Hi, i’m currently a 7th-grade student and I will shortly begin the application process for Phillips Andover Academy. I just wanted to know what the admission board is looking for, so that if I do not have those traits, qualities or extra-curricular activities down, I might be able to accomplish/do them over the summer. Thanks!
Hard to say exactly what they are looking for, other than the basic outline. With some tactful searching, you could find some of the “chance me” threads for Andover and see what other applicants basic profiles look like, and, if they updated their info, whether they got in or not. In essence, they want to see academic excellence(grades/SSAT), either sports/music/drama, and if possible, some dedicated community service or interesting summer programs(to see that you put your summers to good use). Additionally, Andover, or any other top boarding school, looks for factors beyond what is on paper.
That factor beyond paper that I think is the most important is fit. When any school interviews you, they’re looking to see if you go with the school. And when you interview at a school, you’ll do the same. After a visit/interview, I almost didn’t finish my app (I was waitlisted). Similarly, I knew from a Skype interview I didn’t want to go to a school (I was rejected, which I am grateful for, cause I knew and I’m sure they knew as well that me and the school didn’t match). So, if you think Andover is your best fit, show them that you could thrive there and make meaningful relationships and contributions.