My Chances at Prep School

Pre-College Issues High School Life
#1

<p>I am an African American male in the 8th grade, here are my stats:</p>

<p>GPA:4.0UW/4.33W
Rank:2/196
SSAT: 96 Overall</p>

<p>EC's:
MSEN 3 years (won state championship)
Duke University Engineering 3 years
AMC 8 1 year
Editor-in-Chief of Yearbook and School Newspaper 1 Year
Piano 4 years
Clarinet/Band Co-President 4 years
Baseball 1 year
Various Church Ministries 6 years
Student Council/Student Body Vice President 3 years
Citywide Youth Orchestra 1 year
Mathematics, Science, and English Tutoring at After School Programs 4 years
Young Millionaires 1 year
... and about 15 others</p>

<p>Awards: Superintendent's Honor Roll (making straight A's all year) in 6th and 7th grade
Highest Average in Algebra I, Geometry, World Studies, Earth Science, Life Science, MSEN, English Grade 7, English Grade 8, Social Studies Grade 6, and Physical Science
STREAC Award Highest Academic Award at Church
MVP Baseball and Elected Captain 2 years
Varsity Basketball MVP
Community Service School Record of 700+ hours</p>

<p>Community Serive:
270+ hours tutoring
100+ hours volunteering at Duke University Hospital
100+ hours volunteering at a Resthome</p>

<p>What are my chances at Andover, Exeter, St. Paul's, Choate, Taft, and Deerfield? Any improvements I can do? I really need your help!!! Thanks!</p>

#2

<p>Wow. I'm impressed.</p>

<p>Couple notes:</p>

<p>-Do NOT underestimate the power of a good interview. Nice clothes, firm handshake, relaxed yet confident, be articulate. Oh, and remember the thank-you. </p>

<p>-Take the essay seriously. Take a look at these boards and you'll find a zillion examples of how NOT to write-make sure the essay's honest, appropriate, non-pretentious, and error-free.</p>

<p>-Know your stuff. The admissions office will be soooo impressed if you can list three or four reasons why X School is good for YOU personally (and I'm not talking about the hot social life). Take a look at the viewbook. Like "One of the reasons I fell in love with Andover is because I'm really impressed by its community service programs like Music for Life and Service Saturdays which is kind of like what I do now..." (even better- a chance to show off without sounding obnoxious)</p>

<p>Otherwise, pssssshhh. Easy stuff. As long as you don't make any drastic errors in judgement (like expressing your blatant homophobic beliefs or recounting the time you set a dozen mice loose in school) I think you've got a great shot.</p>

#3

<p>if you know some things about the school, you'll impress the interviewer, it's not like college interviews, where even if it doesn't go great, you can still get in</p>

#4

<p>Any other advice??? I really need help because the application process has already begun? What did you get on the SSAT, any advice to others? PLEASE POST? I AM SO DESPERATE!!!!!!!</p>

#5

<p>C'mon!! Somebody!</p>

#6

<p>Kay dude, you need to chill out. If you want to do something proactive, work on your essays. Read up on the schools. Contact individual professors. Make sure your teachers writing your recommendations have the stamped, addressed envelopes as well as a factsheet on your activities for the past couple years (maybe a couple papers from their classes too). Check with your guidance office to see how the counselor rec. and transcript is going. Schedule interviews. There's nothing you can do about your activities, transcript, or SSAT's now.</p>

#7

<p>Chill out! Nobody here can really give you a clue about chances, but I think you have an excellent record. Right now focus on getting info from schools of interest and keeping your grades up. Your SSATs are fine, your activities great. Work on essays, set up interviews. See if you can get a teacher or counselor to practise interviewing. Don't sweat it too much - you will do fine whereever you go to school!</p>

#8

<p>what kinda stuff do they ask during interviews? I'm applying to a few too hehe..</p>

#9

<p>you are very close to being a lock with those stats alone</p>

#10

<p>Anyone else have anymore suggestions?</p>

#11

<p>You are in at any school, You have to decide where you want to matriculate. So choose wisely and have fun :) good luck</p>

#12

<p>Heyy, I go to Exeter! Judging from your stats, I think you have a very good chance of getting in. I agree about the interview, and also, make a good impression on your tour guide and interviewer. I got a special note from my interviewer at St. Paul's saying he was really hoping I'd come and to let him know about updates. It's all about making an impression. Find something that sticks out, that makes you special, that will allow you to be remembered by the admissions officers. Good luck! And maybe I'll see you next year...</p>

#13

<p>0oh yeah, GO BIG RED~ haha, just had to add that</p>

#14

<p>anyone else</p>

#15

<p>Uh... wow. I must have been doing some serious slacking these past three years. Does everyone accepted at the top prep schools have those kinds of stats in middle school? My middle school doesn't even have a school newspaper, class rank, or a basketball team to be captain of!</p>

#16

<p>anyone else??? anymore tips???</p>