I’m not gonna list all of my credentials, but how do people get in?
What are the interviews like and how do I make sure they love my essay?
What do I need to say or do to have a good chance?
Does having a sibling affect whether you get in or not?
Does needing financial aid affect your chances?
Are grades all that matters, and what should my GPA be, my score if I’m taking the ISEE, and all of my grades in high school?
Does being a repeat freshman change my chances?
Should I have chosen to repeat 9th grade or go on to 10th?
Applications are due today!! *fingers crossed!
It’s done. It doesn’t matter what anyone says. I hope you applied to a variety of schools
@Center …I didn’t
good luck
It’s a bit late now, but students at all boarding schools are usually chosen based on their demonstrated emotional maturity, academic preparedness and whether or not they fit in with the culture of the school. If you haven’t had your interview yet (it sounds like that?), make sure you demonstrate all of these characteristics. Also, make your interest in the school very clear, because schools won’t want to extend admission to people they don’t think will accept it!
My mother always tells me how important it is to stand out. If you had a list of these kids in your hand, no names, but with all their creds, how would you pick out which one was you? Which trait, skill or experience do you have that separates you from the noise?
Good luck! 
@eliza11- Although you’ve already submitted your app, I thought I’d answer your questions from an Exeter parent’s perspective.
What are the interviews like and how do I make sure they love my essay?
What do I need to say or do to have a good chance?
The interview can be a very important part of your app- I know in DS’s case, it was. He interviewed with a somewhat senior alum (one that was invited to campus many times as an assembly speaker). They really connected and DS was told by admissions that the alum’s endorsement carried significant weight. The most important aspect is to be yourself and show what you are passionate about. Be authentic in your interview and essay - that is what they want.
Does having a sibling affect whether you get in or not?
They definitely will take a closer look at you but it’s by no means a guarantee.
Does needing financial aid affect your chances?
IMOHP- yes. There is only so much aid to give so if you are FP, I believe it gives you an advantage.
Are grades all that matters, and what should my GPA be, my score if I’m taking the ISEE, and all of my grades in high school?
Your grades do not need to be perfect- close but not necessarily a 4.0. My DS also took the ISEE- he was in the 80-90% overall- combing all the sections. Again, not perfect but in the ballpark that PEA is looking for.
Does being a repeat freshman change my chances?
Not sure about that- there are many students that do come in as repeat 9th graders but all the ones I’m aware of are boys. I’m sure there are girls but I just don’t know any.
Should I have chosen to repeat 9th grade or go on to 10th?
That is a really individual decision from what I’ve seen. It’s a tough school academically so coming in as a 9th grader definitely gives you a break. Homework volume is easier, you have more of an opportunity to adjust to Harkness, and grades are only pass/fail the first term of prep year (9th).
Best of luck! It’s a great school!
The key is standing out: many many applicants seem to think a list of 80 things will do it. It doesn’t. We received excellent advice over the years and it continues to prove true. We will see this time. :). There are too many kids who just want an Ivy or whose activities/ECs don’t seem authentic. These schools want special, unique, surprising. They see thousands of kids with perfect grades that are largely inflated. Or someone who has studied for the SSAT so much that they managed a 99% but how can you possibly know how they will handle something new and unfamiliar? I believe that a B+ kid with a 93 who runs track competitively , takes German and loves to write short stories is far more interesting than another A plus, 99% SSAT, Mathlete.
They want those too, but they also want diversity of interests, talents and passions.