Hi all, I just turned in my application a week ago. I am a 10th grader applying to Grade 11 Fall Term of 2017.
Here are my accomplishments:
Grade: 10
Gender: Male
SSAT: 92% overall percentile rank
Classes:
Fall 2016
Algebra 2/Trigonometry H: A
Chemistry H: A
English 10A: A
Spanish 3H: A
US Government: A
Functional Programming: A
Physical Education: A
My grades in 9th grade are also straight As. My hardest classes were Honors Geometry and Honors Biology.
Unweighted GPA in High School = 4.00
Extracurricular Activities:
Sports: Water Polo, Cross Country, Swimming (all JV; made league finals for all 3 sports)
75 hours of community service
Boy Scout Life Rank (180 miles hiked, 30 nights camping)
Speech and Debate (2 years)
CSF (California Scholarship Federation); 3 semesters of high school
Photography (won an award at 2016 Scholastic Arts and Awards)
Rec Letters: These are probably the weak part of my application. A very good rec, a good rec, and 2 average recs.
Essays: Strong writing on the 2 short answer prompts, but a weaker long essay.
Interview: Summer 2016; went fantastic, admission officer showed real interest.
Overall, Grade 11 admissions for Andover are really low, but I believe I still have a chance. What do you guys think?
If you chance me, I’ll chance back. Good luck on your applications!
It’s hard for anybody to say but I think you have a decent chance. Being from an underrepresented state and area helps your chances. I’m actually from the Bay Area too! Where are you?
@FromBayArea , are you interested in pursuing sports at Andover? If so, I would reach out to the water polo coach via email. Water Polo players are primarily incubated in California, and that would be a potential “hook” in your application. Also, would you consider repeating the 10th grade? That would substantially improve your chances for admission. California is by no means an “underrepresented” state at PAA. There were approx. 50 Californians in 2016. Hope that helps and best of luck!
Honestly, you are very qualified in my opinion. The recommendations might drag you down, but everything else is terrific! Also, look for keywords in your interview? For example, in my interview at Brooks, the women asked me, “If you do get accepted to Brooks, will you be able to handle the workload?”. And she said this directly after complimenting me for my works. Now, I’m no admission expert, but logically, if they ask questions like these, you’ll probably have good chances with the school you’re applying to. Good luck and hopefully you get in!
