Backup plans

Prep School Admissions
1

I was at Andover admission event last week, and was told acceptance rate for this year is around 10%. That’s not surprising as this information is on internet. So thinking about this, 90% applicants fail to get in. The overall elite boarding school acceptance rate is probably slightly higher, but still there are still probably 80% of applicants do not get into any boarding school. so I am just wondering what are the options that most people would have in case that happens. After all, accepted by 1 or more school is a good problem to have, but anyone should have a backup plan in case not a single school accepts.

  1. re-apply next year: if at first not successful, what reason would make certainty that second try would actually be better or even work? I do know some people tried three times to get in, but that’s certainly not common.

  2. local public school - it would really depend on parents living location, some public schools are amazing, but some are not great. what happens if you are not in great public school district.

  3. move to a better public school location - from march to end of summer, finding a new place and move is not a trivial task, but certainly doable. however, that’s a big move for school.

  4. apply to local day private school the last minute - some private school do accept last minute admission.

  5. apply online school with rolling admission - very new options, but has anyone tried this? if so, any recommendations

anything else? and what would the 80% people failed to get into elite school really do?

Thanks

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Another idea is to apply to schools with a wide range of acceptance rates. One can get a great education and have a wonderful experience at more than just a few “elite” high schools.

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That 80% of applicants don’t get into any 1 elite school, doesn’t mean 80% of applicants don’t get into any elite school. Most apply to several schools.

Otherwise I agree w @happy1 - apply broadly. There are many amazing boarding schools that are not among those deemed “elite”.

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There were many great kids that found themselves locked out and disappointed last year on M10. I think it is a good idea to have a back up plan. There are also schools that have rolling admissions. Worth considering.

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Also remember, there are kids who get into those uber selective schools and transfer because they are unhappy (and most are doing fine academically. ) There are also kids who get accepted to uber selective schools and choose “hidden gems” instead, and these are often kids whose parents attended BS or who teach at BS – iow, they are being guided by adults who understand the importance of fit.

Sometimes, those schools aren’t the best choice for a student. It’s important to consider several different types of schools in your search rather than assume only these will do! It shouldn’t be a back-up plan, just the plan!

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