Chances of getting into Andover/Exeter

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

Please chance me! I am a 7th grade female who is interested in applying to boarding schools in New England (Andover, Exeter, St. Paul’s, etc.) for 9th grade (2018-2019 school year). I would appreciate any feedback on how I could improve my application, any advice, or my likelihood of getting in. Keep in mind I am also applying to other boarding schools that I have a better chance of getting into, so please do not tell me I should apply to other schools. (Sorry this is so long)

Academics:
My grade averages so far this year…
Algebra- A+
Grammar- A+
Language Arts- A
Latin- A+
Science- A+
History- A+
This past January I took the SATs for the Duke TIP Program, and I got an 1200 out of 1600. These scores qualified me for Duke’s highest summer studies camp, which I believe is called Center. I also got into SIG (Summer Institute for the Gifted) Yale, so I have decided to go to the latter this summer.

I have not yet taken the SSATs, but I believe I will do well because I have gotten great scores on the practice tests I have taken.

I am in all the highest classes a person in my grade at my school can take.

I have a passion for geography, and got the highest score in my school for Geography Bee tryouts. Unfortunately, I was not able to compete as I was away the day of the bee. Next year I hope to win the bee and even try to go onto my state’s bee. I also love science, specifically biology. This year I got 3rd place at my school’s science fair (which is pretty good since I am at a very large school).

Athletics:
Currently I am on my school’s track and field team and also do power tumbling (a form of gymnastics). I have a background in competition cheerleading, and my team ended up placing in the final rounds at nationals. This probably won’t help, though, as I don’t think any of the schools I am applying to have cheerleading. I also have a history in soccer and am thinking of starting to play again. Also, I have interests in cross country, field hockey, and skiing.

Extracurriculars:
Unfortunately my school and town don’t offer many opportunities like debate club or math team. I am in art and yearbook club at my school, though. My art has been displayed in the state fair before. I am in my school’s National Honor Society.

Volunteering:
I try to volunteer at my local food bank every other week, which I want to do more often in the summer. I also am thinking of joining my city’s teen leadership program at a public library, which does lots of volunteering work. Next Summer, I want to go on a mission trip to Costa Rica, or apply to be an junior intern at my city’s hospital.

Teacher Reccomendations:
Generally, all my teachers this year like me, and I am already starting to form bonds with my 8th grade teachers next year. Teachers at my school are accustomed to writing letters of reccomendation, and usually speak highly of me during parent-teacher conferences, so I am not worried about these. I also hope to get a letter from my principal, since he knows me pretty well.

Traits:
I would consider myself an extremely driven and independent person. It was my idea 100% to apply for boarding school, not my parents. I am a hard worker and do not give up easily.

(If it helps I will be paying full tuition if I get in)

2

Speaking as a former applicant, your application is really impressive. I have done several programs similar to SIG and they were really fun (and actually what made me want to apply to boarding school). I wasn’t accepted by either Andover or Exeter (I was waitlisted by both). So it’s likely that most of my application was at least slightly admissable. However, for whatever reason, I wrote my essays a day or two before the deadline. I also took a major risk with my Andover essay, which probably wrecked my chances after a great interview. I think risks are supposed to be good, but mine completely backfired. My main essay for Exeter was really kind of cliché, but I assumed that they would overlook it. It was a bad idea, considering that at my interview, the admissions officer strongly advised me to write about a unique topic specific to my situation. I didn’t. So I would recommend spending time thinking about your essays. Also, don’t stress about a bad interview, or bad SSAT scores (in case they happen, because sometimes they do). I normally get 99% on standardized testing, and the practice tests. I got a 70% the first two times I took the test. I guess third time was the charm, and I got a 95%. Sorry if my reply feels like too much about me–I just thought that some of this information could be at least a little bit applicable to your situation (because I unfortunately can’t tell you your chances for these schools, nor can anybody besides the admissions officers). Good luck with your search!

3

Hey! I recently applied to Andover, was waitlisted, and am attending Choate next year. Just keep your grades in the A range and you are good. Aim for at least 90% on the SSAT. I think that if you do some of the things that you were planning to this summer, and keep doing that you’re doing in general, I think that you can get into Exeter: Andover is a tossup for everyone. Maybe try to start a math or debate club? Just find some kids that like math or debate and ask your principal if it’s ok to organize a club with a teacher. In terms of community service: the food bank isn’t as good as the teen leadership group or the Costa Rica thing OR the hospital thing. If I were you, I would stick with the latter three and maybe not even do the food bank because it’s something that a lot of kids do.

In terms of other schools to apply to… where else are you planning on applying? I just want to know out of curiosity.

Overall, I think you are likely to get into a couple of great schools!

4

Thank you for your advice! I’m not entirely sure where else I want to apply, but I was actually thinking of applying to Choate. :slight_smile:

5

If you are willing to try something new with your gymnastics and cheerleading background you might want to consider diving. Besides that you definitely look like a very strong candidate based and I wish you luck on the admissions process ahead.

6

I won’t chance you because nothing’s ever certain, but that’s one impressive application. I can tell you that boarding schools do really dig summer studies- I did Duke TIP last summer, and interviewers at Andover and Exeter really liked that. Make sure you bring it up during interviews. Also, make sure to emphasize your most distinguishing personality traits or passions through essays or interviews.

7

Sorry that it took a bit to respond, but applying to Choate would be GREAT! It’s acceptance rate was the same as Exeter’s this year, and as I said: I think that you can get into Exeter (however nothing is certain). I think that Exeter and Choate are great “match” schools for you, and that Andover is your “reach” because it’s a reach for everybody.

8

Hhhhmmmmm. That Exeter comment isn’t exactly true. SwimKid knows loads of people who get into Andover and very few who get into Exeter. Swim kid got into both A/E but was waitlisted 2 years at Choate. So to make broad comments like that probably isn’t fair. Honestly, it is all a crap shoot and depends on what each school is looking for that year. Exeter is NOT a “safety” school by any stretch of the imagination. None of the usual suspects are.

9

You definitely have some great stats, and a good shot. As many people already noted-- nothing is certain.
Yes, that statement is chorused all over this forum, but you really can’t know. These schools look to diversify their classes, so it all depends on the year and scenario.

Good luck :)! Don’t hesitate to PM me with anything. I just got over the whole process, and now am enrolled.

10

One thing you might want to keep in mind is that Andover tends to judge you based on your background a lot. This includes legacy, URM, famous/super rich family, etc.

11

Omg I’m applying for the same year! Hope you get in, good luck!!

12

@bumblebee1212 this is not specific to Andover. Many care if you are a URM or if you are super rich/legacy, but each school weighs these factors differently.