Not looking for HADES, not targeting HYPSM

Chelsea1
Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:23:25 +0000

Howdo… I have gone through the admission process twice with 2 children as FP applicants. First child, similar SSAT scores as yours (only took SSAT once - mistake number one), applied to 3 schools (mistake number 2). We were new to the process and aimed to high. We didn’t really understand how competitive admissions is these days - results 1 waitlist 2 rejections. We decided to go through a second round of admissions (yes this does happen at many hidden gems) in early May - 2 acceptances within a week. It turned out to be a great thing. Our child ended up at a great school in CT, was able to play very high level lacrosse and is now a freshman at a strong liberal arts college playing DIII lacrosse. He received a great education, but the take away for him was more about the experience and being in an environment that was nurturing.

Second child - more seasoned parents - had him take the SSAT 3 times and prep for it. I was amazed at how his scores changed from test to test. He ended up with scores in the high 70’s. We looked at 9 schools - only one HADES. He applied to 6 (5 being big names in the Hidden Gem World in CT and MA and the one HADES as a repeat freshman where he was a legacy) - accepted to 4 schools (even offered a small merit scholarship at one), wait listed at the HADES school and one other. The most important thing was we had choices. We went to revisit days and the school he ended up at is the one that was the best fit.

Our children are well rounded, nice kids. The are both good students and did well in a private day school before applying. Athletics was important to both. They didn’t have a “passion” at age 14 nor did they excel at a national level in an extracurricular. They are just great kids who respect and appreciate boarding school and all that it offers. There are many schools out there looking for kids like this. My advice to you is go look at as many as possible. Good luck!