Can I enter in 12th Grade at a prep school?

<p>Hello Everyone!</p>

<p>I am going to be a 12th grader this fall, and wanted to transfer to a prep school. I am seriously considering Phillips Andover Academy, is this recommended? Can 12th graders enroll into these schools?</p>

<p>I am very academically and extracurricularly accomplished, so I think I have a good chance at getting in. I know it's rather late to be admitted, but is admission still possible?</p>

<p>Also, do you have any other recommendations for me as to other good schools?</p>

<p>Andover appealed to me because of its rigorous academics, good alumni track record, and the number of kids getting into colleges like Harvard and Yale. </p>

<p>I'd really appreciate advice on this matter</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>While I'm sorry that I can't exactly answer your question, I'd say Andover probably does admit a few twelfth graders because they have post-grads as well. However, I'm not sure you can apply for this fall--Andover's selective and has probably filled up for this year.</p>

<p>Also keep in mind that your reasons for wanting to attend are a bit disillusioned. Coming in as a twelfth grader means you have <em>significantly</em> less time to become a member of the community. You won't have time to establish yourself in classes or extracurriculars, and you'll need good recs and to be the top 3-ish% of your class to have a good chance and HY without any hooks. It'll be hard to get good grades when getting used to harder classes, more homework, and being away from home. You're also competing with legacies, athletes, URMs, and kids with very specific, lopsided interests for top schools. H and Y are taking less kids from Andover and other top schools each year as they try and cast their net wider, and that means that you'll need something to set you apart from those who have been focused students at the academy for years. </p>

<p>Just my two cents. I certainly can't speak for you as I know little of your specific situation, but I would urge you to consider just staying at home--you'll be off to college in a year, and it'll go by faster than you think. Focus on what you already love at home.</p>

<p>Many schools will NOT admit 12th graders. You might consider doing a repeat junior year. That gives you time for your college application process (recs etc) and to become part of the community.</p>

<p>I am pretty sure Andover does not take new 12th graders, but they do take repeat 11th graders
Cushing Academy takes new 12 graders and Salisbury might too</p>

<p>From the Andover web site (Admissions Frequently Asked Questions):</p>

<p>
[quote]
A total of 30-35 new seniors and postgraduates round out the graduating class.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yes, it is possible to enter prep schools as a senior. However, given that Andover starts in less than two months, and they have completed their regular admissions cycle for this fall, and they do not seem to be taking anyone off of the wait list, it is unlikely that they have any spots open. You would know more information if you called their admissions office directly.</p>

<p>Also, the acceptance rate for Andover and many schools is less than 25% of all applicants. So, there are certainly no guarantees, no matter how accomplished you are.</p>

<p>I must also agree with the comments of glassesarechic. Attending a boarding school should be a careful decision by the student and family. It sounds like you are trying for a quick change. Search this forum and you will find a good deal of information about students entering boarding schools as seniors and post-graduates. Also, there are many excellent boarding schools in this country. If you and your family do decide that boarding school is the right option for you, you should broaden your search to increase your chances of acceptance.</p>

<p>Good luck, and welcome to the forum!</p>

<p>If I were you, I would wait one year and enter in as a PG.</p>

<p>most schools are open to the idea of accepting a 12th grader assuming you have a very very good reason.</p>

<p>I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I must tell you your chances of being admitted, now, for Phillips Academy in autumn as a twelfth grader is pretty much zero. Applying now, for any year, your chances are basically zero unless your family is extremely wealthy or famous, or you are absolutely extraordinary. Twelfth grade is extremely competitive anyway, but at this point, I do not believe they are even accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year. They stopped in January.
I'm sorry for the bad news, but if as you highly accomplished now, I am sure you will be able to attend a wonderful college and do well there. If your sights are truly set on Andover, though, consider a PG year.</p>