How many applications do students from The Gunnery submit?

The average number of applications is 8 to 10.

What percent of students apply early decision/early action?

Between 25 and 30 percent

How important is the college essay?

Extremely important.  The essay is the one aspect of the application process over which the student has control.  It is also the student’s chance to tell his/her story, to be an individual instead of a set of numbers.  All juniors are advised to begin writing their essays over the summer.  The English department and the College Counseling office assist with proofreading and editing these essays during the fall term of the senior year.

What are the most important aspects of a student’s record in terms of college acceptance?

Colleges look at grades over all four years of high school.  The quality of the transcript is as important as grades.  For example, a quality program should include Honors level and/or Advanced Placement courses.  Students applying to competitive colleges should go beyond the basic high school requirements whenever possible.  This means taking additional math, foreign language, science, or history courses once the requirements for graduation have been fulfilled.

Is it better to take an AP level course in which the grade may be lower than an easier course in which the grade may be higher? 

Colleges are aware of the challenging nature of a student’s curriculum.  If a student is qualified to take an AP course, he/she should not opt for an easier course.  A slightly lower grade in a more challenging course will not hurt the student’s chances of gaining admission.

How important are SAT’s?

Very important.  The SAT is often the deciding factor in college admissions although colleges tend to play down the role of SAT’s when talking with prospective students.  The SAT is at least as important as a student’s grades and the quality of the academic program.

What about letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are another very important part of the student’s profile.  Students request letters of recommendation from two teachers.  The college counselor also writes a profile on each student.  These three recommendations are narrative in form and give a well-rounded picture of the student’s experiences and achievements at The Gunnery. 

What are the factors that contribute the most to making the college process a difficult one?

The main factor is the growing number of applicants. There are more 17 year olds in the US than ever before so colleges are now receiving many more applications than they received in past years.

Another factor is the variation in financial aid packages.  Financial aid awards are need-based, but very few schools are totally need-blind.  For this reason, a student who is a marginally strong candidate for admission is not as likely to receive as generous an award as a student who is a highly desirable candidate.  Students who are taken off the wait-list are often not awarded financial aid.  The College Counselor at The Gunnery strongly advises parents to have ongoing discussions with the Financial Aid Office at the colleges to which their son or daughter will be applying.