<p>Because I often find myself posting links to information, rather than typing of synopsis of what I have read, I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread with just links. </p>
<p>If you have come across information that you think would be useful in your searches, please type a short description of what info is contained and paste the link. I think this would be useful for many students and parents. Links from specific schools are useful when the info could be applied anywhere.</p>
<p>I’ll start:</p>
<p>Interview suggestions and generally advice from the placement office at Eaglebrook (junior prep). There is some great advice here in the PDF download box, including many of the questions about what to wear to an interview and how long they should take that are so often asked on this board.</p>
<p>excerpt: Or when theyve run out of funding for the top, most-preferred, most sought-after admits, those with high need and less desirable qualifications are denied admission based on the fact that theres no more financial aid left to offer.</p>
<p>Here’s a useful link about writing the essay. It’s actually about writing the college essay, but the advise is applicable to BS essays as well. It’s the best article I’ve read on the subject, full of solid, practical advise made understandable by examples.</p>
<p>the link that you posted “The Coed Way - US News and World Report” is interesting but one should read it with a grain of salt . IN the seven plus years since this article was printed there have been many changes that have taken place in all of the preps listed.
Most Notably in their Facilities, financial aid and diversity.
People that read it should remember that the information contained in this article is quite old ,and that in the constant changing environment of prep school it can be quite misleading if not outright stereotypical.
If one wants to find out correct information about a school that they are looking at then they should use a more reliable and current source or they will be misinformed.
Interesting reading though.</p>
<p>This section caught my eye. (Read the original page. I’ve taken out some interesting material, to make the quote shorter.)</p>
<p>Quote:
Three tiers of credentials
Your high school record is by far the most important document. While your class rank or GPA is an important summary statistic, colleges will also look carefully at your courses, grading standards and overall competition in your high school, and their history with your school.
The next level of credentials includes standardized tests (some colleges dont require them); your essay and other writing samples; depth and breadth of extracurricular activities; letters of recommendation from your counselor, teachers, and others; diversity of your background or culture; and at some institutions, the personal interview.
(…)
If youre a good writer, be sure to include a writing sample that reflects your skills. If youre an athlete, contact coaches to supply the information requested. If youre a musician, send a musical resumé and an audio- or videotape. Any major activityacademic, extracurricular, or personalthat you hope to continue at college ought to be highlighted in your application.
(…)
The third evaluation level consists of what colleges call tippersitems that rarely determine decisions, but can tip them in close cases. Common third-level factors are geographic diversity, legacy status (where a family member has attended the college), or a commitment to attending a particular college (usually through an early-decision application). Some colleges may also consider factors that are part of their commitment or history: religious heritage, a particular geographic area, or service to particular populations of students.
Interviews are important, but so are all the other factors of your application. The admissions committee will look at a holistic picture of the applicant. I admit that a terrible interview can decrease your chances, but I don’t think a great interview will salvage an application with mediocre grades and bad recommendations.</p>
<p>There’s also no way to know how effective your interviewer is in the admissions committee stage of the process.</p>