<p>This student has an unusual family situation and is wondering whether it will affect his chances of getting accepted to a tier 1-type boarding school. He is in the 8th grade applying for next Fall. Here are his particulars:</p>
<p>-98% SSAT
-A’s and B’s for grades (private school)
-trumpet player in school band 4 years
-basketball 4 years
-lacrosse 4 years
-lots of community service through school and church
-prolific reader and writes science fiction stories
-Hispanic</p>
<p>The family situation is that he was homeless for 3 years up to his 7th grade year and his grades declined from all A’s due to his PTSD from the experience. His family is no longer homeless. However, his grades have improved steadily since then. Obviously he would need financial aid.</p>
<p>He is most interested in Exeter, St. Paul’s, and Lawrenceville.</p>
<p>Would any of these schools consider him with this family situation? Any advice greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I don’t see why schools would not accept him simply because of his family situation. If he is getting A’s and B’s after being homeless, it certainly shows resilience, a quality schools seek out in their students.</p>
<p>I recall the AO at PEA who interviewed our dd and me saying that Exeter wants students not only who would be good for them, but who would truly benefit from the experience of attending. On paper, he certainly seems a desirable candidate, and will probably have an interesting story to tell as part of his application process, if it is not too difficult for him to talk about. </p>
<p>I would say that, as a FA candidate, he should probably apply to more than three schools. The schools he is most interested in have VERY low acceptance rates, so while he should certainly apply, he may want to add a few more applications. If his family can’t afford the application fees, most schools provide for fee waivers, which must be pre-approved through Admissions/FA offices.</p>
<p>There are certain schools where FA may be a bigger problem, however the three schools listed here are all very generous. His family situation is NOT a problem. Everyone here is dealing with something. My only suggestion is for him to tell the schools he has PTSD, so they know and can work with him on it, as all of these schools are very accepting. He sounds like a great candidate otherwise, so best of luck!</p>
<p>Andover has a slogan: “Youth from every quarter.”</p>
<p>I too am in the “apply to more than three of the most selective schools” camp.</p>
<p>I will offer one additional thought: Consider carefully if a school/a student body is one that would embrace and support a kid with this sort of backstory. If he would be treated with dignity and respect and not be “that kid who used to be homeless”. If he would be comfortable being a part of the student body himself.</p>
<p>Frankly, I think some well-known schools might be better fits than the ones you listed above…and I will throw out the Quaker schools like George and Westtown as ones that might be a more supportive environment than something like…well, no need for me to single out any schools. </p>
<p>Since I am a known super fan of St. Andrew’s, there’s no need for me to “pump” it here…but I encourage you to read the following (the most recent “Thanksgiving Chapel Talk” by SAS headmaster Tad Roach):</p>