Hi guys! I know application to boarding schools don’t start until around July-the fall, but I’ve been considering applying to these schools for a while now. I know that when it comes to admission for these schools, it is VERY competitive. Right now, however, I am reconsidering applying to BS and I would like to get your guys’ opinion on it.
As of right now, I won’t be applying to the supeerr selective schools except for one: Deerfield. Most of them have a bit higher acceptance rates. However, the thing that is making me reconsider applying is having a C in math in my seventh grade year (I will be applying to ninth grade). I was in accelerated math 7 and I don’t know if it means the C “less bad” but I am still really scared with it on my report card. Throughout the past years, I have been getting an A in math every time. Everything else I have A’s and A+'s. I also do have quite a wide variety of extracurriculars but I’m scared if that C will hold me back from being admitted.
Hi! A C might be a red flag, but does it have an explanation? Also, I like to use the “you have nothing to loose” mindset, when it comes to this sort of thing.
1 Like
Sooo my math teacher is know as one of the strictest teachers in the schools and almost everyone who had her got a B-/C or lower in her class. Does this count as an explanation, because I don’t want to sound as if I’m making an excuse? 
I don’t think you could use that because BS have strict teachers as well. However, you can maybe add the class average in math to your school profile or put in the additional information. But ONLY the class average part. There are people here with more experience and I might be totally wrong, so take this with a grain of salt.
1 Like
Gotcha! Thank you appreciate it 
1 Like
I truly do not believe one outlier grade will keep you out of any school if admissions likes everything else about you. Schools are serious about admitting students and not just transcripts, although they want students who they believe will thrive at their schools.
And if you get out of the HADES/GLADCHEMMS universe, admissions is that much more forgiving.
5 Likes
Oh I see. Isn’t math one of the subjects boarding schools look HEAVILY into though?
Which schools are you considering? I think at a number of them a C in 7th grade math will be fine as long as your essays are great. Cast a wide net and consider schools with higher acceptance rates.
What is it that is appealing about boarding school to you? Chances are there are many schools that will offer what you are seeking.
Of course they care about math, but don’t presumed that every student, even at the top schools, is a top math student. They look at the whole package. One C in 7th grade math that is not reflective of one’s entire academic record will be seen in the context of the entire application.
2 Likes
It is.Are you taking the SSAT/ISEE? I belive that if you do very well in its math section you will be fine.
1 Like
Don’t let one C cast doubt on your chances for admission. Yes, strong math is a baseline for acceptance to the super elites but there are many reasons that an otherwise strong student might get a C in a class.
Have you taken the SSAT or ISEE yet? Make sure that you study hard for the math sections and prove to the admissions dept that you are a strong math student and they can banish concerns about your math ability. Don’t make excuses for the C grade, just make up for it elsewhere.
2 Likes
As of right now, it would be Mercersburg, George, Suffield, Kent, NMH, and Deerfield.
Boarding school is appealing to me because of their community. Over the past few years, I have moved around quite a bit. As not really “settling down” I haven’t had the chance to make connections with peers. I believe that at BS, with a stable community that you are spending years together, I would be able to form connections with people I would not really get the chance to otherwise. I’m not going to go toooo in depth here as I don’t want this to be too long 
but that’s pretty much why.
2 Likes
Yeah, I’m studying right now taking the SSAT in a few months
I’ve taken it once so far and was in the 92nd percentile. My goal right now is to get at least in the 95th percentile. I’m studying right now hoping to get a better score and I will take it in a few months. I’m really disappointed and worried about the C right now though, I very much regret focusing too much on english and science this year at school and not giving much thought about math 
I think your reasons will resonate with AOs and you have a nice mix of schools.
2 Likes
Great reason to want to go to BS.
1 Like
You’re finishing 7th now? Your writing makes me think we’re dealing with a well-educated high school junior.
Get yourself an absolutely KILLER math score on the SSAT. Get tutored for it if possible. Practice for it many hours this summer. Aim for the highest score possible. If you can get an insanely high score on the SSAT, and have an A in 8th grade math first semester (which I assume would be Algebra 1 or Geometry, if you’re accelerated), I think you’ll be okay.
Hey there! Just finished 7th grade and thank you!
I do currently have a math tutor right now, but would you recommend searching/hiring a tutor specifically for SSAT prep? As of right now, I’m mainly using the Barron’s SSAT/ISEE prep. Are there any other books you would recommend for studying ? And thank you for the advice!
Since all your eggs are in the high score on the SSAT, especially math, I think that a really good SSAT tutor might be helpful.
1 Like