<p>Okay, why not? I do realize that at some point this is a futile exercise in speculation, but would love your take.</p>
<p>My son is currently in 8th grade in a public high school in northern Massachusetts and applying to Exeter as a day student for next fall. We live about 25 minutes from the school.</p>
<p>Here's an overview:</p>
<p>Middle school starts in sixth grade, so no letter grades prior to that. Since then he has had all A's in both major subjects and electives. This is the first year kids are leveled for math and he placed into the honors group (top fifth were placed).</p>
<p>Academic:
-High Honors
-Math Team
-Finalist in all-school Geography Bee 6&7th grades.
-School book discussion group (not compulsory)</p>
<p>ECs:
Soccer for last five years. Not a star athlete, but was able to move up to a local club team this year.</p>
<p>Extensive theater resume. Acting classes, vocal instruction, and many shows principal roles in prestigious regional theater companies.</p>
<p>Archery - JOAD pins (I forget levels)</p>
<p>Avid hiker </p>
<p>Recommendations will be strong from both English and Math teachers and EC. </p>
<p>Not taking SSAT until Nov but seems comfortable with practice tests. Typically tests very well. Very high scores on the state assesments.</p>
<p>Can u call Exeter to ask what its admit rate is for day vs. boarding applicants? If u do find out, please post it in the forum, as expect a lot of people would be curious to know.</p>
<p>I graduated from Exeter and spent my 4 years working in admissions. Couple of things…</p>
<p>Yes there is a different admit rate for boarders vs day as the admissions office is not constrained by bed availability and if they want a few more day students they can admit them.</p>
<p>One of the most important factors in admission takes place during the interview. As we utilize the harkness method, the admissions office needs to evaluate each applicant to determine their “fit”. Will they be additive around the table? Many students are not admitted not because they are unable to do the work, but because they may be better suited learning in a different environment. </p>
<p>If your son is given the opportunity, Exeter is an incredible and wonderful place.<br>
Good Luck</p>
<p>So…he had his interview and it seemed very positive - interviewer spent over an hour with him (is that normal?). I especially appreciated the debrief with just my husband and me afterwards - what a treat to see your child through their eyes! </p>
<p>The interviewer also suggested we send samples of his performances for AO to share with the theater department, which we had not thought to do because we were reluctant to be overbearing and send more than what was asked for. So that was nice to know that is welcomed. </p>
<p>Another update is that our son just received the results of the spring MCAS (state achievement test), and he got a perfect score on math and a 278/280 on ELA. I know his current school is asked to include those with their school report - wondering how much Exeter considers these?</p>
<p>He’s not taking the SSAT until November because of a conflict with the Oct test date, but on practice tests seems to be acing the math sections and getting roughly high 80s on his verbal and reading sections. I’ve got him studying vocab when he can but don’t want him to be killing himself over one test. </p>
<p>Anyway, long story short - he’s absolutely in love with the school. It just seems such a perfect fit for him. Here’s hoping!</p>