How do I get into Philips Exeter/ what is it like

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

hello, I’m going to be applying soon to Exeter for the 19-20 school year and was wondering things like do u think I will get in, what can I improve, tips and tricks, etc. I have played varsity basketball for 3 years and varsity volleyball for 4. I also do travel volleyball the rest of the year. I am in student council and (I used to be the secretary) have been for five years. I always have an excess of volunteer hours, and I have interned at cold spring harbor laboratories the past two years. I have also faced adversity through the death of a parent when I was younger. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for as long as I can remember, rarely scoring under a 94. I would really appreciate your thoughts and advice.
Yours truly

2

Applying for what year?

3

9th

4

Why Exeter?

5

Im really interested in their method of teaching (the harkness table) and their level academic excellence. If I could get some insight that would be great

6

OP you describe yourself as having played a varsity sport for 4 years and interning at CSH labs for two years yet you are applying for 9th? That doesn’t add up.

7

@emiilierice Most of the US boarding schools people post about here use the Harkness method. It is not unique to Exeter.

8

It is not unique, but I would not say “most” boarding schools have Harkness, although most probably use the concepts in many of their classes.

It’s semantics, but Harkness® Method is a registered trademark. It’s similar to how some schools do not offer AP® classes, but offer classes that are at that level and may prepare for the exam. Some people have drunk the Kool-Aid® and think that these trademarks are the Holy Grail - they are not.

9

I am tall and play sports outside of school

10

So when you say you played varsity volleyball for 4 years already and varsity basketball for 3 was that outside of school because that doesn’t sound like a true varsity EC in the context of a boarding school application for 9th grade. That would also suggest 4 years ago when you were 10 or 11 you were actively playing a varsity sport against 18 year olds?

Not trying to be suspicious but can’t offer advice in the absence of a clear picture. Most people with the credentials you describe are considering a PG (post grad) year not seeking freshman admission.