<p>I am considering applying next year. It is literally the best school that I can possibly attend. Any tips? There is a diagnostic test which I am a bit worried about… Since I would be applying as a sophomore, going to the school as a junior (they only take juniors and seniors at the school and the senior class takes college courses with WPI), what would be beneficial to make sure I learn and know? The Academy is made for high-achievers and only accepts 45% of its applicants (50 students)… </p>
<p>My current and next year schedule look like this for you to base your responses on (don’t chance me please! its not what i am looking for)</p>
<p>Freshman Year</p>
<pre><code>Biology H
Freshman English H
Health and Fitness
Computer Essentials
US History I H
Algebra 2 H
Geometry H
Spanish 2 H
</code></pre>
<p>EC before the school year: job at doctor’s office for 2.5 years
EC during the school year: Basketball, XC, Student Government, self taught programming languages
Summer: job at doctor’s office, shadowing a pathologist, Harvard MedScience Program (if accepted), and volunteering at hospital</p>
<p>Sophmore Year</p>
<pre><code>Chemistry H
Sophmore English H
Health & Fitness
AP US History
PreCalculus H
Spanish 3 H
Physics H
Robotic Technology H
</code></pre>
<p>EC: (Basketball, Student Government, Science Club, Robotics)</p>
<p>I am unsure what I will find on this diagnostic test. I am very worried about it …</p>
<p>Again, any tips about this diagnostic test? or anything else in general?</p>
<p>Try the chances thread. </p>
<p>@mrnephew
not looking for chances, looking for tips on the diagnostic test and what to expect</p>
<p>My bad, then. The post looks like a chance post, what with all the stats and stuff. </p>
<p>I’ve never heard of this school, so I wouldn’t be of much use to you here, unfortunately. </p>
<p>It isn’t that well known because it is a public school, but acts as a private school that only goes 11-12 grade. I feel like I have a good shot… but i just don’t know what to expect on this diagnostic test 
and that is sorta putting me at a halt.</p>
<p>It’s a great program that is little known even inside Massachusetts, Grade 11 is spent in a set of intense courses that is like a normal grade 11 and 12 rolled in to one. Grade 12 is taking college courses at WPI. The diagnostic test covers geometry, algebra and grammar.</p>
<p>"
What does the Diagnostic Test entail and how can I prepare for it?</p>
<p>There is a 1 hour Math/Science test, which includes Geometry, Algebra I and II, and general problem solving. It does not include any specific science subject areas. There is also a 1 hour Writing/Humanities test that includes grammar, sentence construction, paraphrasing, and literary analysis. Because the tests cover general high school knowledge, there is no preparation or studying required."</p>
<p>You look like a very well qualified applicant. Your Ecs line up nicely and your academics are hitting all the right subjects. They get a lot of qualified applicants though, so I would suggest that you work on interview skills and putting yourself forward as a candidate who they will be excited to accept. People skills are essential in such a small program- you really will need to be able to get along with everyone and collaborate in small groups. Good luck! </p>
<p>@Rellielou @smullaney Thank you for your responses! I have trouble with English because it is my second language, not my mother tongue, so that may entail for some studying. I rocked my interviews at the other schools I applied to so I am fairly confident, but not over confident. Any other tips? Should I do a shadow day at the end of freshman year (i.e. in the next month) or beginning of sophomore year?
@smullaney, where did you get the answer that quote?</p>
<p>@smullaney nevermind!!!</p>
<p>I just got an email telling me that I am too young to volunteer at a hospital 
Now my summer is bland… any ideas?</p>
<p>Start a blog, volunteer at an animal shelter or library, build a PC, tackle an ambitious reading list, tutor kids in your first language, write an epic poem, memorize 100 digits of pi… there are many options. Find something you care about and start there! </p>