<p>I really want to attend Phillips Andover Academy in Andover, Massachussetts. But before that, I would like to know how it's like. Like how a boarding students life is. (Bedtime, dormitories, environment,etc...) Basically anything you know about it! And if you are or were a student there, that would be so much more better! Thanks!</p>
<p>Hi Queen,</p>
<p>I’m currently a student at PA (albeit a day student) but I know a little about boarding from my friends who are boarders. </p>
<p>There is a lights out time for underclassmen that gets less strict as you become older. The dorms vary in quality but, on the whole, are very well-kept. The environment is very positive and carefree compared to what I thought it would be when I came here, although there is a bit of competition for grades and colleges. </p>
<p>The biggest caveat of PA, I feel, is the students and faculty there. There are some faculty members that are wonderful and you get to meet kids from all over the world from all different kinds of backgrounds (and oftentimes, you won’t even know until you get to know them really well!)</p>
<p>Anyway, hope this helps. Anything else, just ask</p>
<p>Super, don’t mean to give you a hard time, but you’re misusing the word “caveat.” Look it up.</p>
<p>whoops, you’re right. my bad.</p>
<p>Quick comment/correction, lights out is at 11pm for all freshmen (not all underclassmen) on school nights, and all other students do not have lights out at all (as opposed to what super said about less strict…)</p>
<p>Awkward Supercargo. Also Queen if you have any specific questions dont be afraid to use the Ask A Student portal on the Andover Website, you could get some great answers from someone you connect to in some way.</p>
<p>I also am applying for PA, Im in 10th grade and going to 11th grade next year (hoping in PA)</p>
<p>I have questions like:
How hard are admissions?
What to expect?
Are the dorms comfortable?
If you get accepted and you can’t keep up with the work, and you fall back, what happens?
What are the worst grades ppl get in your class?
…</p>
<p>Hope I’m not asking much :PP</p>
<p>Admissions - well that’s all subjective, isn’t it? Since you’re asking primarily Andover students, that would imply that we’ve been accepted. Overall, I believe the rate is 14% this past year, or somewhere close to that. I wouldn’t worry too much about that though. Find what school is a good fit for you. </p>
<p>What to expect? - Except a lot of work, but fun at the same time. Expect to make lots of lasting, close friends, a supportive community, great teachers, and tons of extracurricular opportunities. </p>
<p>Dorms - certainly, they vary, just like anywhere else, but I am happy with my dorm, and most of them are pretty good. </p>
<p>Keeping up - there are many academic support paths, including your advisor, peer tutors, study centers, and conference period. That being said, if you truly have problems, you may be asked to drop down in level. It’s not unheard of to leave the school, but most people do absolutely fine. </p>
<p>Worst grades - Well, here’s the grade distribution: <a href=“http://www.andover.edu/Academics/CollegeCounseling/Documents/PhillipsAcademySchoolProfile2010-2011.pdf[/url]”>http://www.andover.edu/Academics/CollegeCounseling/Documents/PhillipsAcademySchoolProfile2010-2011.pdf</a></p>
<p>See page four of the PDF. This is for the current Senior class (2011).</p>