Just a Quick Question

Prep School Admissions
1

Hello, I started my journey of research by working hard in small high school journals, first as a junior editor, then as an editor, and I also peer-reviewed papers in different journals (reviewed somewhat 12 papers for different high school journals, academic small journals, and some of phd’s as well). Along the way, I even got some of my own papers published. And, After about two years of hard work, some sleepless nights, and an ocean of luck, I got myself as a peer reviewer in a Q2 journal with an h-index of 31, which honestly feels unbelievable for me. Before that I was a peer reviewer in a journal recognized by Scimago and reviewed 2 papers there, so maybe because of that and relevant experience I got into that journal.

Now, I’ve come to know that this kind of achievement is pretty rare for someone in grade 9. I’m applying to some test-optional, prestigious American boarding schools this year that offer full financial aid, for grade 10 like Choate, Milton etc, but I’m a bit confused. Should I list this achievement in my application? I’m worried it might sound unusual since things like this are usually done by PhD students. I’d really appreciate your advice on this.

2

Frankly it seems completely unbelievable to me that a journal with an h- index of 31 (Nature , or Science) has taken on a 13 or 14 year old to do peer reviews.

Also, you mention that you got this position after two years of hard work. So you began doing publishable research at age 11?

However, if this is true, it is so extraordinary that of course you would not only list it, but write about it.

It also seems unbelievable to me that anyone smart enough to be doing peer reviews at internationally esteemed scientific publications isn’t also smart enough to know they should talk about it in their boarding school applications.

3 Likes
3

ouch.

Uh, Ok; Why test optional? If accurate, this would be a pretty major achievement that would more than compensate for any softness in the SSAT. Why not apply to Exeter with its bazillion dollar endowment for financial aid?

Sleepless nights for a 13 year-old is bad for you. Stop that. And when you talk about this work, don’t oversell it. Say what you actually did and what actually happened. Otherwise you’ll get an @cinnamon1212 level of skepticism. IndySceptic too.

2 Likes