Essay tips:
- Start off with a hook. By bringing the reader in, you get them more interested in you as a person.
- Make sure there is no spelling/grammar mistakes.
- Proofread it before submitting.
- Have someone else look over it for you.
Interview tips:
- Dress appropriately. Even if you are doing a Zoom call, wearing the right clothing makes you seem professional.
- Better to take time to think than rush and mess up. You can always request for some time to think about the questions without answering.
- Have a list of things you want to cover. List of extracurriculars, things you like about E/A etc.
- Ask questions too! Although they are called interviews, they are more like conversations in that both parties are supposed to inquire.
SSAT Prep:
- Taking practice tests really helps. Not kidding, but taking loads of them will give you hands on experience.
- I personally used Kaplan's and Princeton Review and did great.
- Aim high, be prepared to take multiple times. Honestly, 80 percentile and higher is good, but as an international getting 90+ is safer.
- I believe also as an international applicants you may need to take TOEFL.
Good luck! I’m going to Exeter next year, and if you need anything feel free to pm me.