Hi everyone.
I am an international student who lives and studies in Africa. I am currently in 10th grade.
I recently applied to Phillips Exeter Academy. I require full FA.
I am in an MYP school (7-6 is an A 5-4 is considered a B)
my grades are:
English: 5
P. E.: 6
Design:7
Individuals and Societies: 6
Music: 6
Science:5
Math: 4
French:6
My ECs include:
A self initiated and self run club that works towards the empowerment of local youth by holding workshops.
Basketball team
Student Council Vice president
Choir
Supported and featured in a campaign #Bringbackourgirls which appeared on several social media sites (you’ve probably seen it ;))
The thing that continues to bother me most are my mediocre SAT scores:
600 Critical Reading
390 Math
560 Writing
I took the test without studying because I didn’t plan on applying and had limited resources for prep.
In my essays I wrote about starting my youth empowerment CCA and my passion for poetry and the poetry I wrote to bring awareness to the marginalisation of African women through sexual and domestic abuse as well as race on a blog.
My interview went relatively well. My interviewer and I connected because of our similarities and she said she hoped to see me at PEA.
I know my recs are strong as I have a solid relationship with all my teachers and headmaster.
What do you think?
According to the grade boundaries, my English Grade is 1 point from a 6. My teachers have commented frequently on my writing ability but didn’t do well on an assignment which is why my grade slipped up a bit. I usually score a 6.
My individuals and Societies score is one point from a 7.
Just thought I’d add for a better picture that 
Honestly, the fact that you are international and need full FA could put you at a large disadvantage. However, you are severely under-represented as someone from Africa (Exeter’s geographical diversity can be found here: http://www.exeter.edu/admissions/109_14710.aspx#Geographic_Diversity_of_International_Students)–there was only one* student from Africa for the 2014-2015 school year. Exeter loves diversity so this could also put you at an advantage. If you were from Asia and needed full FA, I’d say your chances are pretty slim because there are so many competitive applicants from Asia that are also full pay. However, since you are from an under-represented country, that would give you an advantage. It would depend on how much the admissions office values diversity and from there, if they would be willing to fully fund you or give you partial FA.
I’m assuming that you are fluent in English or English is your second language. Did you take the TOEFL?
You seem like a very well-rounded individual, especially on the essays/community service (volunteer) portions. The only thing I would be worried about is on the academic side, particularly the math.
Are you applying as a repeat 10th grader or an 11th grader? Applying to 10th/11th grades is also more competitive, as opposed to applying to 9th grade.
Thank you for your insight littleswimmer!
I am fluent in English so I did not take the TOEFL. How poorly do you think my SAT scores would reflect on my application?
No one here can honestly give you an accurate answer as we are not AOs and we do not know how much weight the Admissions Office places on SATs/SSATs. I believe the SATs are there mainly just to confirm your academic abilities and your grades. The worst case scenario is that they will question if you would be able to handle the academic workload at Exeter, but if you had outstanding teacher recommendations that supported your academic abilities, I doubt it would come to that. I know my answer is unsatisfactory but I hope I helped, at least a little bit.
Your answers have definitely helped me. I appreciate your input very much. Best wishes to you
I don’t usually respond to chances because no one really knows. I think your application will be heavily debated… Diversity is something larger schools like PEA is willing to gamble on, but there will be concern whether you can keep up with the math and science. I am familiar with the IB, and a 4 in math is low, a 5 in science is not high either. Your SAT score is low.
Further, IB Math is a little different than how math would is taught in the US… If you are doing more IB style large scale problem solving assessments, you will find that there is more emphasis on pure mathematical skills and you will be behind. So whether you get into PEA or not, I would suggest you study math on your own. For now, doing SAT workbooks is good enough.
I think US boarding school would be a wonderful experience for you and the students and teachers would learn so much from your perspective.
Because you need full FA, I would encourage you to apply for a wider range of schools NOW, those with rolling admissions. If you wait to hear from PEA and you are not accepted , it may be too late for schools to offer you full FA. There are many, many wonderful schools besides PEA. I have heard there are schools who will even waive application fees for international students applying for full FA (I could be wrong…) But do more research and good luck at PEA and elsewhere!
Thanks Disneymama. Are you a parent with children at Exeter or other boarding schools?
I did some research and have got a list of boarding schools with rolling admissions. Thank you again for your advice and good wishes 
@PhotographerMom Would you mind giving me your perspective? You seem to be knowledgeable about the application process. Thanks so much!