chances at PA/PEA/SPS and others (from an insider)

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
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<p>I am a graduate of Andover '92 and I was also accepted into the other schools I applied to: Exeter and Loomis Chaffee. I work with the Alumni Admissions Office at Andover, where I interview potential candidates. </p>

<p>One thing that is ubiquitous on this site is the idea of "chancing." I see potential applicants provide a "resume" where every AP exam, every extracurricular activity, and every academic award is listed. And many of these are truly impressive. But.....</p>

<p>If you are applying to a school that accepts less than 20% of its applicants, the competition is extremely stiff. In other words, EVERY applicant has taken honors level classes, plays ten instruments, does theatre, plays football or soccer, is in a gazillion clubs at school....and still has time to make honor roll with the highest GPA at school. </p>

<p>The part of the application process you should "worrying" about and best prepare for is the INTERVIEW. This is the time when you shine as an individual and stand out from all the other high-achievers. </p>

<p>Besides your interview, focus on the essays on the application. Write about something that truly means something to you and keeps your name in the mind of the admissions committee. STAND OUT!</p>

<p>I didn't have perfect grades in middle school and I didn't do loads of extracurrics, but I believe that I got into Andover, Exeter and Loomis because I interview very well and I write well. I also had a pretty interesting life, which I made sure I relayed to the folks in admissions. If I put my life as an 8th grader up to be "chanced" at Andover on this site, I'm sure most kids on this website would tell me to set the bar a little lower! In other words, don't discount what schools think of you as a person, as opposed to just on paper.</p>

<p>Essentially, the "resumes" provided on these pages are impressive. But EVERY applicant will have a similarly impressive CV, especially at these schools that accept fewer than 20% of its applicants. Andover, for example, accepted just over 14% this year. MAKE YOURSELF STAND OUT and let the school get to know YOU, not your report card. BE ORIGINAL and BE CREATIVE! </p>

<p>And GOOD LUCK!</p>

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<p>Thank you very, very much for this post.
I hadn’t known much about boarding schools, so I went on this site and I felt completely self-conscious. You just made me feel much better. I know there’s no way I could absolutely get in, but at least now I feel like I have more of a chance. :)</p>

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<p>Had a nephew get into SPS and PE. Average applicant, but at the end of one of the interviews, when he was going over his interests, he mentioned that he also spoke portuguese. His interviewer immediately asked him a question in the language and luckily for my nephew he wasn’t bluffing and could answer. The interviewer lived there for two years! Moral of the story is be original and creative but be sure you can back it up.</p>

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<p>Thank you for this post! It made me feel better about my application.</p>

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<p>Glad my post helps. Remember that these schools are looking for unique individuals, so keep that in mind when interviewing or writing your essays. Good luck!</p>

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<p>Hi, I’m applying for Andover and a few other top schools for 9th grade. I’m an international student. My grades in the past few years were mediocre. I’m in a full IB school. I got only 1 The IB scale is 1-7 7 for my mid term grade. very few 6s, some 5s and 4s. Do I still have a chance for Andover? I’m working very hard on my essay and will concentrate on my interview. One last question. What language will my interviewer use during the interview? I will interview with an alumni representative. Thankyou</p>