I’m starting the application process next year and I’m trying to prepare by researching boarding schools and the application process, any tips or things I should take into consideration?
I am looking at New England boarding schools and trying to find schools that I think fit me. I have already visited Andover, Exeter, and Choate and I really like Andover. Some other schools that my parents recommended I look into were:
Exeter, Andover, Choate, Deerfield, St. Paul, Groton, Milton, Hotchkiss, Middlesex, Loomis Chaffee, and Noble and Greenough School.
I am aware these are all top schools but I’m really interested in boarding school and want to get a good education.
These are all excellent schools. But honestly, you will find equally excellent academics at pretty much any BS, and these schools also differ from each other in some important ways.
My advice is to think hard about what you want high school to be for you – do you want to play sports? What kids of ECs interest you? What kind of academic environment do you want? What kinds of kids do you want to be around?
As a thought experiment, look at a few others. Putney. Cambridge School of Weston. Tabor. Westminster. Kent. Avon Old Farms/Emma Willard. Find a few things in each you like. Then start sorting through to figure out what seems to be standing out in these and your original list.
There are no “best” schools. Just best for you. There are smart kids at all of them.
Hi! I applied to 4 BS last year (Exeter, Andover, Choate, Lawrenceville), and got into LVille and Exeter. While I currently do not attend either, I would be happy to answer any questions regarding the process!!
Also, do not follow my lead and apply to 4 schools - especially 4 top ones. Boarding school was not my first pick, which is the only reason as to why my net was not cast larger.
Hi thank you so much this will definitely help. I’m currently working on studying for SSAT, my website, and some other stuff so I just saw this but I well definitely do this!
Hi! Thank you so much! I have some questions if you would be willing to answer.
What do you think played the biggest role in you getting in? (i.e your essay, some really amazing EC etc.)
What were your stats? I know that’s kinda a long question but just a quick summary would help because I don’t think I have much that separates me from other applicants
You said boarding school wasn’t your first pick I’m just wondering what was your first pick and why?
I’m not sure if interviews are mandatory but if you did do one were there any questions that you thought were “hard” or really important?
That’s all for now it’s late and I’m a little tired but anything would really help thank you so much!!
Not the same person and I’m also applying this year, but for question 4 interviews aren’t bad! Most of them will just be a conversation getting to know your personality or a Q & A. Their just trying to get to know your personality and interests. The only ‘stressful’ part may be talking about what you like specifically about each schools (they will ask you that) and it’s probably the most important question to showcase your interest in that school. but as long as you do your research and know why you’re applying it should be good. However if you’re still unsure about what you specifically like you can do some research looking on the website for specific programs you like/find cool.
Hi! I think my essay was the strongest part of my application, but having decent stats didn’t hurt. For a brief rundown of my EC’s, I did Varsity Debate, Opened for the Rockettes at Radio City (Competitive Dance), Co-ran a $250K investment portfolio, and tutored Venezuelan refugees in English, Math, and Science, among a few other things.
For my essay, I wrote about my work with the refugees and how it led me to learn more about their culture. Kind of generic to write about volunteer work, but this experience was very special to me so I felt I had a strong essay on it. I also wrote about how I became a debater as someone with a stutter (answering a “How do you overcome challenges?” prompt.).
85th Percentile for the SSAT (9R, 5M, 9V) Not amazing but not so bad. My transcript was mainly As with 4-5 A-s total. I did, however, get a B+ in Music my fall semester of 8th Grade, but it did not impact me.
I can’t really say where I live on the internet because yk creeps but I am surrounded by VERY well known private schools (some based off of popular tv shows, idk if that gives it away lol. if youre curious you can dm me). They offered around the same level of education as BS, and I got to stick with my competitive dance team. I also have way more opportunity here for internships.
I think a pretty general question every interviewer is going to ask is “What challenges have you faced, how did you overcome, etc”, so be prepared for that. Sometimes they will ask more interesting questions like what books are you reading, tell me about your family, why do you love to do XYZ - and with those questions its always good to have a few good answers that you can expand on.
Hope this helps! DM me if you have any other questions
