<p>This year, we received 3,283 preliminary applications and 2,844 completed applications, the largest applicant pool in Academy history. Last year as of March 10th, we had received 2,711 completed applications. In 2008 as of March 10th, we had received 2,308 completed applications, which means our applications have increased by 23% in the last two years. To provide some perspective: in 1999 the total applicant pool was 1,849; this year we received 1,756 applications for the ninth grade alone.</p>
<p>At Andover, approximately 75% of the applicant pool is academically admissible. Your stories and personal qualities made you stand out in this extraordinary pool. The profile of the students admitted in 2010 is the strongest in recent history. Overall, 405 students, or 14% of this very talented applicant group, have been admitted. This is the lowest admission rate in the history of the school. Please note that we calculate our admit rate based on the number of completed applications (other schools may use the number of preliminary applications to determine their admit rate). Academically, most of our admitted students rank in the top five percent of their class. The median SSAT total score is 94%. Approximately 40% of the admitted class have been awarded financial aid scholarships. An impressive group indeed!</p>
<p>Academically and extracurricularly, students have excelled in their current schools and contributed greatly to their communities. They have achieved in the classroom, on the athletic field, on stage, in the orchestra pit, in volunteer capacities and in many other ways. The admission committee had a difficult task in selecting a small number of students to admit from a very talented pool of candidates. We are confident we have chosen an entering class of students who will not only contribute to the Phillips Academy community, but also benefit most from an Andover education.</p>
<p>The admitted group brings with it a diversity of experiences, interests and talents. Twenty-one percent of the admitted students indicated an interest in math and/or computers, while 37 students noted they have a strong passion for science. Twelve percent of the admitted group wrote that they love to learn languages. With nine different world languages to choose from at Andover, these students will have a tough choice to make. (We currently offer French, Spanish, German, Russian, Latin, Greek, Chinese and Japanese; the world language division also offers two years of introductory Arabic.) Fifty-six students are particularly interested in creative writing. The English department and literary magazine advisors look forward to working with these budding novelists and poets! Lastly, the staff of the Peabody Museum of Archaeology is excited to get to know the students who listed history and archaeology as their main academic interests. </p>
<p>The arts and athletics are also well-represented in the newly admitted class. According to our coaches, 159 of the admitted students have varsity potential in athletics. And, after listening to more than 350 CDs, the music department informs us that we have accepted 28 top young musicians from around the world. More than 110 actors and actresses and 45 dancers are among the admitted groupsurely they will contribute much to Andovers 35 theatre and dance productions per year. Finally, 71 of the admitted students list visual art among their top interests. We know that they will take advantage of Andovers extensive art program and the rich resources at the Addison Gallery of American Art. </p>
<p>Given that PA's school motto is non sibi, it is no surprise that the most popular extracurricular activity among applicants is volunteer work or community service, which was indicated by 51% of the admitted students. The entering class will bring leadership skills as well. Twenty-two students served as class or student council presidents, while 108 served as school leaders in other ways. Since active citizenship and knowledge of global issues are such an integral part of the Andover experience, membership in groups such as Model United Nations and participation in foreign exchange or language immersion programs continue to be popular with our applicant pool. Similarly, many more of our applicants have indicated a strong interest in environmental issues than in previous years. We already have a very active Eco-Action Club here at Andover and we look forward to expanding its membership with these enthusiastic students.</p>