I am currently in the eighth grade, near the end of the school year. I have been thinking about possibly attempting to attend Phillips Academy Andover (or an equivalent or near-equivalent boarding school) in the tenth grade.
In the eighth grade, I am taking these current classes (along with my grades in them):
8th Grade-level English - B (due to accidental mistakes; will be an A by the year’s end)
8th Grade-level Reading - A
8th Grade-level Mathematics - A
8th Grade-level Social Studies - A
8th Grade-level Science - A
8th Grade-level French - A
In my freshman year, I plan on taking these classes:
English I (possibly honors, but not sure yet)
Algebra I and Honors Geometry
Honors Geography
Honors Physical Science
Honors French I
P.E.
AP Computer Science A
My questions are:
- How are my grades and my schedule looking? Do you recommend I make any changes to my freshman class schedule?
- What other advice do you have for making a more impressive application to Andover (or aforementioned equivalent or near-equivalent boarding schools)?
I would sincerely appreciate any feedback or inquiries.
I will start…
One thing you are doing well is starting early!
Getting into Andover ( or any great BS) is more than just the right classes and A’s. Look at it this way… You will have many, many hoops to jump through over the next year and that’s just to get to the AO table: Keep grades up, develop strong relationships with teachers and illustrate your love of learning/leadership skills in the classroom ( you will need strong recommendations), continue with your EC’s, add new EC’s that interest you, study for SSAT ( you will need scores near or above 90% for the average applicant), write compelling essays for applications, visit schools for interviews, contact coaches/teachers where you shine, make supplement videos… My point is that getting into Andover( or other BS) is not ONLY about classes and grades. Plenty of students don’t get in who are amazing kids. It’s about stats, fit, standing out and yes, luck. Before your interview/essays make sure you can answer- why will you do well there? How will you make their school better? How will you get involved? What is your personal story? Passions? struggles? Do you need Financial aid? I wish you the best of luck!