Hello!
I’m currently applying to Phillips Andover, but unfortunately my 9th grade transcript doesn’t look too super. First term I only have an A in one class, which is followed by on B+, a B and two B-'s. Second term is definitely an improvement, but still lacking, with three B+'s, one A and one B. However, I scored 99th% on my SSAT’s, and have a set of extra circulars I stick with. I row on a team, swim for my high-school, and have an out-of-school Journalism course I take weekly. So I guess what I’m asking is, would these grades just be an instant turn off for the application committee?
I think it depends on several factors: are these accelerated/honors level classes? Do you offer a unique background or geographic location to add to the student body? Will you be a varsity athlete as a 10th grade student? Are the coaches interested but in you?
Well technically yes, I’m in acp French, Math, History, English and Physics, but besides math, which is the only honor level class I can take, acp classes in 9th grade don’t really mean anything in my school, as to say they’re essentially the default. I go to a public school in Newton, Massachusetts, so I don’t have much of a geographical experience, but I did attend an international school in France for half of 8th grade, which lead to a lot of great experiences. I rowed C boat in novice my first season, and B my second, but I’m hoping that since crew is a no-cut sport at Andover I can make top 3 boats.
Which other schools have you applied to?
I’ve only actually applied to Andover, as the majority of other schools I looked at were pretty similar in academics and opportunities that were offered. It’s not that I particularly want to go to private school, I really just wanted to get into Andover. I visited the campus over the summer and just kind of fell in love with it
From the PA admissions FAQ’s:
“Although the Andover admissions committee has no minimum grade or score requirements for acceptance, the average Andover student maintained an “A” average at his or her previous school.”
Well that’s a bummer
Well I don’t think they look at the second marking period so they won’t see ur improvement