<p>I am a sophomore in a public high school, and I am applying to Taft school; and I really want to get in. My grades are not fantastic; mostly A’s and a few B’s. I got good grades on my SSAT; a 800 for verbal, a 800 on math, and a 760 on the reading comprehension. I also play hockey and do model UN. I want to know if it would make a significant difference if I applied as a sophomore rather than a junior</p>
<p>Your chances seem good. How did your interview go?</p>
<p>Hey! I’m doing the same exact thing. EXACT. Same school, same decision (between soph and junior). </p>
<p>And the fact is, yes it does make a difference. The way it was explained to me was that there are 3 spots (for girls) in 11th grade while 40% of the grade comes in 10th grade.</p>
<p>But that shouldn’t alter your decision. Going to Taft as a Junior is hard. You’re coming from a public high school and chances are the work load is going to be different that you’re used to. I know that will be true for me too even though I attend a small private school. And it may take a month or so to adjust. In this adjustment though there is room for a couple of bad grades that you probably don’t want on your record for your most important year of highschool. Secondly, socially every one will be focused on college and work junior year without really looking for new friends while sophomores are more apt to new friendships seeing as many new kids are coming in. </p>
<p>Another important reason is if you want to be known for one thing you’re good at (such as a sport or art) things take a while to get recognized and you’ll get that time as a sophomore. </p>
<p>So basically, if you don’t mind doing an extra year and think positively about it (you get to take all those REALLY cool classes!) Apply as a sophomore! But if you want to get out of highschool ASAP do it as a Junior. It’s all up to you.</p>
<p>Anyways, how was your interview? Who’d you do it with?</p>
<p>I would think applying as a sophomore would help your chances because there are more spots. I’m repeating my sophomore year, but I also skipped a grade so I’ll be the right age if I stay back. It all depends on what you’re comfortable with. As the person above me said, most likely it’ll be easier to make friends and get adjusted to the new lifestyle, but it’s your choice.</p>