On the housing card, what would be the best way to express that I would like a three room double in Nathan Hale? I don’t want to sound too picky, but that’s what I think I’d be most comfortable in.
I don’t remember exactly what was on the housing card, sorry.
There’s one section that asks for other housing preferences, so would it make sense if I just asked?
Tbh, I may end the year with two B’s. I don’t think they will even consider me for tenth grade, but ideally I wouldn’t have to wait until junior year…Do you think it is worth it to contact them/schedule a campus visit for this summer? And in either case, I think I would need a considerable amount of aid-- In spite from these concerns, do you still think I should still try? I honestly think I would do well…I mean, I go to an independent school now, and I did LabMUN which is always ranked among the top 5 in the nation… but I know Andover is incredibly difficult to get into.
How much of an emphasis do they place on math during admissions? And do they consider other aspects of your personal situation that have impacted your performance? Because at least in my case, what draws me to the school is really just being able to focus on myself and even though I’ve gone to a great school I feel like because of my family situation, I wasn’t able to do as well as I could have been able to if I had been away from home.
As long as a family situation is brought up somewhere in the interview/application and you’re not overtly using that as an excuse for sub par performance, this is definitely something that will be taken into account. Definitely worth it to schedule a visit/interview for this summer. You won’t get to see what the school is like during the regular year, but it will still give you a very good “feel” for the school. As far as financial aid, you don’t really need to fret over it. Yes, you will have to fill out the financial aid application, however Andover is need blind, which means that they don’t consider the fact that you are applying for aid in the actual evaluation of your application. If they deem you admissible, the school will cover whatever percentage of aid you need based on family income.
I couldn’t tell you for certain how much emphasis they place on math, however it is best to assume that Math and English are every important since they form the basis of nearly everything else.
Cool! What was your math track/the standard math track? Any final tips?
I came in as a freshman, so I can give you that math track.
9th Grade: Math 210 Geometry
10th and Fall term 11th: Math 320-360 Precalculus Sequence
11th Spring and 12th: Math 580/590 AP BC Calculus
I sent a PM with final tips.
The Holy Grail of dorm rooms? Yes, you would be more comfortable; so would everybody else. You’re sounding too picky. 
Ask what? Hello, can you assign me to the best room type that every 9th grade girl wants? Sure, try that, and let us know how that goes.
Honestly, I think the whole strategy of choosing the perfect dorm is a waste of time. Each dorm and each cluster has its plusses and minuses; I would argue that there are plenty of minuses (and some plusses) for both Nathan Hale and its cluster (PKN). At the end of the day, the best dorm is the one that you are in.
There is no standard math track. Students enter with many differing experiences and the department does a great job getting them onto the track that is best for them.
Math is one part of your application, not the only thing they consider. We were told that there were 22 different entry points in math for new students a few years ago. DS 9th grade class started in everything from the most basic math class to BC Calculus (rarely a 9th grader might start in Multivariable Calc). They have 2-5 term sequences for different classes which makes the course catalog very confusing at first. You will take a math placement test at home the spring before you start, then some kids may take another test during orientation. They really want you to take the class that is right for you and there are a lot of options. And if you aren’t in the right class/level you can move up or down during the first few weeks of school.
They will do their absolute best to make sure you are at the right level. I initially thought I could skip geometry and go straight to pre-calc, but after a week of pre-calc I dropped down to geometry, and that was one of the best decisions I have made during my time at Andover. I received better grades, but more importantly, I truly learned math rather than memorizing every formula in sight. The other basic lesson here: Don’t try to game the system by taking an unnecessarily easy or hard course. Andover has been doing this for many years, and they have it down to more or less a science. As @MA2012 said, there were 22 different entry points for freshman.
Hi! I’m gonna be a new Upper this year, wanted to know if new Uppers generally get put into the same dorm as the other new Uppers? Also, are the beds in the dorms lofted?
New uppers are not necessarily put into a dorm that just has other new uppers. Generally, new uppers will be roommates with each other, however they will be in a dorm with returners. I don’t know about every single dorm. but almost every dorm I’ve been inside does not have lofted beds.
Thanks for the info! Also, does anyone ACTUALLY use the laundry service? It seems convenient, but man is it ridiculously expensive. Is it worth it in your opinion? If you do your own laundry, around how much do you spend per school year?
Yes, quite a few people do use the E&R laundry service. While it is significantly more expensive than doing your own laundry, it is far more convenient. IMO, you should sign up for E&R. The other thing to not is that the clothes you wear for sports, whether it be given to you by the school, or your own athletic wear, will be washed for free every single day in the equipment room.
Thanks, I think I’m definitely gonna sign up.
@JHblue I think we missed how we sign up for the laundry service. Did that come hardcopy, via email, or is it on PANet? My DC def needs the service. Thanks!
@AppleNotFar I’m an international student and they sent us a link to a bunch of forms and that’s where I found it. But its actually just a link to the E&R website eandrcleaners.com and from there just type in your info
Thank you @JHblue
Have a great summer and best wishes on safe and smooth travels to Andover this fall!