I am considered top 2 or the smartest student in my K-8 school and I have immense pressure from faculty, friends, and my parents to get into Phillips Exeter and/or Andover.
I honestly have no idea if I even have a chance at getting in. Our school starts letter grading in 7th grade and I finished the year with and A- in French and our Homeroom course and two A’s in Mathematics and Science.
I took the SSAT in October scoring a 93 on reading, a 94 on Math, and a 98 on verbal with a 98 overall.
I do community service, am a seven year swimmer, a pianist for eight years, and a part time rock climber.
The thing that worries me is that if I get a B+ or any more A- in my fall term report card, my application will just be “thrown in the bin” without consideration.
I know that Exeter and Andover look for different things and even perfect score kids might not get in.
I just need the peace of mind on a YES or NO answer on whether I have a high chance of getting in.
You go to Exeter and Andover because you love challenges. You should not go to Exeter or Andover because of pressure or expectation from other people, including your parents.
My S was recruited by Exeter many years ago, and my D once wanted to go to Exeter. They both have friends at these two schools. My suggestion to my kids then were staying in our decent public HS and enjoying their youth as much as possible. My kids are sharp and love some challenges, but not at the level of Exeter or Andover. They thank me now. My S is at Yale, and my D is a happy enough HS sophomore.
@prof2dad Yes, of course I would love to go to Exeter for the world class education. My parents don’t give me “pressure” or “expectations” to get in, it’s just they think of me as smart and feel that I can totally get in and I don’t want to disappoint them. But then again these are factors in my story.
This is not an automatic disqualifier, but the rest of your application needs to be strong.
On the flip side, consider that many straight-A plus 99% SSAT kids do NOT get admitted; it’s all about the complete package that you offer as an individual.
My Exeter interview is over. My AO was very impressed with my swimming and my study habits. What can I do to improve my chances for my Andover interview?
@PapaBless everything affects your application. Both schools get 1000s of applications from kids with A’s and top SSATs. A high percentage of those applicants are going to be caucasian, asian and from the NE. In order to assemble diverse and dynamic classes all schools will endeavor to admit qualified students with the potential for success from across the country, the world and from varying backgrounds. Because you are coming from an area of the country from which the schools get a large percentage of their applicants, you are just in a more competitive pool. In other words you need to be a candidate that stands out in some meaningful way. You sound like a very strong applicant.
Show them the fit (if any). Be authentic. Appeal as a good person. Don’t let them stereotype you as a typical number cruncher or test machine. I saw many top students with perfect scores, perfect GPAs and various ECs get denied at those schools. It is CHARACTER that gets you in the top schools, provided that they think you will have no academic weakness. Don’t worry too much for now. Once you send the app in, there is nothing you can do. Last but not least, you don’t live to please or not disappoint your parents and teachers. It is your life and there are tons of great schools - they are as great as PA or PEA. Cast a wider net. If entering top colleges is your ultimate purpose of going to top BS, think twice. In many cases, they no longer are a gateway to top colleges. I wish you all the best!
Hi @PapaBless , congrats on a great interview at Exeter! From my experience, your grades and scores are solid for both schools.
As some previous posters have suggested, try to look deep and find what appeals to you most about the schools (apart from their great reputation).
At Andover, for instance, all 10th graders take a required PE course that involves rock climbing. They have vintage climbing apparatus in the gym. Andover has a fantastic men’s swimming team. Not sure if your times are competitive, or if you want to continue swimming in school, but you could check out the swim team on their web page.
Both schools have so many cool clubs and classes and opportunities. Just try to find some of those that deeply appeal to you, and if the conversation arises during the interview, you can mention them.
Also, probably above all else, Andover cares about their students being kind. That might mean friendly, compassionate, inclusive, interested in others, etc. There are a few outliers, but most of the students I have met are very easy to speak with and do get along with each other. They aim to foster a collaborative environment.
You will do well in high school–no matter where. Good luck! :)>-
