So I was about 80% sure I would get into Phillips Exeter. But then I got my SSAT scores back, and I didn’t do as well as I would’ve liked. I got a 81 overall percentile. The average student in Phillips Exeter has a 90 overall percentile. My essays were very good (I got feedback from many people) and also my school grades are all in the A-A+ range. My talent is art- I’m in advanced art classes at my school and have participated in art contests. I’ve even placed 4th in Sculpture in a statewide art competition. (OVA- Olympics of the Visual Arts.) In the 6th grade my artwork also got picked to be hung up in the superintendents office. In 8th grade I also got picked out of the entire 8th grade (30 people were picked in total) to go to the RPI (College) Science Fair. I’m also very into poetry and photography and have a website- PM the OP for the site. ED that shows my talents. Another reason I’m really upset about my grade is that my twin brother, also applying for the same school as me, got his SSAT score as a 98 percentile. Anyway, I have my interview in two days. I’ve done practice interviews with my dad who said that I’m really good at getting interviewed because I have a fast reaction time to answering questions. So I’m wondering- do you think I’ll get in? Do you have advice on how to interview? Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank! 
Just put your best foot forward and let the chips fall where they may. Focus on being your best, not on the result. I think your Art talent makes you interesting. But with these elite prep schools, what helps most is whether you are from North Dakota or not, whether your family is full pay, whether you are legacy or a 3 Varsity athlete, unfortunately. Cast a wide net. Coming from someone whose student’s best friend got 10 out of 10 Wait List offers and is now in an ivy.
I also forgot to mention, I’m in many clubs- Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate, Spanish Club, Latin Club, Matheltics, Key Club, WE quality (Woman equality) I took Spanish for 3 years and I’m currently taking Latin. I can fluently speak English and Chinese. I played piano for 8 years, did tennis and dance for 2 years. All of my classes are either Honors or AP. (I’m in 9th grade)
Just a word of advice: interviews aren’t about response times. They’re about thoughtful, articulate answers.
Yes, I know. Thanks for the advice though! Do you think I will get in?
No one can tell you… except the admissions staff, when they send you the decision on March 10. If you want to commiserate with other prep school applicants, post this over on the Prep School Forum. Just remember that the admissions people really know what they are doing – they can usually tell who will be a good fit at their school, and who is likely to thrive there. Have faith in the process and good luck!
It really depends. The SSAT score is definitely going to hurt your chances, since it’s quite off from the usual Exeter applicant, but the SSAT isn’t everything. Essays and your upcoming interview will play a big role on how Exeter will see you as a person, not as a student, so they matter quite a lot. Of course, it’s all up to the admission officers, so I actually have no idea what your chances are.
And going back to what RoundGenius said, yes, interviews are about getting to know the student. I’m actually also applying to Exeter for Fall 2017, and I’ve already had my interview. It’s more casual than you think it is, and the interviewers (at least mine) are super nice and understanding. Just remember to treat it like a normal conversation, not like a business interview!
I hope we both get in - make sure to tell me on March 10 if you get accepted ^^
Hey! I would like to be honest. This is also a past issue that has been in Turkish high schools ( I am VERY familiar with both the Turkish and American school systems as I have spent a lot of time in both). They usually do not take both of the siblings in Turkey, to increase diversity. I would imagine that this is also the case for Exeter Academy. To increase the diversity, if they decide to take someone from either of you two, they will choose the better one. So for you, the competition is not between you and other applicants but it is you vs. your brother. I hope I am not sounding harsh. So your best bet would be to have a good interview to show that you are “better” than your brother. Sorry, but this is your best chance. Good luck !
Wow all your EC’s make a very strong application; and scores aren’t everything. Just blow them away with your interview and you’ll be fine. Are you applying to Andover too because then I think there would be a better chance for both you and your brother to get into and go to to prep schools. Btw, I’m also applying to exeter for fall 2017 so tell me if you get in!
@opposity Not sure this is true. In my experience BSs like twins and triplets and siblings.
Hey, @preppedparent @dreamer929schools @jkookie I am also applying for next year, so I hope we all get in (I am super nervous). By the way, I think you have a solid shot at acceptance @Hannah3857
Hey, @preppedparent @dreamer929schools @jkookie I am also applying for next year, so I hope we all get in (I am super nervous). By the way, I think you have a solid shot at acceptance @hannna