Hi all,
Last year, I applied to Milton and Thayer for freshman year and got waitlisted at both. I am unsure whether I want to reapply or apply anywhere else for sophomore year. I think what hurt me in the process was my interviews. I tend to be shy and feel like I answered the interviewers’ questions too simply. I rarely raised my hand in class, which probably affected my teachers’ recommendations. My SSAT score, 75th percentile overall, was likely harmful as well. I’d like to say that this year is different, but the only thing that’d be added to my app. are a few minor awards, some clubs, sports, community service, team managing, hobbies, all honors (?),… Otherwise, I believe I’ve stayed the same, timidity and all. I’m sure AOs look for applicants who “put themselves out there”, and it’s hard to say I do. I’ve considered the Commonwealth School as my dad is an alumnus, however, its small community makes me wonder if they will reject me because of my shyness. I thought maybe they’d see it as I’m challenging myself upon attending with its tight-knit community, but they might not take it that way. Are there any day schools that would be interested in an applicant like myself despite my quietness? Any tips to increase my chances? edit: I also realize it’s pretty late to apply :0)
Thanks
Are you open to boarding? If so, would you go a little further away (PA?)
Practice talking about being shy. Just by yourself. What would you say? There are people who speak when they advance the conversation but who don’t talk to hear themselves speak. Maybe you like to listen or watch others. What do you see? Are you worried about what people will think of you? Do you have so many things to say that you can’t choose? You might be able to talk about this in an honest way that also helps an AO understand you. Really, they care more about self-awareness!
As practice for interviews, talk about something you like, why you want to change schools, who your friends are, etc. While the interview is really just a conversation – not an interrogation-- it may put you at ease to have said some of these things before.
And yes, cast a wider net this time if you can. There is often some serendipity in this process becauseit’salso about their needs in any year, and it can help to have a few more options.
1 Like
I wouldn’t mind boarding, but it depends on the distance. My parents would prefer day school, even Tabor seemed too far for them! What school were you thinking?
Also, thanks so much for the advice, I will keep it in mind.
I was thinking that both Mercersberg and George are really supportive of all types of kids and wouldn’t find “shyness” a put off.
1 Like
Those schools are too far for my parents, but I appreciate the recommendations. I will probably apply to the Commonwealth School and see how that goes. I just discovered the Newman School, so that is also a possibility. I’m looking for more schools to “cast a wider net” for sure though, thanks so much!
1 Like
Would you consider Proctor? (NH) It’s smaller than many and has a reputation for being a kind place.
1 Like
You can probably consider applying to Governor’s, BB&N and Rivers. My son interviewed at BB&N last fall and it was a short conversation compared to other schools and he told me the questions were pretty standard. Rivers might be a little out of your way but I think they provide shuttles for students.
My son is also very quiet and doesn’t really like speaking with strangers. I arranged for him to practice his interview with an educational consultant, who I felt probably helped him more or less. They had three zoom meetings and went over some questions and the responses, so he had some ideas what to expect but didn’t sound rehearsed when he spoke with the AOs. I wouldn’t worry about your personality. Shy students can do very well and schools won’t only accept students who are expressive and outgoing.
1 Like
It doesn’t hurt (that much) to reapply. It’s possible that the admissions teams interpreted your shyness last year as type of immaturity, in which case an additional year of growth could make all the difference. It’s also possible that something else played a role. But you’ll never know unless you put yourself out there again, which is what you should do if these are the schools that you’re interested in.
As for casting a wider net, Brooks School is not much further from Boston than Thayer (albeit in the other direction). Give them a look as well.
1 Like
I wish I were less limited as that school seems great, but my parents insist I stay around the Boston Area.
@SudburyMom , thank you for the suggestions! Governor’s would be about an hour’s commute. I will take a look at BB&N and Rivers. Thanks for the reassurance.
@RandoParent , maybe I will reapply, I still need to give it some thought as last year’s waitlists hurt… Brooks School is also about an hour away but I appreciate the recommendation.
