<p>How do I improve my chances of getting into Phillips Exeter Academy? Even though I'm only going into the 7th grade I know that Exeter is the place for me. I made honor roll (90-94%) for the first trimester last year (6th grade). But in 7th grade I plan to work even harder to get on Heads list for the whole year! So I was wondering what I should do to help improve my chances of getting in. I also have other questions like when I should start my application (during 8th grade?, if so what time during the year)
Thank you!</p>
<p>This will also be the only boarding school I will apply to, since my current school is very good (private school).</p>
<p>Anyone?? Please!</p>
<p>Exeter, like all other top schools, will not only look at your academics but overall experience and activities. Your teachers’ recommendations will play an important role, too. What kind of extracurricular activities including community service do you do? Have you taken SSAT test?</p>
<p>If you want to enter as a freshman, you should start applying in 8th grade. Are you becoming 7th this year? Then you should start next year and you have some time for prep. No need to start contacting the school now. There are several threads on this forum and you should be able to get general ideas on application process.</p>
<p>I am in 7th grade this year. I play oboe and have since 5th grade. My school has hardly any extracurriculars. What kinds of community service would improve my chances? I don’t do any sports (well I do figure skating but am not the good yet) but I might do volleyball next year. I have not taken the SSAT yet (I’m pretty sure you have to take the SSAT and ISEE for applying). Do you think I have any chance at getting in?</p>
<p>Why SPECIFICALLY is Exeter the school for you? This is what u need to be able to articulate to Exeter in your application & interview. And don’t say it’s because of Harkness-- lots of schools utilize it.</p>
<p>Truth be told, kids can do well and be happy at a number of different schools, and there are MANY excellent schools out there that can offer u an absolutely amazing experience. </p>
<p>I think your ‘Exeter or nothing’ stance is very myopic.</p>
<p>I know it isn’t the best to only apply to only Exeter but I am happy at my current school. If I wasn’t happy at my school I would apply to more schools than just Exeter. Anyway, do you think I have any chance if getting in (I also take Latin, it’s my first year)?</p>
<p>@Tiger, it is too soon to evaluate your chances, which will depend on scores and grades in 8th grade, but a few things to consider:</p>
<p>1) Take a look at the Caroline Bradley scholarship - you can only apply as a 7th grader and it pays full tuition for 4 years at boarding school.</p>
<p>2) Do your best in school, and think how you can use summers to develop a talent more - which depends on what you really like, maybe take a look at the book “What high schools don’t tell you” for ideas on how to use summers. </p>
<p>3) an instrument and a language are good choices too</p>
<p>4) Community service is very do-able even if you are 13. For example, start a school supply drive for extra binders, pencils, old calculators and similar stuff at your school, church or among your friends. Get the donations all together and donate it to a needy school. You can also collect things like food items, last year’s clean coats, unused sporting equipment, old cell phones, or books. Organized charities accept these or you can ask underserved schools or churches in nearby areas if they would accept them.</p>
<p>@2prepMom Thanks for your response and your suggestions. They gave me some good ideas! Thanks so much (I’ll probably be post about chances more during this coming summer and during 8th grade)!!!</p>
<p>I am also thinking of applying to Buxton School, Berkshire, Hotchkiss, Holderness, Exeter, and maybe Brooks too. Do any of you have any thoughts on these schools? They all seem like good schools, is this correct?</p>
<p>Yes, they are amazing, ESPECIALLY exeter. :)</p>