So I have a few questions abut the application process
How should a good interview be conducted?
Will having my interviews on Skype hurt me?
I got a 93rd percentile on my SSAT's. Should I retake? (applying to GLADCHEMMS)
Is there any benefit to submitting my application early? If so, when is the best time to submit?
A few schools I am applying to require graded writing samples from my current grade. I have no such samples, and there is no planned graded writing samples in my English curriculum during the first semester. What should I do?
I currently am taking several above level classes for my grade level, and will be taking more during my winter break. Those I am most concerned about include Biology, English 2, and Algebra 2. Will I have to retake those classes?
Does anyone have a list of which states GLADCHEMMS are missing? I am from what I think is an underrepresented state, but i'm not sure.
Grade 9, applying for grade 10, Midwest (west of the Mississippi)
I’ve noticed no one has commented and as this is a time of high anxiety/vulnerability, I have felt bad that there’s been no replies. I think some of the lack of response stems from the fact many of your questions are addressed in other feeds (they are pretty common). I’ll do my best to answer with the limited knowledge I have. There are much wiser individuals on this forum than myself.
Skype interviews do not hurt. I believe @nico.campbell had all of his interviews via Skype and received multiple acceptances. You do not need to retake your SSAT, IMO, the yield for improvement is minuscule…those scores are very respectable. We were told by more than one AO to not turn in applications early. They don’t even pick the first one up until after deadline, so take all the time you can to polish & perfect. Even if you do not receive letter grades, submit writing examples that have been given feedback from your teacher. Many schools will give you “placement” tests for math, the other subjects you will probably have to retake if they are part of the curriculum for 10th at your new school. It depends on the school. I don’t think there are states that GLADCHEMMS is “missing”, but all schools like to see candidates from various areas not commonly represented. Aside from using proper grammar, showing respect and refraining from slang, the best advice for a successful interview is to be yourself. Research the school. Have questions about the school you’d like to ask.
I’m curious as to whether or not you considered schools outside of the “big name acronym”. Although there are several in that group, it is still a pretty small net of very similar schools. You may want to explore some other options and ask yourself why GLADCHEMMS? If it’s just because of reputation, you should probably reconsider. Also, keep in mind the schools will ask you where else you’ve applied and if you say GLADCHEMMS, it may raise their eyebrows, as well. This is a huge decision and where you will live and work for the next three years. Make sure you are picking schools based on being the right fit for you…not based on the perceptions of everyone else.
I’m currently going through the application process as well, so I’m not the best person to answer this, but I hope I can help you in some way. Good luck!
Typically, a good interview will feel like a conversation. Connecting with your interviewer will help your application reach acceptance further along the road. They will ask you some questions, but I don’t recommend preparing too heavily in advance for them, or your answers won’t be natural. The interviewer will want to see that you are passionate and excited about learning, but that doesn’t mean you should just spend the entire interview listing your ECs. Also, be sure to have questions to ask your interviewer at the end of your interview about schools. A typical interview will probably last from 20 - 60 minutes, but it really depends on the school/circumstances.
Generally no. If your interview goes well, having it on Skype won’t kill your chances. If your interview goes very poorly, THAT may kill your chances. Schools seem to prefer it if you actually come to campus, but as a fellow Westerner, I understand that you can’t exactly make a day trip.
That’s a great score, but in my opinion, it won’t hurt to retake the test if you think you’re going to improve by a lot. If you don’t, there’s no need.
I think it’s much better to keep polishing your applications instead of submitting them early. Of course, if you’re ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that the application is done and ready to go, you can submit it. As long as you submit before the deadline you’ll be fine.
What are your grades based on? Can you submit a sample based on that?
At GLADCHEMMS? Nope. You’ll be able to take classes at your level. Unless you’d like to retake them, or haven’t absorbed any knowledge from the classes.
in the words of @pittsburgher: Midwestern states and some of the Southern states, usually ones that are Bible Belt areas.
Minnesota, North Dakota, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Western PA (West of the Appalachians), Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Arizona, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kentucky, Kansas, etc. Maybe Hawaii and Alaska too.
Once again, I hope you have success with your applications! This is an exciting time.
Also, most of your questions are answered in different feeds. Feel free to look through BS Cafe.
Not entirely correct. Every school will have a math placement test. If you pass the algebra 2 part, it’s unlikely you would need to retake. At Lawrenceville (and perhaps others), one takes the grade-level science regardless of preparation. And I am not aware of any school where one does not take the grade-level English class. Trust me, English classes at any boarding school will be unlike those at the previous school. Regardless, don’t stress on this until you get accepted.
Thanks @skieurope for the clarification. That was our experience, too. Math was placed, but all others were the grade level you were in. And you are correct about English…DS says it’s completely different from anything he’s ever had previously. He also had to retake physics, but they are going so much more in-depth, he is really enjoying it and isn’t bored at all. Nice to get the expert opinion…I hate to chime in most of the time because we are still so new to the BS community!
D had more success with Skype interviews than in-person. Both admissions and one of three wait-lists d got had Skype interviews. But you should be as well prepared as you would be for in-person interviews.
Your time would be better spent on policing your admission essays.
You can ask your English teacher for a favor to grade one of your essays
Grade level English is probably a universal requirement. But then 9th grade English may demand a full length essay with detailed editing/grading almost every week. Biology and Algebra 2 are depends on many factors, each school's different policy that you can ask, your current school course's actual strength, and your placement test score.
Asking schools for their curriculum policy can also help you to select which schools to apply and prepare for interviews.
Generally, if you have to take a retake a course that will be for your benefit. All of d’s repeated classes were more in-depth and well worth.
Some schools may have more mandatory freshman courses for various reasons, including introduction to the school’s rigorous academic standard and promoting grade level bonding.
I would not go that far.