I have gone to an Exeter admission reception, the people there seem polite. However many parents pushed to ask a man what did their kids have to do to get in. He replied ‘having a 90 or above SSAT percentile’.
That is not always the case. Maybe he has only experienced the academically rigorous applicants. But the fact still stands that you can still get a terrible SSAT score and get in. Exeter is a very fine school, and still, they must turn away many qualified, perfect SSAT students in favor in others.
There is no ‘what do I have to do’ when you’re applying for boarding school. Use examples, but don’t adhere to them. Rather, be unique. It helps if you have amazing scores and grades, but they love extracurriculars and sports, and if you love the Harkness teaching style, go for it!
Always be positive in your applications. Be honest, truthful, and be the best person you can be. Be well-rounded, but also ‘pointed’ - as in you can help Exeter grow. From your desire, you seem dead set on going to Exeter. Remember, you’re like an investment - they’re taking you, and teaching you, and spending money on you, so you can bring honor and life to the campus and community. Yes, there is a low acceptance rate, but that shouldn’t deter you from your goal.