Getting into Andover?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

<p>Hi, I'm an 8th grader applying to Phillips Academy Andover for 9th grade. I visited the campus and did TONS of research on the school, and it's my #1 choice now (I'm also applying to Deerfield, Choate, and Exeter). It's crazy how much I want to get in!!! Here are my stats:</p>

<p>My grades last year (7th) were all in the A range. (I got a C+ in tech in 6th grade because I somehow forgot a project... will this affect me!!?!?)</p>

<p>On my SSAT, I scored in the 99th percentile for all the sections. I guess I'm good at taking standardized tests, but I heard the SSAT doesn't really count for that much in the application process.</p>

<p>For EC's:
• I'm a competitive swimmer who won the high point at the Metropolitan Junior Olympics (Entire NY/Long Island Area)... I also placed in the top 10 at an Eastern Zone meet which includes the fastest swimmers from Maryland, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, New England, Potomac Valley, Niagara, and Middle Atlantic. </p>

<p>• I took up golf this summer which I really enjoyed and excelled at - I got a hole in one my first time on the course! (beginner's luck :P) I can average in the 90s now per round.</p>

<p>• I'm the captain of our middle school's cross country team.</p>

<p>• I started this small thing where I made a lot of cancer awareness bracelets by hand and sold them to my peers. I made about $471, which I donated all to charity.</p>

<p>• I'm first chair flutist in my middle school band</p>

<p>SO I'm kind of worried because I'm not sure if my ECs stand out enough... I enjoy a lot of things but I haven't actually won many AWARDS from them.. is that really bad?</p>

<p>Also, for the interview, should I tell the interviewer about all my achievements? My mom says I should really push that topic but I'm kind of uncomfortable showing off myself..</p>

<p>OH YEAH, one more thing, I'm asian, if that matters.</p>

2

<p>You sound like an outstanding applicant. However, being asian will probably have a very large impact on your chances of admission, which is so unfortunate, because you can’t control your heritage. However, based on your grades, scores, and ECs, you will most likely be qualified to attend. It’s just a matter of how much room the school has. Schools try to cover as many nationalities as possible, and unfortunately, asians are an over-represented race. Keep on applying, study hard for the SSATs, shine in your interviews, and just continue to work hard, but be aware that the chances of admissions are very, very slim. (sorry to be a downer - you sound like a great person/student!)</p>

<p>About the interviews: you can’t be uncomfortable about showing yourself off. I know this can be awkward, because I am modest by nature as well, but this is the one chance for the admissions office to get to know you and for you to expand about the extra-curricular activities you included on your applications. So brag! This is about you, and with the competition you and everybody else are up against, there is no room for modesty.</p>

<p>Good luck! Feel free to PM me with any questions - I am reapplying for sophomore year at Andover, Deerfield, and Blair :)</p>