How do prep schools make their decisions about prospective students that apply to their schools?
That is a very general question. In general they review your test scores, transcript, application, interview, essays, and extra curricular activities. Additionally applying for financial aid will almost always negatively impact admissions chances. The schools are looking for a well rounded class not necessarily a collection of well rounded students.
This is a little dated I doubt the process has changed much: https://www.andover.edu/Admission/DeansJournal/Pages/NoTableBigEnough.aspx
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