I am considering applying to Phillips Academy as an incoming 11th grader. What is it like for those who do enter the school in 11th grade?
Entering any boarding school, whether it be andover or the like, presents several challenges. First off, the majority of students enter the school in 9th and 10th grade (coming from junior boarding schools and other private/public schools), thus admissions for 11th, 12th and PG years are highly selective–more so than 9th and 10th grade. At a school like an andover the acceptance rate for 11th grade would likely be in the high single digits considering this years 12% overall acceptance rate, however, only the Admissions office would really know the true acceptance rate. Additionally, you will hit the ground running because Junior year begins the college counseling process and the college application process as you begin preparing for the SAT, ACT, SAT subject tests, college tours, etc. You will also be working hard to acclimate to boarding school life, finding new friends, and adjusting to an immense workload as both a junior and in general as a student at andover. Furthermore, you must quickly work to form relationships with your advisors, teachers, and club advisors/coaches because you will need their recommendations for your college apps. While I am not trying to discourage you from applying I do think it is very important to be realistic about the possibility of attending boarding school as an 11th grader and the workload/challenges that must be overcome. If possible, you may want to consider applying as a repeat 10th grader, which is becoming increasingly common across the boarding school world. Granted, if you are a recruited athlete (at andover and for college) your ability to join a boarding school community will be much easier since you will be surrounded by your team and will also have a hook for college admissions and boarding school admissions. Again, I’m not trying to discourage you, but I think it is important to create a full picture of what life will be like entering as a new 11th grader.
And for you and your families sake, if you would not truly be content with staying at your local public or private school, THE ENTIRE CC COMMUNITY AND I SUGGEST APPLYING TO MORE SCHOOLS THAN JUST ANDOVER…
And that doesn’t mean “broadening” your search to include Choate, Deerfield, Exeter, and SPS, especially as a new 11th grader, I highly suggest you look at schools with overall acceptance rates in the 30s and higher as well.
dmano123, I am an Andover mom and also an Andover graduate myself. I joined the school in the 10th grade and thought it was fine. (I don’t know if 11th grade is different.) Socially, I think the kids are pretty welcoming and new people are joining the school all the time. I personally thought there were NOT cliques, although some may disagree with me. In terms of academics and hitting the ground running, I did think there was a jump from my public middle school to Andover, but I think I would have had the same situation if I entered Andover in the 9th grade.
Good luck!