In the United States, high school students often seek ways to improve their chances of acceptance into college.

One key strategy for securing admission to competitive universities is differentiating yourself as an applicant. Many students in the application pool may have similar GPAs, extracurricular experiences, and college entrance test scores.

Can attending a private or boarding school make one applicant stand out?

Believe it or not, it can!

Attending boarding school is often the path less taken. That alone is often a differentiator for admissions officers. Choosing a private school can be a great source of “telling your story” as an applicant. Moreover, the unique opportunities found through this experience offer a great opportunity to show yourself to be a well-rounded student who’s taken the time to prepare for the adjustments needed to succeed in a college experience.

Let’s explore how attending a boarding school can give you an edge in college admissions.

5 Ways Boarding School Provides a College Admissions Advantage

Boarding schools, including Oak Hill Academy, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Phillips Academy Andover, offer unique educational experiences that prepare students for college and beyond.

Boarding schools provide an educational setting where students live and learn together. This creates a close-knit school community that promotes personal growth, academic achievement, and independence.

When students choose to attend boarding school, they begin a journey that shapes them academically, socially, and personally. While living away from home during high school can be challenging, it often results in significant personal development and college preparation.

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Here are five key advantages that boarding students have in the college admissions process:

1. Dedicated College Admissions Support

Boarding schools offer dedicated college admissions departments. This support is a vital part of our program at Oak Hill Academy. With an average senior class of 35 students and two college advisors, we can provide personalized guidance throughout the admissions process.

Our college planning starts early, regardless of when a student joins us. We consider each student’s goals, strengths, and interests. Course selection is done with consideration for potential college majors and career interests, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future studies.

2. Comprehensive Application Process

Unlike many traditional high schools, where the college application process can feel rushed, boarding schools offer a more thorough approach. At Oak Hill, we guide students through every step of the process over an extended period.

Our college planning department organizes various activities to support students:

• Coordinating college research
• Facilitates attending presentations from visiting college admissions representatives
• Hosting essay writing and interview workshops
• Offering SAT prep courses

This approach ensures our students are well-prepared when submitting their applications.

3. Developing a Strong Personal Narrative

College admissions committees aim to understand applicants beyond grades and test scores. Boarding students often have unique stories about their personal growth and experiences.

Choosing to attend boarding school shows initiative and willingness to face new challenges. During their time at Oak Hill Academy, students discover new aspects of themselves, take ownership of their education, and become more independent. These experiences contribute to a compelling narrative that can distinguish boarding school applicants.

4. Better Social and Emotional Preparation

College admissions officers often find that boarding school students are better prepared for university life’s social and emotional aspects. Oak Hill Academy functions similarly to a small college campus, providing students with a collegiate structure while allowing for personal responsibility and time management.

Living in a dormitory—even those with on-hand dorm parents—helps students be more understanding of others, develop interpersonal skills, and learn self-reliance. Students are required to share living spaces, manage their time, and follow schedules—all important skills for college success.

5. Increased Emotional Intelligence and Diversity Awareness

Emotional intelligence and the ability to interact with diverse classmates are essential for college success. Boarding schools, especially those with diverse student populations like Oak Hill Academy, help students develop these skills.

Our students gain an understanding of cultural differences and learn to respect varied perspectives. These differences can be subtle, such as how students from different countries approach friendships and academics, or more pronounced, like differing religious backgrounds and social norms.

Learning to recognize and appreciate these differences prepares students for the diverse environments they’ll encounter in university and their future careers. College admissions officers value this experience as they seek students who will contribute positively to their diverse campuses.

The Oak Hill Academy Program

Oak Hill Academy provides a faith-based, rigorous academic environment that prepares students for college and life success. Our school year is structured to challenge and support students as they live and learn together, promoting personal growth and academic excellence.

Whether joining us straight from middle school or having already started high school, Oak Hill Academy students are part of a supportive community that encourages them to reach their potential.

Our faculty provides individual attention and guidance throughout each student’s academic journey.

Choosing Boarding School

For many students, attending boarding school is an uncommon choice. However, this decision often provides significant advantages in the college admissions process and beyond. Boarding schools offer the student body a combination of rigorous academics, personal growth opportunities, and a supportive community that prepares students for college and life.

As the college admissions process continues to change, standing out is increasingly important. By choosing a boarding school education, students invest in their academic future and their personal development. The skills, experiences, and relationships formed at boarding school can have long-lasting effects, helping students become well-rounded, independent individuals ready for the challenges of higher education and beyond.

When students choose to attend Oak Hill Academy, they join a select group of students who benefit from a unique educational experience. Our school provides an environment where students develop independence, time management skills, and a strong work ethic. These qualities and a high-quality education give our students a significant advantage in college admissions—and beyond.