<p>It depends on your age. If you’re fairly young for your grade, I’d recommend applying as a repeat freshman. If you’re old for your grade, I’d apply as a new sophomore.</p>
<p>Coming in a new lower (sophomore) is a lot harder than coming in as a freshman. However, I wouldn’t want to miss out on this experience just because it’s more difficult. You should definitely apply.</p>
<p>I’m definetly applying, but I’m the same age as all my peers (except for the ones who started at an early age or went to kindergarten a year later), so I feel it would be weird to go in as a freshman where everyone is 14 and I’m already 15, only because I don’t want to be overwhelmed sophomore year while all the other sophomore’s know each other and the schedule and to overcome the boarding school obstacles. :/</p>
<p>In that case, you should definitely apply as a new lower. It is so so so so worth it. You will make friends with some returning students, and that makes life a lot easier. </p>
<p>PM me if you have any questions about being a new lower. I can also go more in depth about the transition.</p>
<p>Hi I’m applying this year and am a little worried. Since I am an international student I’m wondering whether there is a division of some sort between locals and internationals?
Thankss</p>
<p>Sorry for not being on in a while guys! have been focusing on my tests (it’s cramming time at PA right now!)</p>
<p>stayhungrystayfo: There is absolutely no division between locals and international students. Yes, there will be some ties between students that already know eachother, but most people aren’t presented with those ties. Students assimilate into groups, regardless of one’s location. My room mate, and one of my best friends, is an international student from Korea! PA is a very caring and open environment that anyone can find a friend in.</p>
<p>Are there little secrets and tricks at Andover that only returning students know, or find out along the way? And what is the fashion there, for girls (as i am a girl) so I know what to pack if I’m accepted?? Is there a certain dress code, or just clothing restrictions you need to know??</p>
<p>This may be a dumb question but, do you like Andover? Like in your honest opinion. Is it all hype or is it really this amazing? It sounds amazing but I don’t want to be duped into thinking that and it not be awesome. And, how was the adjustment period? Is everyone there actually nice? Is there anyone you know that is more well rounded than good at one thing in particular? just wondering…</p>
<p>Hey guys</p>
<p>bsroxmysox: well if they are little secrets and tricks that RETURNERS find along away, then I guess you’ll find them out by yourself when you get here 
I mean that’s the fun of it. I don’t want to spoil the great experiences that most kids will end up having when coming here. Nobody told me anything before coming ( I didn’t even know about exeter lol) and trust me, you won’t be left behind on that one. I’m a guy, so I really don’t pay much attention to what the girls wear (I just know never to tell them they don’t look good…). Honestly, there really isn’t a typical dress. Most girls have bean boots, uggs, and wear other girly things that I don’t know. I think most preppy brands, abercrombie and fitch, hollister, AE, etc. are very popular. There is not dresscode, just things that you can’t wear to class. It’s all in the hand book that you get when the acceptance letter comes in march. </p>
<p>beeba13: I will have to say that I do love my school. It is the one place I really want to be, even though at times it gets tough. It’s where lots of my fond memories have been made, and I plan on creating more. This place isn’t for everyone though. If you don’t like working hard/craving knowledge, then this really isn’t the place for you. You have to be driven to learn more and you have to want to be challenged. That’s the reason that most kids drop out. I am here to say that this environment is stressful, but it is rewarding. WHen it gets tough, I remind myself of what it will be like when it’s over (aka the weekend), and I push through. When I reach the culminating point of the week, I have a sense of gratitude within me. I have to say that this place is amazing, but it really isn’t for everybody. It fosters learning and proactivity in an environment where multiple ideas and people clash and colaborate to create new and exciting moments. That’s what I think about PA, but you really can only find out if you come and experience it. This is why revisit days are so importantt. It gives the admitted students a chance to actually see what a student goes through daily at PA. Give it a shot, and I promise you that you won’t regret it :)</p>
<p>annd adjustign was quite easy for me. I really dove headfirst into PA, and ended up loving it. Just approach the school without caution if accepted, and explore. It’s one’s chance in life to experience opportunities that the majority of kids in the world don’t see. </p>
<p>Most kids are pretty well rounded, but note that each does have a passion (note I didn’t say talent). Just focus on an individual thing that you hold dear and close to you, and it will stand out in your application like no other. Even if the subject is generic, explain why it is important to you.</p>
<p>no not everyone is nice, but admissions does a pretty good job of keeping the majority of “mean” kids out.</p>
<p>I love how Andover sounds, but you say that PA is like every other high school. Complete with witchy-with-a-b mean girls and the over fashionable? The jerky guys who ignore girls that don’t look like models? We have a few of those at my school and it’s quite aggravating to say the least…</p>
<p>Thanks so much! That was really helpful. (:</p>
<p>I’m currently in 8th grade but will not be applying until 10 grade
<p>Oh and does Andover have good field hockey teams? Definetly pursuing that at whichever school I go to, whether public or private.</p>
<p>Igrahm2: your first question varies depending on the situation. Are you young enough to repeat? What’s your reason for repeating. Can your family afford it? Will you be comfortable in a situation where you are the oldest in your grade by almost a year? Are your academics up to snot? I can’t really decide for you. It’s a gery tough decision that many families make.</p>
<p>And as for your sport, it may affect your chances a little, but it all depends. If it is an exotic sport/one not availabe at BS and you are passionate about it and good at it, then really make i stand out in your app! And who knows, maybe you can start a team at school!</p>
<p>Bsroxmysox: yes, what you have stated is true. There are jerks, cliques, and social ladders to climb. It isn’t a perfect world here, but it strives to be one. Admissions generally does a good job filtering out who’s mean, but some get in and guess what, they stay. We just have to ignore them and go on our own path</p>
<p>And bsroxmysox yes the field hockey team is generally pretty good. Lots of my good friends play on varsity and they all say it’s a great team and have improved a lot since attending. If you need more info, contact the coaches to ask more about the program, fill out a perspective athlete form, or come to a game!</p>
<p>Thanks, thinking about it now one of the reasons I’m not applying for 9th grade is my parents just can’t afford it right now so only 3 years would probably help and because of my late birthday I’m already older than most in my grade so I won’t repeat. I thought that my sport would hurt my chances because it wouldn’t contribute to the school but I am really passionate about. It sucks that if I get in i’ll most likely be leaving it behind.</p>
<p>Thanks a million @swimdude006 
Definitely contact you if I’m accepted.</p>
<p>@swimdude, I have read about a couple of major drug busts on Andover Campus and student expulsions over the last two years. How bad is the drug problem on campus? Is there a lot of peer pressure to do drugs?</p>
<p>The basic saying for most BS is you will find drugs/alcohol if you go looking for them. There are some drugs and illigal activity: it’s inevitable at any high school. Personally, PA kids are pretty good as to the amount of ppl who involve themselves in these activities. The kids who do involve themselves have the chance of getting caught and they are free to take that risk. There is no peer pressure to take drugs, so most people are fine. It usually comes down to one’s own dicision to involve oneself.</p>