Why Are Some Schools So Competitive?

Question: Why Are Some Schools So Competitive?

Many parents and students wonder why some schools seem to be almost impossible to get into. Why is that the case? What do you need to do to make the grade at one of those schools?

Answer: The list of boarding schools which accept less than 25% of their applicant pool includes familiar names such as Phillips Andover, Phillips Exeter, Hotchkiss, St. Paul's, Lawrenceville and Milton Academy. Why are these schools and others like them so selective? What is so special about them? Most of the highly competitive schools have a well-earned reputation for excellence in all things. In many instances what they offer far exceeds anything you will find at many colleges. Their faculties are first-rate. Their endowments are enormous and expertly managed. The breadth and depth of their course offerings are simply superb. Their athletic facilities defy description. Their extra-curricular activities cover the gamut.

None of this should be unexpected when you consider that most of these schools have been around for decades. You would expect them to have got it right after all those years and, indeed, they have. As a result, an education at one of these top schools is highly prized.

So, what if your child isn't able to get into a highly selective school? Is it the end of the world? Hardly! There are hundreds of fine schools just waiting for you to consider them. That's why you need an educational consultant. He or she will advise you about which schools your child stands a good chance at being admitted to and encourage you to apply to those. He will also encourage you to apply to school or two which he considers a 'stretch', as well as one or two which are 'safe' schools. That way your child will get in somewhere acceptable to you.