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Student J

Boarding School Admissions

Offer: 

The Lawrenceville School
The Hotchkiss School
The Taft School

 

From: US Junior Boarding Sschool

Interests: Professional Figure Skating, Sports, photography, history

Personality traits: Persistent and resilient, strong-hearted, fearless in the face of challenges

 

Application Journey

J is an exceptional student at our school, consistently achieving top academic honors while continually challenging herself. Beyond academics, she holds pivotal roles as a school tour guide, orchestra flute section leader, admissions office assistant, and grade-level leader, refining her leadership prowess. She also excels as a vital member of our school’s ice hockey and field hockey teams, actively engaging in diverse campus activities. Her adeptness in seamlessly transitioning between these roles prompts us to ponder: where lies the essence of being a “high-quality young woman”?

 

01. High-Quality Young Woman

J embarked on her journey in figure skating at the tender age of 4. Childhood for J meant icy rinks, rigorous training, and the pressures of coaching. Intrigued by the smooth ice and swift skates, she progressed from a simple hobby to intensive professional training, navigating moments of deep frustration. Despite vowing to quit due to the arduous training, returning to the school’s rink rekindled her joy and resilience. Reflecting on her experiences, she asserts, “It is these trials that have made me fearless in adversity.”

 

Moreover, figure skating unexpectedly enriched J’s life. While not highlighted in her application as a specialty, her evolution from passion to weariness and back underscored her unique journey on the ice. We strongly recommend she articulate this narrative in her essays and interviews, as it left a profound impact on admissions officers.

 

02. Close to Top US Boarding Schools, Perhaps Just a Stack of Photos Away

As J matured, her love for photography blossomed. Capturing architecture, landscapes, and the unnoticed facets of life, she found her voice through the lens. Her photographic achievements, including recognition in state-level competitions across the United States, underscore her talent.

 

J’s commitment extends beyond photography to community service, where she uses art to explore the world’s intricacies and unveil the beauty in overlooked moments. These endeavors reveal her sensitivity and enrich her profile with compelling humanistic narratives that resonate deeply with admissions officers.

 

03. Strong Inner Drive and Pioneering Spirit

In addition to her stellar academic and extracurricular record, J’s application highlights her unwavering drive and pioneering spirit. Guided by our support, she tackled the history essay competition, “The Concord Review,” delving into feminist studies with a depth surpassing her peers. As the sole middle school participant, she collaborated with high school and college students, navigating divergent perspectives to elevate her research prowess.

 

04. One Walks Fast, but a Group Walks Far

While US boarding schools emphasize team cohesion, J predominantly pursued individual projects. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, we advised her to immerse herself in school team activities to experience camaraderie and collective success. Leveraging her athletic prowess and solid foundation, J swiftly became a linchpin in the varsity ice hockey and field hockey teams, assuming leadership roles that fostered unity. Her affable nature seamlessly integrated her into the team, forging lasting bonds with her peers.

Consultant’s Insights

I would like to refer to J as the “Hexagonal Warrior,” as everything she does, whether in academics or activities, is remarkable. What’s even more rare is her approachability, humility, and gentleness, which allow her to easily connect with everyone.

 

Therefore, we aim to highlight her unique strengths, distinguishing her from other outstanding students, and present to the admissions officers a story of an “atypical” academic achiever.

 

 

J’s growth story tells us that the path of growth may be fraught with twists and turns, but there will ultimately be a rainbow after the rain. When facing the application process, it is important to stay focused, clear on goals, and strategic.

As the renowned British author Jeff Dyer once said, whatever we pursue, we are actually pursuing ourselves. J is bravely pursuing her true self, the one she loves, perseveres with, and believes can bring light to the world.