Hi,
I’m a 7th grader and am applying to andover it the middle of 8th grade. I have a 4.0 GPA so far, and take 8th grade reading and I think am taking 10th grade math, Geometry. I am practicing for the SSAT right now, so I’m not sure what my score is, but I think I can get above a 90%. I row and have been volunteering as an attorney at my local teen court for over a year. I’m kind of scared if I even have a chance because of my extracurriculars and am wondering how much they have an effect on my chances of getting in. I’m unsure how important the financial aid part affects you, but I’m applying with a need for it. Please help.
You are expected to have outstanding extracurricular activities and excellent grades. Having excellent extracurricular activities will not overweigh your grades for schools like Exeter and Andover, they will not drop their SSAT standards unlike some other top schools.
Representing your nation or being ranked worldwide will definitely boost your chances of getting in.
With regards to financial aid, there is no doubt that a FP applicant will have an easier time simply because the school doesn’t have to factor in the budget for that student. However, Andover has a need-blind policy so theoretically no differences there.
Hi! I recently got admitted into Andover, so I thought I’d just throw in my thoughts. First off, remember to keep up your GPA since you’ll be required to turn in your transcripts since 6th grade, and don’t slack off! Second, as long as you have a score of 90 or plus on the SSAT, you’ll be fine. The higher, of course the better, but the essays are what you have to focus on, almost more than the SSATs since that’s what shows your personality and character. Third, ECs are a big part, but it’s mostly how well you are at them that matters, and OF COURSE you have a chance. You can use your attorney EC as a slight hook for some essays since it is more of an unique EC too. But these will all just show up on a small portion of your admission file, as I said before, essays are what you should concentrate a little more on (ALSO DO NOT PROCRASTINATE, I KNOW JANUARY SEEMS FAR AWAY BUT TRUST ME, I waited until around late Dec,beer to start and oh my baby Jesus, I almost lost my mind). Lastly, remember to be yourself at your interviews and stay calm. Prepare a little of what you want to say, but don’t make it sound as if you’re reading from a script. Mind your manners and also don’t be shy to ask questions. Ooof sorry I wrote so much, got a little bit carried away, but I hope I helped you out at least a little :). Oh and almost forgot, Andover is need blind so don’t worry about it affecting your chances a lot!
VERY.
They have so many kids who apply each year. So because of this, the admissions committee can pick whoever they want to make a balanced class. Roughly 25-30% of the class will be filled with students who are legacy, faculty kids, athletes or development cases. The rest of the class is then simply balanced with respect to gender and other important goals (math, science, arts, etc).
I remember reading somewhere that an Andover admissions officer once wrote that if the SSAT percentile score is above mid-80s then the test taking ability is considered good enough. So this is a good target to shoot for.