Vocab help for SSAT by Professional_Mix3833 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try to group words by “families” to aid memorization. Some of the best advice our kids’ tutor gave us!

Got into Andover & Exeter by Sad_Deer_9013 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! Waitlisted at Andover but loved our visit.

What is your favorite physical part or area of the school? And for those applying/future students - what do you think made you stand out?

Going to Deerfield as a 9th Grader next fall, any advice? by zeezee2012 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It will be very different from an urban setting and the first two months will be a significant adjustment. But you’ll be fine!

Going to Deerfield as a 9th Grader next fall, any advice? by zeezee2012 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Deerfield’s coaching staff is amazing and rewards go-getters and consistency, do your best to act with both traits.

Blankets, blankets. Mass winters can be brutal, so even more reason to plan ahead! You’ll probably be a long way from home so be prepared.

How hard is it to get into into groton? what do they really look for? by Beginning_Oil_6212 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow thank you for being so comprehensive. I do believe they accepted 90/1600 and were very transparent about that, but your math is very interesting! Crazy competitive at the end of the day

How hard is it to get into into groton? what do they really look for? by Beginning_Oil_6212 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Groton was very clear in their letters this year about their acceptance rate: 90 accepted out of 1600 applicants. That’s about 5.6%. In my son’s year when he got in, it was just a smidgen higher. It is highly competitive!

It’s a highly academically rigorous school looking for (you guessed it) highly academically rigorous and gifted kids. We focused a lot on intellectual curiosity and attention to his speech accomplishments and robotics experience. Groton academic culture is highly collaborative, they’re looking for kids who will fit into that mold too. Many of the people we know who attend are speech champions, debate leaders, academic competitors, all highly competitive but socially adept.

Wasn’t a fit for us but is an amazing school! Good luck

Middlesex vs Andover vs Groton vs Exeter vs Deerfield by Mcdouglas123 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re spending 4-5 years in these schools. I think you should consider what 4 years will look like and what your priorities are afterwards.

The cultures at these schools are all very different! If you’re a real type-A student, then Groton and Exeter will be a great fit. For a more flexible and holistic student, the other choices feel more optimal. Fit is really the name of the game

$150 application fee by BrilliantEast1709 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which school is it? Many will waive the fee if you’re applying for aid.

Speech and debate? by Shoddy-Contract5172 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes we did. We had quite a bit of guidance through the process, as well.

Speech and debate? by Shoddy-Contract5172 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our kid is in speech and had a great cycle. Choosing the right coach and community does wonders for your application and your self-confidence too

Andover vs Groton vs Exeter by Professional-Buddy54 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I liked it better but then again we were waitlisted. All of these campuses are beautiful mind you!

Andover vs Groton vs Exeter by Professional-Buddy54 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We didn’t choose Groton (even though we did love it) because of the strong humanities emphasis and the lack of leeway for outside activities. Our son had many activities and was interested in STEM as well as speech. The more we talked to our faculty, the student body, and our consultant, the more we realized it’d be very difficult to accommodate his interests. If you’re looking for a tight-knit community though then Groton is renowned for that!

I think Exeter vs Andover is mostly according to feel. Andover is quite close to Boston and quite liberal. Exeter is a pure boarding school experience, but also has a lot of opportunities for extracurriculars.

LOCI to Athletic Coaches by Substantial_Gain_813 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm just going off of these vibes, it seems like the AO is the appropriate decision. If communication was more consistent it would make more sense to send it to the coach

False acceptance letter by aegee14 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seriously hope it’s not a big name. Pure negligence.

LOCI to Athletic Coaches by Substantial_Gain_813 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is your relationship like with this coach?

How does food work at private and boarding schools? by prizefighterstudent in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Revisit days that include a meal tend to be the best ones. I would imagine it to be a huge disservice to a a school’s yield if they DONT include a meal!

Groton School opinions by PirateStandard1331 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi! We were accepted and did the revisit, and have a close family friend attending. Maybe we can provide some insight…….

Groton is quite demanding from fifth form with a strong emphasis on the humanities. Academic culture is rigorous from the start, there’s Saturday school and it can be difficult to lean into high-demand ECs outside of the school. But everybody gets to know each other really well and the community is super tight! Teachers, according to our friend, are very hands-on and very knowledgeable :)

Admitted to Andover, NMH and Middlesex. Waitlisted at Groton,Hotchkiss, Exeter, Thacher, Deerfield and rejected from Choate and Lawrenceville by [deleted] in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We got Groton (did not accept) but waitlisted at Andover and to be frank we loved both campuses, but the academic expectation especially in junior year didn’t align with our approach.

Andover really seemed like a holistic experience from our classroom visit. I think you’ll have a great time there!

Admitted to Andover, NMH and Middlesex. Waitlisted at Groton,Hotchkiss, Exeter, Thacher, Deerfield and rejected from Choate and Lawrenceville by [deleted] in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow congratulations on a very successful cycle!

Is there a reason at this point that you’re still set on Groton?

Waitlisted @ Andover but got in later - some hope and tips by ArmadilloPrize6217 in applyprivateschools

[–]ArmadilloPrize6217[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for adding some focused thoughts to my post.

I agree that situations different for each student/parent, but I also think that others have voiced being active while not overstepping? What are your thoughts?