I’m a current eighth grader hoping to apply to Exeter and Andover but i really don’t want to get my hopes up. In school I do really well, i was part of our STEAM Academy all 4 years it was available to me, and I currently take 4 High School Classes: Algebra, Pre-AP Environmental Science, Spanish, and High School Orchestra. I have been involved in my academic team since 5th grade, orchestra since 3rd, and I have been a regular spelling bee competitor, placing 5th statewide in 6th grade and 2nd statewide in 7th grade. I have competed on the track team since 6th grade and done swim team since 7th. I consistently make all A’s and though i have yet to take the SSAT i took the ACT in 7th grade and scored a 26 (not very high normally but 95th percentile for a 7th grader). I am in my schools Y Club, an “Ambassador” (our student leaders), and I tutor in the fall before swim season starts. I know it’s an 18% acceptance rate but I just want to know what I should expect to receive. Thank you!!
At Exeter and Andover the SSAT seem to be a significant factor as the academic demands are ridiculous. Let’s assume you will hit at least an 85th percentile so (with that leap of faith) your academics are easily in the ballpark.
IMO, academics are about 1/3 - 1/2 of the application. ECs and the person are AT LEAST 50% of the puzzle pieces.
So set aside all those academics, high school courses, and spelling titles (they are great, don’t get me wrong, but that box has been checked) and what else do you have?
Orchestra? Interesting. Are you a first chair, have you been in contact with the Arts at these school to express interest? That could check that box. Ambassador? Possibly interesting. The short-coming I see in your blurb is the school leadership/active engagement.
So, based on my random opinion, I’d say your academics (assuming strong SSATs) pushes you above the 18% rate but your ECs/Leadership buckets are not as full. So 25%, 50/50 total between both? You should apply. You have a solid resume to be cautiously optimistic.
Essays and interviews will be key. Have you interviewed?
It also will depend a lot on your high school. Have others gone to Exeter?Andover from it previously? The interview and essays will be important.
Another factor is where you live. If you are applying from a state outside of NE, your chances will go way up. Likewise, if you are a URM. Do you need FA? If so, your chances fall somewhat.
Most of the kids who are going to be accepted are going to have all of the academic stats available at their school. Some will have better EC’s from outside school. The really strong candidates will have national/international achievements. And some will have extremely strong recommendations.
You should apply. Sounds like you have a good shot. I think
Thank you! I tend to cycle between 1st and 2nd chair in my orchestra depending on the song and season. I recently reached out to the orchestra at both Exeter and Andover but have not received a response yet.
To my knowledge, no one from my school district, or even the county for that matter has attended Exeter and Andover. I will need financial aid, but my dad is willing to assist in the tuition if i can get accepted.
Hoping you are from an underrepresented state. You should work hard on your application and see what happens. Also, if you are interested in getting the best education possible, you should expand your BS list. There are at least 20-30 BS that can offer you a top notch education and prepare you for college. Remember you will be competing against legacies, URMs, athletes and many other gifted students ( many have 2/3 talents)
Don’t let name brand pursuits stop you from applying to other schools.
I’m sure you’ll do great on the SSAT, but this is a side note.
In 7th grade i participated in the Duke TIP 7th grade talent search. I took the SAT and got a 96th percentile compared to other talent search participants in Evidence based reading and writing. I took my SSAT without studying and received an 88th percentile in reading and a 76th percentile in verbal.
I got a 92nd percentile in math, but on the SSAT i got a 38th(yikes!)
Again, i’m sure you’ll do fine, but IMO the SSAT is much harder than the SAT(and ACT)
@privateschoolhopeful At Exeter the most important thing by far is the interview. As a tour guide I hear it all the time from the admissions officers. I would definitely focus on that, apart from that your application looks great! If you have any Exeter questions just PM me!