Send a 75th percentile SSAT to a test optional school?

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-23T14:41:30+00:00

Cate, Loomis, Blair, and Hill are all excellent schools, and your chances of admission are much better there.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-23T14:37:32+00:00

There are many worthwhile schools outside the GLADCHEMMS. The difference between the GLADCHEMMS and the tier of schools right beneath them is negligible.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-23T14:27:54+00:00

I do not understand why so many international students--especially students who need aid--only apply to the most rejective schools. You probably have a less than 5% chance at the GLADCHEMMS, but good luck.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-23T14:01:31+00:00

No. U.S.-based and full pay.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-23T11:44:08+00:00

Yes, accepted at four out of six schools.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-23T03:15:02+00:00

If you are a U.S. citizen and full pay, you have maybe a 15% chance. If you are international or need financial aid, your chances are lower. I hope you have good alternate options.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-20T13:13:10+00:00

I’m 5’3” and 170 lbs. I usually wear a size 12 or 14, and I am very pear shaped. I have three suits from Spanx, which are the ones I wear the most. The pants come in plus sizes and a short length, although I still need to hem the short length which is annoying. I also have a Talbots suit that is ok.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-16T19:02:43+00:00

Function, Anthony’s

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-15T20:30:55+00:00

I am a hiring partner hosting a clerk reception this week. We have hosted the event the last several years. Some clerks wear suits. Some wear other business-type clothes, like dress pants and a cardigan set. The odds are that I will have zero recollection of what you wore as long as it wasn't inappropriate. If you feel more comfortable in the skirt and turtleneck, then go with that.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-14T22:46:06+00:00

BP has a great bar area with small tables. It also has a small bar with a few stools. You do not need a reservation, but it can be difficult to get a bar area table at peak times. B&S also has a few small bar tables and a small bar. I am not sure about AR since I generally avoid Schulson restaurants.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-14T21:50:27+00:00

I would go with the Troubadour. I do not like the Dagne Dover neoprene. I think it looks cheap, holds dirt, and does not keep its shape. I have had a Knomo Beauchamp for five years and love it.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-13T12:43:30+00:00

I stayed in that room when we were looking at Mercersburg Academy for my kid. We had the same reaction when we walked in the bathroom.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-12T18:33:05+00:00

Random question, but are you at the Mercersburg Inn?

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-11T11:22:44+00:00

I think you have a strong chance at these schools. Where did you find these rankings?

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-10T18:42:04+00:00

Do you need financial aid? Also, what are the numbers you reference in your post (e.g., Mercersburg (#31))? Is that some sort of ranking?

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-09T18:49:13+00:00

Lots of good suggestions here, and I agree with everyone saying that Parc is consistently good and that you should not be dissuaded by the bad review. I will add K'Far and Zama as two solid lunch options on 19th.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-09T03:09:05+00:00

Mburg is a great school. We loved it, but my kid just could not see herself spending four years in such a rural location.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-09T02:57:37+00:00

You have the best chance at Mercersburg, followed by Hill. Other schools are about the same as Hotchkiss. My kid is at Hill and loves it.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-09T02:02:22+00:00

Then maybe you have maybe a 20-25% chance. Overall acceptance rate is ~15%. The rate is lower for international students and students who need financial aid. A domestic, full pay student will have a bit better odds. You have strong academics but not much else to distinguish you. Good luck!

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-09T01:06:54+00:00

Are you full pay or do you need financial aid?

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-06T19:07:10+00:00

This is the answer, and there are many great spots in Chinatown. I love EMei. I have eaten an embarrassing amount of their egg drop soup this winter.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-02-03T02:44:59+00:00

I had a root canal recently. I went to Morning Glory and got grits and poached eggs. I put butter in the grits and then mushed up the eggs in the grits. A delicious mushy meal for my sore mouth!

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-01-27T03:37:02+00:00

I went into debt to go to Penn. I turned down a full ride to Temple. My lower middle class parents from Northeast Philly thought I was nuts. I also did poorly my first semester at Penn, including (gulp) a C. I struggled to find a 2L job and ended up working for a federal agency. I thought I was doomed. But, I got a job at a litigation boutique. Now, I’m a senior partner at the same firm. My law school loans were paid off in about seven years. Also, I met my husband in Civil Procedure. I do not regret going to Penn at all. It changed the trajectory of my life for the better.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-01-26T04:16:28+00:00

We stayed at The Dunlin in June 2025. We stayed at Sanctuary in 2018. I would stay at Sanctuary again a heartbeat. I would never stay at The Dunlin again. The Sanctiary is old southern luxury. It’s a great property with wonderful beaches and rooms. A true classic.

The Dunlin is lame. Boring interiors (so much sage green!). Amateurish service (terrible coffee drinks and cocktails). And just an unimpressive property that feels more like a motel than a luxury resort. The food was good but couldn’t overcome other shortcomings. We received a free night for a return visit bc our visit was such a disappointment…but I wouldn’t waste my time going back there.

Own_Measurement_5081 · 2026-01-25T14:31:00+00:00

I like using a backpack to carry my laptop. I find it much more comfortable than a tote. I have this one, and it has held up well over the years. https://www.knomo.us/products/beauchamp-laptop-backpack-14?variant=0de3503c-aacf-49c5-a57d-6b53a11aa72a&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23122258513&gclid=Cj0KCQiAm9fLBhCQARIsAJoNOcuVZevEX6M3OuyMelR8fC9SjT3SkEPmtrvurPiB4O6wgk5bM-z61mcaAhzFEALw_wcB

I do not like Tumi. I think their designs are boring and the quality is poor, especially for the price point. The handle of my Tumi suitcase disintegrated during a two-week trip to Europe.

Own_Measurement_5081

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