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BOARDING SCHOOL APPLICATIONS: My Stats
Gloria Chen
Overview
This video details the academic and extracurricular profile of a freshman at Andover, sharing statistics from her boarding school applications. The presenter outlines the schools she applied to, her acceptance and waitlist results, and her performance on standardized tests like the SAT. She elaborates on her extensive involvement in music, including playing multiple instruments and participating in a youth symphony, as well as her experiences in sports, art, community projects, and academic clubs. The video concludes by highlighting various awards received in music, writing, math, and French, emphasizing her bilingualism.
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Chapters
- Applied to 10 boarding schools, including Andover, Exeter, and Groton.
- Received acceptances from Andover, NMH, Concord, BB&N, and St. Mark's.
- Was waitlisted at Exeter, Groton, Milton, Deerfield, and Middlesex.
- Did not receive any outright rejections.
Understanding the breadth of schools applied to and the types of outcomes (acceptance vs. waitlist) provides context for the applicant's profile and the competitiveness of boarding school admissions.
The applicant was accepted into Andover and NMH, but waitlisted for Exeter and Groton.
- Achieved a 2310 SAT score, which was in the 98th percentile overall.
- Scored in the 99th percentile for SAT vocabulary and math sections.
- Scored in the 96th percentile for the SAT reading section.
- Maintained high grades (mostly 8+ above 98% average, some A's above 95%) from grades 6-8.
High standardized test scores and a strong academic record demonstrate a student's readiness for rigorous academic environments and are crucial components of a boarding school application.
An overall SAT score of 2310 placed the applicant in the 98th percentile, indicating strong performance relative to other test-takers.
- Dedicated 10 years to piano and nearly 5 years to violin, also plays guitar and sings.
- Was the youngest member of her local youth symphony at age 12 as a violinist.
- Created a life-size sculpture, which was included in her application despite not considering herself an 'art person'.
Demonstrates sustained commitment and passion in artistic pursuits, showcasing talents beyond academics and contributing to a well-rounded profile.
Playing the piano for 10 years and the violin for almost 5 years shows a significant and long-term dedication to musical development.
- Previously swam competitively and did ballet, but discontinued due to time constraints and difficulty finding suitable programs after moving to the US.
- Co-founded an ensemble called Aqua Dubai with her cousin, performing music for children in hospitals.
- Participated in Youth Legislature for two years and Math Team and Quiz Bowl at her middle school.
- Joined Math Team and Quiz Bowl when scouted by teachers or for the challenge, not initially volunteered.
Highlights initiative in community service, engagement in diverse activities, and a proactive approach to academic challenges, even when opportunities are limited.
Founding Aqua Dubai to play music for children in hospitals demonstrates a commitment to using talents for community benefit.
- Received numerous music awards, including first and second place in piano competitions and high marks (Distinction, Merit) in ABRSM theory and performance exams.
- Earned multiple writing awards, such as from a financial literacy contest and essay competitions.
- Achieved 'Outstanding Bill' awards annually in Youth Legislature and placed individually in state Math Team competitions.
- Secured a Silver Award in the National French Exam and is fluent in both Chinese and English.
Quantifiable achievements and awards provide concrete evidence of excellence and recognition in various fields, strengthening the application's impact.
Passing ABRSM Grade 8 for piano with a merit and Grade 5 music theory with distinction showcases high-level musical proficiency.
Key takeaways
- Boarding school applications require a comprehensive profile that balances strong academics with diverse extracurricular involvement.
- Sustained commitment to activities, like playing an instrument for many years, is more impactful than short-term participation.
- Community service and leadership roles demonstrate character and initiative beyond personal achievement.
- Standardized test scores and GPA are important, but a compelling narrative and unique talents can also significantly influence admissions decisions.
- Even without direct rejections, waitlists indicate high competition, underscoring the need for a strong application.
- Showcasing a range of skills, from music and art to academic competitions and leadership, presents a well-rounded candidate.
- Quantifiable achievements, such as awards and high test percentiles, provide concrete evidence of a student's capabilities.
Key terms
AndoverExeterGrotonNMHSATPercentileExtracurricularsYouth SymphonyYouth LegislatureMath TeamQuiz BowlABRSMBilingual
Test your understanding
- What were the main categories of the applicant's profile that were presented for boarding school applications?
- How did the applicant's SAT scores compare to the national average, and what does this indicate about her academic abilities?
- Describe the significance of the applicant's long-term commitment to music and her involvement in the youth symphony.
- What types of community projects did the applicant participate in, and why are these important for a boarding school application?
- How did the applicant's awards and achievements across different areas (music, writing, academics) contribute to her overall application?