<p>This is the point we are trying to make: If you truly want to go to boarding scjhool, cast a wide net, because no matter how incredibly qualified you may be, there are many hundreds of highly qualified applicants competing for a relatively small number of spots. Trust us, kids do end up with nothing but waitlists. Or waitlists and rejections. It is a darn competitive world out there, and the bigger-name schools are uber-selective. (And regarding views on reasons to apply and attend, that’s a whole 'nother thread!)</p>