Applying to Exeter and Andover, What Are My Chances?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

I’m currently going into 8th grade this August and I am applying to both Exeter and Andover for 9th grade. Realistically, I’m not confident that I’ll get in. I missed a lot of 7th grade due to family issues and even had to transfer to virtual school for the last semester because things were getting hectic. Despite this, I have mostly A’s and one or two B’s on my report card out of seven classes this year in all Accelerated courses. The school I’m attending this 2016 school year does not have many extra curriculars or sports, which gives me a bit of a disadvantage in that area of things, but I will try to the best of my ability to make sure I’m involved in almost everything because as I said, 7th grade went down hill. In addition to being in all Acc. courses, I am also taking a math course that is 1-2 years ahead of where I should be, and I participate in class enough (people call me a teachers pet sometimes…) that I could get an excellent teacher recommendation if my teachers like me. I have not yet taken the ISEE but do plan to, and I am preparing this summer. Also, is it worth it to note on my application that I self taught myself how to code and make websites? I’m also currently teaching myself Italian over the summer because things can get boring where I live in Nevada. Some other things I forgot to mention: I will be going on either full or most FA because my dad’s retirement from the military will put our income lower than it already is for a while, I have been awarded 4 Straight A’s award from third grade to sixth grade, I’m female, I have a Hispanic background as well as a Native American one (grandfather), but I could also count as Caucasian instead because my mother is and I look it (if that makes sense). I’ve been told my essay skills are “beyond excellent” but there’s always a chance of over exaggeration. What do you guys think? What should I expect for my interview, also? Thank you so much in advance for answering!

EDIT: forgot to mention I am also a volleyball player and cross country/track runner

2
  1. Prepare well and take your tests. With strong SSATs, that will mitigate some of the academic issues in 7th grade. Obviously you have the drive to augment your classwork with outside interests, and that will be helpful.
  2. Assess whether your skill levels in your sports are at a high enough level to contribute meaningfully to those sports at anywhere you apply. If you are unsure, contact the coaches at these schools.
  3. Your ethnic background and geographic location will be helpful.

It is natural to focus on two great schools with national name recognition–in many ways, Andover and Exeter are the Harvard and Yale of this process–the outsider’s view of “best” irrespective of any real research–but it will be critical for you to be able to articulate why these schools are good fits for you.

3

Why are you planning on taking the ISEE vs. the SSAT? If you read here most of the applicants for the schools for which you hope to apply take the SSAT. If you really want to go, you must as @Mr.Wendal says cast a much wider net.

4

I recommend the SSAT. That’s what most applicants take so you can compare your scores better. Also, it always seemed simpler to me.