Someone Chance me for HADES, Specifically Andover...?

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

Hi all, I am a 7th grader, but I am looking to start the process early and I am open to recommendations from anyone on what I should do to boost my overall school resume/application. Obviously, I can not apply yet as that is for next fall but I have already toured Phillips Andover and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT! I am visiting exeter soon, but I feel that i will not get the same vibe from exeter as it is a more competitive/aggressive/rigourous and less athletic school (In my opinion, don’t be offended…) I took the ACT last weekend so I am awaiting the scores. Both siblings attend top boarding schools and one graduating, committing to an ivy. A lot to live up to… But, can someone chance me/give me recommendations on how I can strengthen my “hook” on the schools? I really would like to attend Andover. So, here is some about myself…

Academics:
-All A’s and 4.0 GPA all of 7th Grade and Same in 6th Grade except for one B+ in Band
-Part of Northwestern Universitys Center for Talent Development Program
-Sat Overall: 1550 [not a strong test taker ;( ]
-Awaiting ACT Scores
-In Algebra I as a 7th Grader, ACE Social Studies and Enriched Language Arts (highest my school offers)
-Planning to take SSAT within the next few months

Athletics:
-Trying out softball this spring
-Basketball Team was #2 in US Junior Nationals
-Played travel basketball for 6 Years
-USJN Recognized All-Star (Only 10 in nation)
-Basketball Team was #4 in state last year
-Played lacrosse for 3 years
-Member of Oakland Strokes Rowing Club for 2years

Extra Curriculars:
-Cooking Classes for 2.5 Years
-4 Years of Saturday Extracurricular Classes with Northwestern CTD
-Enjoy Photography
-Like graphic design/art, designed an image on photoshop for my town (geofilter)
-Played clarinet for 3 years, was 1st chair for 2 years
-Played piano for 1 year
-Member of the Trivia Club
-3rd place in Schoolwide Geography Bee

I know my test scores aren’t amazing but I hope I can make up for it in interviews/athletic/EC hooks. Does anyone have some recommendations on other things I should be trying to do to boost my “hook”/chances/applications. I really want this.
Thanks

2

I know a “vibe” may exist, but in reality both Andover and Exeter are both highly competitive AND athletic schools. II would say that competitiveness/rigor are about equal. I am an Andover senior, so feel free to PM me any questions, and I can give detailed answers.

3

There’s no such thing as ‘HADES’.

4

HADES = Hotchkiss, Andover, Deerfield, Exeter, St. Pauls
Its a group of competitive schools and generally regarded as some of the “originals”

5

@GMTplus7 ^

6

@Bumblebee033, I think the comment is designed to encourage you to not put these 5 schools on a special pedestal, but realize there are more than 20 “top” boarding schools and you should cast a wide net in your search and don’t get overly obsessed with Andover or any particular school. As far as “hooks” what people on this board usually consider hooks are being a recruited athlete, underrepresented minority, or being ridiculously wealthy/famous. There are a few others but I was surprised to learn about the things that aren’t considered hooks, like being an award winning artist or an exceptional dancer or having perfect test scores. Those things and many others can certainly help you be an interesting candidate. Do you think you would be a basketball recruit? Do you still do all the activities you listed above? Best of luck to you!

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If you are a post-player in basketball and your scores are in line, you’ve got a great shot. These schools are always very guard and wing heavy, especially with multi-sport athletes so the highest recruiting demand is for posts. That’s not to say that other positions aren’t in demand, but it’s just math–there are far fewer elite posts. You may even find equal receptivity to your rowing prowess.

With your older siblings already in elite boarding schools, your family knows the drill. Trust them, relax and have fun with the process and don’t get too focused on a single school at this point.