Suggestions for improvement

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>Although nothing’s fully decided yet (meaning I still have to persuade my mum) I am hoping to apply to BS next fall for either 11th grade, or as a repeat 10th grade student. As I have so much time until then, I’m trying to find the ways that I can best improve my admission chances, and would appreciate any feedback you can give.</p>

<p>I’m currently doing a 2 year course in all the following: English Lit and Language, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, PE (including theory), History, Spanish, Classics (not languages) and textiles. Also doing shorter, compulsory RS and IT.</p>

<p>Extracurriculars: Swimming and cycling competitively, debating, Renaissance (our school’s intellectual/discussion club) and a little cross country. I played the French Horn for 5 years and am thinking of strating it up again.</p>

<p>Grades: We don’t have official grades, but I’m doing well in all my subjects, particularly maths and science, in which I get A*s in all tests. We’ll be getting ‘working at grades’ next week at parents evening, but these are worked out against how well we would do in out end of course exams (GCSEs) at the end of next year, if we were taking them now, so they’re not going to be perfect.</p>

<p>Im going to start volunteering for 1-2 hours a week at my local red cross shop soon. Also, I’m going to be asking my teachers next week about studying additional maths and further science (which my school don’t normally offer) at lunch times, so hopefully that will go ahead.</p>

<p>I’m currently in 9th grade/Year 10 at a girls’ selective (grammar) state school, and if you want read further about the school system here, [Education</a> in England - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_England]Education”>Education in England - Wikipedia)</p>

<p>Thank you for any help, and please ask if there’s anything I’ve forgotten to add in</p>

2

<p>It may may help your chances to apply as a repeat 10th grader rather than as a 11th grader-- it wouldn’t hurt to discuss the issue at your interview. And socially 10th grade would be better than 11th. There are generally more assimilation resources in place for 9th & 10 graders as those are the largest groups of new students.</p>

<p>I am assuming you are interested in applying to U.S. BS. Are you a UK national or an expat kid? Your nationality may help you if you are an under-represented nationality (schools like to achieve a geographically diverse student body).</p>

3

<p>I’m a UK national, but my dad is a US citizen. Not sure that means anything for me though</p>

4

<p>If you don’t mind my asking, why a BS in the U.S. when the UK has such a long tradition of excellent BS?</p>

5

<p>Originally it was for Universities- I didn’t want to have to be doing all the stuff to get into US on top of all my A levels and stuff. But also, I don’t like the limits of the school system here, or the way boarding schools are seen (very stuffy, traditional, near impossible to get into without contacts there) I’m thinking of applying to some as a back up options though</p>

6

<p>bump…</p>

7

<p>I think your dual-nationality might help you to enjoy the best-of-both-worlds (literally). Your U.S. nationality may give you access to FA (if your family needs it) that might not be eligible to an int’l student. Your UK nationality and residency may be attractive to a school that does not already have a student from the UK.</p>