<p>With respect to Peddie:
First, they have a first rate history department now solely housed in the recently finished Casperson History building. The history teachers are excellent. Also, they get fantastic speakers: Henry Kissinger just spoke there. Ted Sorenson, (recently deceased) spoke two years ago - both legends in US history. Interested students often have an opportunity to dine with these famous visitors too.
Second, Peddie should not in anyway be considered a “safety” as its acceptance rate is b/t 20-25 percent, which puts it in the same range as other elite boarding schools.<br>
Third, the percentage of accepted students offered financial aid is most impressive.
Best wishes on your goals.</p>
<p>To the OP: I think you underscored something to work on this year in the observation your consultant had: Ask more questions about the school. That shows you are interested vs. merely qualified.</p>
<p>To everyone: Assuming the OP is showing all of his cards, this just goes to show you that you can’t predict who will get in to where.</p>
<p>I haven’t read thru the whole thread, so someone may already have mentioned this:
I would recommend calling the schools that rejected you directly. Although hard to do and hear negative feedback, at least you will directly know from the schools you want to attend, what you need to improve. The consultants unless they called for you are just guessing.</p>