Chances for Phillips Exeter Academy

Prep School Admissions Prep School Chances
1

Hello, I’m applying for 10th grade at Phillips Exeter Academy, and I got waitlisted last year. I worked like hell this year to improve, and am applying again. Can y’all chance me? Thank you so much for taking this time.

General
I’m a 9th grade, white male from MA. I went to public school all my life with the exception of this year. I go to a private school that is ranked top 150. No financial aid, and also Exeter said they overenrolled last year. As another note, I’m also applying to Andover, but I fell in love with the Exeter environment and that’s why this post is angled more towards Exeter.

Academics
2 APs: Calc BC and AP Environmental Science. I’m also in a lunch study club for AP US History. I have a 4.0 GPA, and my SSAT score is 97th percentile overall. I’m also taking abstract algebra as an extended study course at Brown University, because I’ve done pretty much most undergrad math courses minus the calculus stuff, like DE and real analysis. In public school, I had to fight like hell to skip anything, and even after testing into BC, they only allowed me to take geometry.

ECs and achievements: (This is copy paste from my application)

Football, lacrosse, track
Student government and volunteering
Math competitions + Math team
School newspaper
Model UN (Won best delegate at a decently big conference)
Ethics Bowl
Debate
Play 5 instruments, sing, and part of a band

2x AIME Qualifier
Skipped a grade in the selective National Mathematics Competition Preparation program at the Russian School of Mathematics, which only accepts 200 students from grades 7-12. (About 30 per grade)
Competed at League Championships for Varsity Indoor Track, (8th grade) Personal Records: 100m:
11.94, 200m: 23.35 (9th grade), 300m: 41.22, Long Jump: 18’6"
Premier Lacrosse League Spring Classic Tournament champion: High School Bracket (8th grade)
American Youth Football 3x State Champions (Massachusetts)
Student Body President of Middle School
Organized an after-school volleyball tournament that raised $1000+ for cancer treatment for a student.
Played for the High School marching band in 6th grade
I’m in a band and submitted a video of my favorite performance I’ve done. (I do pop, rock, and country)
I volunteer every month at my parish, I tutor my peers for 4 hours a week (Not for free, so technically not volunteering, but they don’t know that)
I was accepted into a business program called Venture Camp, but declined because my schedule is so full.

Soft Skills

The interview went splendidly. I really connected with the interviewer and it went overtime. We are both swifties and we squealed about her limited edition folklore cardigan. (Taylor swift merchandise) I told tons of great stories (That’s kind of my thing. Whenever I talk to anybody I love to tell funny stories) In other words, it went as well as it could.

I got a recommendation from the track coach to the admissions office. I’m really happy about this. They expelled someone last year who runs the same events as me, which I feel opened a spot for me. (That sounds really ruthless… But I mean he was doing drugs! :l)

My essays were probably the best things I’ve ever written. I wrote a prompt about my life in the form of a recipe, and I had lots of authenticity and humor. The other essay was one about me standing up and addressing an issue at my school despite getting boo-ed by 400 people simultaneously. Long story to explain in a small thread, but it was compelling.

I have no clue how my recs or parents statement went; I didn’t get to read anything.

Also, I made a website to show off some of the other stuff I did, like other videos of me performing and a small chapter from a book I’m writing about a fundamental flaw in the way the American government is set up that keeps us from solving issues effectively. I also talk about my philosophy, which I feel is really good, but I don’t want to waste your time, so I won’t mention it.

Again, thank you so much for your time. I really hope I get in come March 10th!

2

This application is crazy! I can’t give you an exact chance, but given all of your ECs and awards, I would not be surprised at all if you were admitted. Especially considering the fact that you’re an athlete. 10th grade admissions are especially competitive, but I believe you are the type of student who would be accepted. At that point, just skip high school and go to college, lmao. Gl on M10! I’m glad that I’m applying as a freshman.

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I mean, I’m kind of shocked you didn’t get in last year. I am a teacher and had two kids accepted from our school 2 years ago who didn’t have resumes anywhere close to yours! (One was a double legacy though.)

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Thank you so much! Also, GL to you too on M10!

5

Well, last year I feel like I didn’t show off my application enough. My essays were not that good, I wasn’t school president, and tons of other stuff weren’t there either. Looking back I could have played that a lot better. But I guess this year is my redemption shot! Thank you for your time in replying.

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You are going to do well in life.

This essay will be remembered by all who read it.

Are you applying to just Exeter & Andover ?

Lawrenceville, St.Paul’s and many other elite boarding schools would probably love to have you.

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Not ruthless. Just you progressing because you minded your own business and did the right thing.

And if he learns from the experience, he can become stronger too.

It’s very good to know your limitations, and prioritize your time.

Good luck!

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hey! im a 9th grader at exeter rn and i think you have some pretty good chances. our grade doesn’t have many math focused people so the admissions team might be looking for more people like that. as for sports we kinda fell off and new sports recruits would prob be appreciated. the admissions can be really unpredictable tho, so dont count on anything ive said. if you have any questions feel free to ask!

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Thank you so much! I hope to be able to join your grade!

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You seem so wildly over qualified on every dimension that your chances are more than good. Even at Exeter (or PA, which you should give another look, by the way).

My only question is whether your current school has relationships at these schools (I.e. do they send kids there or have they recently)?

Let us know what you think after revisit days.

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Thank you so much! My current school unfortunately does not have any connections with the schools, or at least not that I know of.

13

Hi!! I’m also applying to PEA this year but applying for 9th (bro can I be honest here, my app is no where close to whatever academic superweapon level 10000+ stuff I just saw) Someone told me the other day that even if your overqualified sometimes it all just comes down to luck. In your case, I think that your application would DEFINITELY stand out so dw!
BUT YEAH! GOOD LUCK!!(believe me man, you wont need it, if they can’t see how good you are thats there loss, but this cv is, for lack of better words, OP I would be shocked if they didn’t let you in)

OKay so also 2 side note: SWIFTY! AYYYY! (okay lucky about the interviewer!! For the first ten minutes I stuttered during my interview so yes, I am bitter lol :smile:)
ALSO I dunno if you’ve been stressing out, but can I just say, I can forsee myself re-watching friends and pulling out all my hair for the next 30 days until the applications come out. ITS SO STRESSFULLL!!! (I think its cuz I’m only allowed to apply to one school to its def just me overreacting but wtv) SO if you need someone to vent too :relieved: I can be your guy

dang… that was a big yap right there

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It’s all good. Let’s DM each other on March 10th, if you want. And I’m happy to also be a person for you to vent to. Good luck!

15

UPDATE:

I was waitlisted by Exeter. I’m not happy about this, but I can understand why. I guess I just need to work harder, and maybe try again for the 3rd time??? How did it go for you guys?

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What about Andover?

17

Did you get an email update?? I’m WL too for 10th grade female and havent received a status update.

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The Exeter waitlist is closed. Email sent today. You can still stay on the summer waitlist if you want.