US domestic resident
CT state resident
Currently at a rigorous, private prep school
Dad is Taft Alum, close family member is a Blair Academy alum, former board member, and donor. I have had conversations with current and former headmaster. Applying to do my freshman year again, due to a late birthday
Not seeking financial aid
Unweighted HS GPA: Unknown, but likely around a 3.7
Weighted HS GPA: Unknown, likely around 3.9ish. 5 points added to GPA for honors classes, 2.5 for accelerated
No SSAT score yet, but estimated high 70s low/mid 80 percentile
(first and second quarter)
English: Freshman English A, A
Math: Accelerated Geometry B, B
Science: Honors Biology A, B+
History and social studies: Modern World history A, A-
Language other than English: Honors Latin II B+, A
Visual or performing arts: Architecture A, A
Awards
Choir Medals, Royal school of church music
National Latin Exam, Magna Cum Laude, Maxima Cum Laude
Figure Skating Awards, USA figure skating level freeskate, most improved in season from town skating club
Essays/LORs/Other
Strong to medium strong, other teacher recommendation written by 8th grade english teacher, who is also a Taft alum and current Taft parent
Schools
Blair Academy, Taft School, St. Andrew’s DE, Episcopal High School, Middlesex School
you have a very good chance of getting in; I really like the ecs+awards section. I think because you have legacy that increases your chance of getting into taft exponentially, as well as high chances of being accepted to blair (on part of the connections).
if you score ~90 percentile then all schools are pretty much guaranteed.
I think Taft is a very likely given legacy status, they are pretty traditional in that sort of way from what I have seen. Blair seems likely too given connections and your qualifications.
I don’t know much about St. Andrews/Episcopal. Middlesex seems possible, but couldn’t judge any details beyond that!
Oh please, Taft is not “very likely” for pretty much everyone!
OP no one can chance you. However you are a strong, accomplished candidate, and I like your mix of schools. I know you will thrive wherever you land. Good luck
I agree with that in general. But “pretty much everyone” isn an’t a legacy, academically able to do the work AND with no financial need. Taft remains very traditional and old school in many ways IMO/E. I didn’t say a lock or 100%, OP should have a nice balanced list as anyone should…There are always serious unknowns… maybe a huge number of legacy apply this year, or maybe the new admissions director (and newer head) takes a wildly different approach this (honestly that is the biggest unknown IMO).
Interesting list of targeted schools. I agree that Taft is likely as is Blair Academy. St. Andrew’s School as well. Try to visit each school if feasible. Very important re: St. Andrew’s School if the not so distant past is still correct.
Nice student profile ! Well rounded individual who should be a great addition to any school on your list.
I apologize if that didn’t come out right; I meant @nervousstudent2 's profile is well rounded and strong, and that a med-high ssat score would increase the overall chances of getting in general
You look like a great candidate because you’ve shown a history of taking advanced courses versus your peers as well as an impressive list of ECs.
In terms of legacy status, I have a feeling that your dad and the other family member have already positioned you well in front of Messrs. Becker and Curran. Since your applications are already in, the best you can do is keep the conversation warm with them in the coming month. In the hypothetical scenario that you are accepted to both schools, which one will you choose to attend?
SAS is a tiny school and therefore quite difficult to chance. However, it used to be quite academic when I looked at it. Much like Episcopal, it has traditionally catered more to kids from DC/MD/VA/PA. Both schools have a very different vibe than New England schools. Did you get to tour them in person?
MX has traditionally been a very academic school –– definitely the most demanding school from your list, by far. They have a big focus on writing and the classics, so your Latin awards should come in handy. They also have an alpine ski team, so it could also help you.
What did you end up scoring on your SSAT? It is merely one of the many criteria they consider, but there is a certain unspoken bar at schools of this caliber, especially MX.
