to give my daughter her best shot.
Thanks again –