I have been looking at boarding schools for a while now, and I have some questions as to what schools I should narrow down my list to.
1.) Water polo is one of my “hooks” in my application. I’m pretty strong in the sport, and, if given the opportunity, would love to continue that in high school. However, I’ve been looking at many school’s athletic teams and noticed that most, if not all boarding schools with a girls water polo team are highly selective (as of right now, I’ve noticed that The Hill is the only school with a team that has a higher acceptance rate than others). I’m trying to broaden my net of schools I would like to apply to and if anyone knows schools that have higher acceptance rates with a girl’s water polo team, I would deeply appreciate the replies!
2.) Playing the alto and tenor sax is another one of my “hooks”. While researching, I’ve come across several schools that have great music programs, though I would appreciate if anyone knows more about it.
That’s it! Thank you all for reading this and your replies!
I can’t help you but some of these schools definitely recruit for the sport. Have you reached out to the coaches? (and to the Music Director, for that matter). If you are good at both, it sounds like a promising combination.
The Williston Northampton School is a wapo powerhouse within NEPSA, and it’s not quite as tough to get into as some of the other boarding schools in its league.
I have not! Do you think I should just check the school’s website for their music director’s email and water polo coach’s? Or, should I just ask my interviewer when I have my interview? Haha, would it seem rude if I contact one of them without asking first?
Great thank you! I just looked into the school a bit and noticed its for grades 7-12. Do you know if applying as a ninth or a repeat eighth grader lower your chances of getting in dramatically?
It’s not uncommon for schools to have a smaller MS division and then increase their class size by quite a bit in HS.
You can look them up and email them introducing yourself and your accomplishments and that you’d love to hear more about their program. You can let them know you when you will be on campus and ask if they will be available to speak with you.
You can ALSO, and definitely should, let admissions know ahead of time (when you schedule your interview) about your interest in these programs and ask about meeting them when/if you visit the school for your interview.
The 7th and 8th grade at Williston is Day only, not boarding, and is very small (~25-30 students per grade). They more than triple the size of the class for 9th grade and also add a few more for 10th. My son’s 9th grade there last year had about 95 and this year for 10th they have over 100.
I can’t chance it one way or another. I think you should apply with your priorities in focus and seek an acceptance on the terms that will make you more satisfied.
Of course, all other stipulations noted by other commenters are relevant here (no boarding for 7th and 8th, schools with upper and lower schools typically see grade sizes grow significantly for the 9th grade).
