I am a sophomore international student who came to America two months ago and currently attending a Christian school.
This is my first time here and I am enjoying my new school so far, participating in sports(varsity girls soccer) and doing fun ECs(FFA).
However, the academic atmosphere is not very competitive and I often get bored during class.
The reasons for choosing the current school were
relatively cheap tuition considering international student - total fee including homestay was $27,000
having an agriculture class - future goal is to be a vet
While reading through New York Times, I found an article about Hotchkiss School and how they get involved in agriculture by activities in the Fairfield farm. Deeply intrigued, I went to the school website and high-quality classes and facilities for science, financial aid possibilities offered to international students compared to Christian school literally knocked me. Also, former activities I had back in my country (South Korea) were very similar with Hotchkiss’s so I think this school could possibly be a good match. I will post more academic and activity details afterward.
I had never thought about applying to a boarding school before, so I am not sure if I am going to apply other schools too.
The questions are:
Is it available for me to apply for Hotchkiss School for Fall 2018 as a sophomore? Will there be any disadvantages for transiting too early?
Since I only spent two months in my current school, I'm not sure how to Principal/Counselor Recommendation and English and Math Recommendation. They don't seem to know me personally. Can I receive the following recommendations from the former school in my home country?
Have question for OP - are you currently an international student? Have you also looked at other schools - think the California BS’s also offer these experiences. Do you need to be in a school in the USA? If you are interested in a international school that offers a focus on agriculture education, environmental studies, nutri-ceuticals, etc – check out the American Farm School in Greece- they have international students & good FA. My nephew attended their summer program. Best of luck to you!
Check out Putney or any of the schools on the thread looking for equestrian programs - many of those schools have barns on campus. Thacher should be on your list as well. They all have good websites, so you can see if they are of interest and what the application process is.
Also consider re-applying as a repeat freshman. This is not uncommon, especially for international students who don’t have a strong command of written English. The farm at Hotchkiss is wonderful. And the Hotchkiss campus is absolutely gorgeous (right on the side of a beautiful lake).
However apply widely, as the selection is tough. There are plenty of schools with their own farm to table programs. Best of luck
I would reccomend trying to repeat a year. It is extremely hard to get into any top tier boarding school as a junior. Also, if you have your heart set on going to a boarding school, many offer similar programs so it would be smart to apply to at least 5-7 schools if you know for certain you want to go.
I'm currently attending a small private school in the US with citizenship of a foreign country so I'm an international student.
Also, I agree with not applying to junior year. I'm planning to repeat the 10th grade because it would be very difficult to get in and I would need some time for adjusting to BS.
I would definitely consider applying more schools since Hotchkiss is very competitive.
Although I would love to be there since I can keep on doing the activities I had been working on before. For example, I founded an astronomy club and observed stars which made me able to research and achieve national awards in my home country. Curiosity from those activities led me to opportunities to research with a university professor about advanced concepts. Having an interest in agriculture and animal rights motivated me to volunteer and serve the community, attend related camp at a university from a national level, and join the FFA and win district awards.
After I found out that Hotchkiss has an observatory and a school farm, it makes my heart beat by just thinking about it.
Anyways, please recommend schools you know which offer similar programs.
Yes, you should apply for 10th - Fall 2018 - so get started on the application now. Hotchkiss sounds like a good fit for you! But do apply to a bunch of schools.
The university professor also may be good for a recommendation! I bet you are a very strong student at the current Christian school - just use your English and Math teachers and I’m sure it will be fine.
You need to be a recruited athlete, legacy, full-pay and or other such hook. Don’t count on getting into Hotchkiss unless you are legacy. Apply to a range of schools, at least 10 for 1 acceptance, or be prepared to have your heart broken on M10. Deerfield also has farming, Choate too to some degree. And I think I heard either Berkshire or NMH.