Late application for boarding schools

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

I have not applied yet, and I am looking to apply some time in April as I am busy right now with school work and summer camp applications.

I currently attend an international school in another country (somewhere in Asia), and I am not sure whether I will move, but I am just applying to open up more options as there were some changes in my personal situation recently.

Demographics: International Asian male, no green card/citizenship, current 10th grade applying for 10th grade boarding, no aid needed

Gpa(UW/W): ~3.8/4 in GPA terms probably: I have 6 7s, 2 6s, and 1 5 in an IGCSE-IB school. (averaging grade 9 and 10)

Tests: took the March SAT, expecting ~1450 (800M, 650EBRW); got 145/160 in DET (although not sure what this test is even for)
However, I do not have SSAT or TOEFL scores.

ECs:

Middle school math club - coaching some middle schoolers; hosted a math comp;
Volunteering - planting trees, donating books to underprivileged countries
Member of coding club, math club, physics team

Piano for 8 years

Tennis team for 2 years

Awards:
USAJMO Qualifying score

Other math olympiads from different countries as well, e.g. BMO1 Distinction, BMO2 qualifier

USACO Plat

Recs:

English - Probably not very good, got 5/7s in her class

Math - Decent, but not very good either, no personal connection

Counsellor/Principal - For some reason, our school doesn’t assign counsellors till the end of grade 10 so I had to ask the principal who I have never talked to or even seen before…

Schools : Blair Academy, NMH, Heritage school (both campuses), Cranbrook schools, Hill school, maybe more (idk yet)

My top choice is Blair and please let me know if I should apply financial aid to some of these schools. (Not necessary, but would be nice to have)

2

Also, my grade 8 is mostly Bs and Cs. Hoping that wouldn’t hurt my application to much.

3

It will be very hard if you need FA, especially as an international student.

4

Look for schools with rolling admissions . Schools that had deadlines of 2 months ago, e.g. NMH, Hill, Blair, ain’t gonna happen.

2 Likes
5

I thought all these schools were doing rolling applications after deadline, although they did mention that chances will be lower.

6

boardingschoolreview.com says that some schools have rolling admissions but schools like Blair are going to admit most of their new students during the regular admissions cycle (September - February they accept applications and acceptances come out February-March). But if you are really motivated then email the schools to figure out their policies, I’m not sure about the admission status of the other schools.

1 Like
7

the only times they accept candidates rolling is when it’s a highly recruited athlete for a sport they need a fill a roster for.

8

I see, would you still say it is worth applying to these schools or should I look for lower tier schools?

9

You need to find schools who admit more students out of the regular cycle.

10

Do you have any recommendations for schools based on my ECs/interests?

11

The universe of schools accepting applications for next fall is not huge. @skieurope kindly provided you with a list of schools and their deadlines. The only thing I would add is that not every school is on that list – I didn’t see Millbrook, for example, so you could dig a little deeper on your own as well.

12

And as that is a 3rd party source, the information may not be updated. It’s a starting point, but the OP needs to verify

13

Became you are in an IB school and strong in math, you could see if George ends up with any openings. It will help anywhere if you can demonatrate fit.

You could try focusing on schools without lots of boarders. At many, international students are an important part of diversifying the student body. Hun and Shadyside are two that come to mind and that have strong academics. You should make sure you can be accommodated in math as you are strong.

You’re going to have to look at each school’s website to figure out if it’s really a good match. The list in boarding school review is a bit of a mixed bag.

14

I would say apply next year.

2 Likes
15

I see, but I really want to go this year, so I think I will still apply to as many schools as I can and hopefully get in one…

16

Occasionally schools will have spots open up late in the summer from current students who decide not to return. If they get a new late applicant who is stronger than anyone remaining on WL and who would commit on the spot, there’s a chance there.

As for FA - only apply if you need it. Schools struggle to meet financial needs as it is, they aren’t offering up aid to those without need. Although I believe there are schools that offer merit $, but not familiar with how that works.

17

Merit for a late applicant would be unlikely, I think. It is usually used as an enticement for strong students who are presumed to be holding multiple offers.

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18

Agree! I meant to address just the somewhat common misconception of applying for aid when there’s no financial need “just in case they give me some”.

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19

If you need FA, there is a 99% chance you are not going to BS next year unless you can become full pay, and apply to less known schools.

I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but this is the truth.

20

I see, then I am definitely not applying for FA. To be honest, I doubt I will be the strongest on the waitlist cuz of my mediocre GPA and SAT… I hope my math awards can make up for it a bit