<p>I will be attending a HADES school this year as a freshman. I was wondering how to stand out and make myself noticed in such a large and intelligent community, with many kids who excel academically.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>sports–probably have to be at or near a sports recruit level… I think there are plenty of kids who are good at a sport (let’s say varsity) and a good student, so in that case it would depend on on how good you are relative to other applicants boasting exceptional sports records</p></li>
<li><p>be ranked in the top 5-10% academically–geniuses, not much to be said</p></li>
<li><p>music/arts–I have a friend who is not doing the normal college app and doing a “music app” instead… but that is probably for people who are exceptional in music/arts. </p></li>
<li><p>do some community stuff and be a true leader; very socially adept and able to show it on your college apps</p></li>
<li><p>win some national competition…? or have some really compelling hobby that you pursue no matter what and win award for, basically just powerful recognition of any kind. Not to be confused with something simpler like “debate team captain”, unless you win some really big prize…</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Most students are a mixture of the above… so like the sports scenario I mentioned, most students would be something like: good student, can play an instrument, maybe 1-2 sports, a hobby, but not exceptional at any of these.</p>
<p>As a parent, I would advise taking the first semester to get the lay of the land before even thinking about standing out in any way. Unless you are some incredibly gifted athlete/musician/academic/public speaker.</p>
<p>Have you ever heard of “Tall Poppy” syndrome? You don’t want to be that guy. At least not as an incoming freshman. Just my 2¢.</p>
<p>I have heard of Big Papi, but not Tall Poppy. Who da?</p>
<p>Don’t worry about making yourself “stand out” – just focus on being outgoing, stepping out of your comfort zone, etc. I’m starting my third year at Exeter in a few weeks, and going into my first day of prep (freshman) year was totally nerve-wracking. Just remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, trying to make friends and get used to living away from home. Join clubs, participate in class, sit with a new group of people every day during meals. No matter how easy it might seem to fall into a routine of class, food, homework, bed, do your best to add in extra curriculars that you enjoy, and get to know the people doing them with you!</p>
<p>If you meant standing out to teachers, there’s no reason to worry about it. At boarding schools like these classes are small and teachers are dedicated, so even if you’re trying to go unnoticed you will most certainly be paid attention to :)</p>
<p>My advisor always tells me just to not overdo it - I like to overachieve and demonstrate passion in a number of area, but take it slow to start out. Find a few clubs/ECs that you are genuinely interested in/know you’re good at, and commit time to them. Speak up in class, and really think about your work. Often, classes at boarding school are discussion-style and have at least a small percentage participation grade, so if you’re enthusiastic, your teachers will learn to love you. Work hard, but don’t burn yourself out on the first semester. Avoid procrastination, as doing so will inevitably lead to better grades.</p>
<p>Don’t sweat it too much! I was an A-/B+ student at public middle school, and now I’m in the top 5% of my class at a HADES school. Work hard, you’ll be fine. HTH</p>
<p>@TheGrammarFairy,
Just a quick question. Did you apply for FA and did you have any major “hooks”? (like legacy, URM,etc) Thanks!</p>
<p>I didn’t apply for FA and had no hooks. I had a ballet hook at SPS, but I got waitlisted there, curiously enough. For the school I now attend, I had barely any useful ECs, but demonstrated passion and commitment in my areas of interest. HTH :)</p>
<p>@TheGrammarFairy,
Thanks I just wanted to know. You at least don’t sound like some kids on the chances forum who have like straight A+s, are published authors, and in their spare time have cured cancer. At least I have some hope. :)</p>
<p>Be yourself. Some kids stand out - but not in a good way. They’re needy, overachieving, high maintenance. Or Stepford automatons.</p>
<p>Just be yourself, try hard at everything you do, be nice. Not everyone at BS excels at everything. Find your passion and pursue it.</p>
<p>The rest will fall in place.</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you. I feel better now about going to school soon.</p>