Andover Admission Interview: Part 2 - How to Prepare and What to Wear

[@natdel9104]

Hello! I’m about to be in 9th grade however my family wants me to do my freshman year at my public highschool. It’s been my dream to go here since 6th grade and I would just like to know what really stands out to you as the dean in an applicant:) Thank you!

[@PhillipsAndover]

Thank you for your interest in Andover! Lots of different things about an applicant can stand out to the admission committee. Of course, the committee is looking for students who love to learn and are very strong academically. Students don’t necessarily have to have all A’s, but successful applicants do have a strong academic record overall. The admission committee is looking for students who are good citizens: kind peers, collaborative classmates, and positive teammates. They are looking for students who have a variety of interests (or they could have one or two areas of strong focus) and would take advantage of the wide range of opportunities that Andover has to offer in music, theatre/dance, sports, art, and things like math and robotics competitions, as well as other clubs and activities.

[@nafi7065]

I’m in 8th and my dream is to get into Phillips. What’s really bothering me are my grades. I am doing terrible because of online school. It’s not right for me. I don’t even feel like trying to get into Phillips anymore because i feel like i have no chance of passing. This week i’m trying so hard to get my grades up to As. I love that school so much, and i’ll keep trying.

[@presidential8818]

Grades really don't matter. A lot of my peers who are also applying to these schools, or have been in them say that you need to focus on a subject or hobby you are passionate about, or an aspect of you that you feel really match with the school. I'm applying this year, and good luck!

[@nafi7065]

@@presidential8818 Good luck to you too!

[@JuliaMarques-cz3ij]

Did u get into Phillips Academy?

[@elizabethmyers9590]

my dream school!! my interview is in a few weeks and i’m soooooooooo excited. i will update on what happened and my application process, but what I won’t do is release names or information you must pay to obtain or the answers to tests. wish me luck!!

[@kailichu9969]

How was your interview?

[@elizabethmyers9590]

@@kailichu9969 it was awesome;) my advice would be research a touch about the interview

[@kailichu9969]

@@elizabethmyers9590 yay! that's great. I just did my Exeter one today, heehee. Tell me if you get in (i hope you do!)

[@aveenburney7463]

How big of a part does the interview play in the whole process? If an interview doesn’t go so well, can that be a reason why one doesn’t get accepted?

[@alexandercoman9685]

Waiting for the admission decision. I have been working for the past two years and can't wait to see my hard work fructify.

[@maripookio]

Alexander Coman Did you end up getting in?

[@aveenburney7463]

R u in?

[@alexandercoman9685]

@@maripookio Yessssss so excited

[@alexandercoman9685]

Yessssss so excitedd

[@maripookio]

Alexander Coman omg congrats! I hope you have an amazing experience!

[@aveenburney7463]

What else do they look for besides test scores and grades. Do they want students with a lot of different extra circulars or one or two they are passionate about.

[@PhillipsAndover]

Each part of the application is important in its own way. The admission committee reads each application closely, and learns about the student from their recommendations, writing samples, grades, standardized test scores, and interview report. Some students are into a lot of different activities, and that’s great! But other students have put a lot of energy and time into one activity that is really important to them. It could be a sport, a musical instrument, poetry, community service, student government, etc. That’s a really good thing, too! One of the best things about Andover is the huge variety of interests among its students overall; our intentionally diverse community makes Andover an exciting place to live, learn, and make friends.

[@aveenburney7463]

PhillipsAndover Thank you so much for your input. I am looking forward to applying to your great school in 2021! I hope I will see you all if I get accepted!

[@maripookio]

Does the interview determine whether you get in or not? Or is it just simply to know the student and the application is what determines whether they get admitted or not?

[@PhillipsAndover]

The interview is an important part of the application process. It’s meant to be conversational, and it’s an opportunity for us to get to know you, and for you to learn more about Andover. You can feel free ask questions, and talk about the things that you enjoy. We want to hear about your favorite classes, extra-curricular activities, etc. Our admission officers and faculty interviewers are really nice, and they’ll try to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Definitely let the interviewer know what interests you about Andover!

[@maripookio]

PhillipsAndover Thank you!