At least you’re being limited to a geographic area with plenty of options.
You can cast a wider net and still stay in the Boston area.
What are your goals for prep school?
1 Like
That’s true!
My goal for prep school is to figure out what I want to do in the future. I have many hobbies, so I’m stuck right now. Hopefully, by attending prep school, I’ll be well-prepared for college. It appears there are greater opportunities for growth in every aspect - academically, athletically, and socially, … I would love to be part of a community like that.
Cambridge School of Weston seems like a pretty welcoming place. It’s been a little while, but the Beaver Country Day kids I knew were quite happy.
Agree with @stalecookies that you have lots of options in your geography and that you should narrow it by what you’re looking for. Excellent academics are a given at all of them.
2 Likes
When you prepare for interviews, look at the activities that they offer that you are already involved in, or are interested in becoming involved in. That will give you some ideas for questions.
It does not have to be a school subject or a sport. In fact, it is probably better if it’s not!
1 Like
Thank you. I recently looked into the Newman School and found an acceptance rate of around 50%. I am not sure if this is accurate, but under the impression that I have a decent chance at acceptance, I checked their website, and it seems they don’t offer many of the art programs I had wished to partake in. As for athletics, it appears they only have the varsity level for one of my sports. The other sport is not offered. There’s not much info on the clubs and activities there other than a list. All other schools I’ve looked at were either too far or required standardized testing. I’m pretty positive I won’t do well if I retake it, there’s not much time to study before January. I guess I’m now looking for a school that I have a fair chance of acceptance in, that offers various art programs and sports, that’s within half an hour of a commute, and that doesn’t require testing. Wow, seems impossible. Back to research…
Why not take a map and see what schools fall inside your commute radius. Based on Thayer/milton, maybe, BB&N, Dexter Southfield, Noble & Greenough?
1 Like
@NYMom139 ^ Those are within range but they all require testing.
Although, I have found CATS Academy Boston. Not much is said concerning it in these forms, but I like what the school offers in terms of arts and tech. I can take what I’m taking now and even more! It also seems to be helpful with the college application process. Reviews on Google and Niche are a little concerning… Nonetheless, I do like it. It has a high acceptance rate so I’m hopeful. It’s lesser known than ISL schools; in SENEISAA, does this mean anything?
Why don’t you look at some of the Catholic schools. Some have amazing if not better academics. For girls Notre Dame and Ursuline Academty would be in the area you are mentioning and for boys BC High, Xaverian.
1 Like
Just because a school requires testing doesn’t mean they expect higher scores. I had one child apply mostly test optional because scores were not great, but one school required scores. Admitted despite the scores at that school (and others).
2 Likes
Congrats! However, I think in the context of my application, it’s best that I don’t submit an SSAT score as academics “carry” my profile, and displaying a poor score may defy that.
Parents told me CATS may be a cash grab of some sort… Something about their recent founding, isolated campus, little to no mention of faculty qualifications, rolling admissions, … I don’t know, their reasoning was questionable. They likely reacted this way because of tuition. I tried to convince them that we could apply for FA and scholarships, but they remained hesitant. Probably will submit an inquiry form and ask questions. Does anyone have info about CATS that isn’t immediately obvious?
It’d be really helpful if you could say why you want to change schools and what happens if you don’t. I think you need to be convinced that making the change is worth it.
Sometimes, there is a completely different avenue for achieving your goals. For example, a friend’s son chose to return to his (very good) public school after a year at a private school and to use the time and money that gave back to him to delve into his ECs, which weren’t school-related.
Your limitations in terms of geography aren’t unusual – many families won’t consider boarding – but they may narrow the options to ones that just aren’t that appealing. Would you and your family consider 5 day boarding as an option? Lots of folks find this to be the sweet spot – no weekday commute, yet pretty much the same quality time with their kids. There are a few in the Boston area that offer this.
To that end, I’d also reapply to the schools that didn’t work out last year - considering the possibility of reclassing. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of the pool being different.
1 Like