The 5 Top Reasons Why I Went To Phillips Exeter Academy | Why Did I Go To Boarding School?

These are my top reasons why I decided to go to boarding school! Some people think boarding school is a place parents send their wild kids to (Gossip Girl, anyone?) or a place for a bunch of stuck up rich kids, but in my experience, that is so far from the truth! There is so much more to boarding school. So many opportunities and some wonderful people!
So I went to Phillips Exeter Academy, and you will probably hear that from me all of the time (sorry not sorry), but I just wanted to give the reasons why I decided to go. You might be deciding if you want to go to boarding school, as applications are due in January, so I hope this helps!

[@nkwari]

dish drama HAHAHA

[@Ifechi]

the DISH DRAMA was SOOO real. Like I'm talking multiple meetings and manhunts. Like we take it seriously and people still have the audacity to be leaving their dishes in the sink smh. lol but also no

[@emilywang3478]

My interview is tomorrow!!! So excited, but still nervous.

[@tamago6783]

Emily Wang did you get in?

[@emilywang3478]

​@@tamago6783 we don't get back results until the 10th of march!!

[@priyanwakanma3621]

Did you get in?

[@emilywang3478]

@@priyanwakanma3621 no!!!! i got waitlisted

[@xiokixou2017]

Emily Wang I know someone who was offered admission right before the school year started. She was initially waitlisted as well. There is hope!!

[@xiokixou2017]

I got into Exeter! Your videos really helped. Thank you.

[@Ifechi]

EEEEEEEPPP CONGRATS OMG!!

[@petraorloff6505]

I just got in for class of '23! Congrats!!!

[@xiokixou2017]

Petra Orloff I got in for the class of ‘22. Congrats to you as well!! I couldn’t imagine doing this as an 8th grader.

[@fanta2468]

Do you have any tips for the interview and application process?

[@xiokixou2017]

Emi Lynx I’m currently an upper at Andover right now! As for tips, I don’t have anything too out of the ordinary. Be authentic and tailor your application in anyway you want to (maybe you can demonstrate how selfless you are or what you’re passionate about). They know you’re capable (from GPA and tests scores). Just let know how they’d benefit from having you as a student.

[@eeikca.j]

I started my application a while ago and I hope when everything is done they accept me!! 🥺 pray for me guys 🙏😊 Update I just had my interview and it went well!!! Update... again :) I got rejected 💀

[@rubytuttle720]

Eva Serebrova I heard people where getting their letters today! I wish you the best of luck!

[@lmnshow5309]

Eva Serebrova I’m applying for 2021-2022

[@naimomohamed4394]

@@lmnshow5309 Me too! What grade?

[@michellechen1010]

@@naimomohamed4394 haha me too! I'm '24 and applying for sophomore year. How about you?

[@naimomohamed4394]

michelle chen Junior year :)

[@user-jy6vp1zm9m]

I am thinking about sending my kids to boarding school. I am enjoying your videos. Thank you!

[@briannabobbie5456]

LOVE YOUR VIDS HELPED ME LEARN A LOT ABOUT PEA🥰

[@petraorloff6505]

I just got in for class of 2023 and I'm super excited!!!

[@rrsni1727]

Petra Orloff oh my God what did you do that helped you ?

[@Kavya-ge7xe]

@@rrsni1727 For class of 2023 means ??? Plz tell me ......

[@rankedskywars]

@@Kavya-ge7xe you graduate in spring 2023

[@ren3212]

just finished my application for 10th grade at exeter! really hopeful that i’ll get in.

[@kamsinwotite2833]

I really want to Phillips Academy for highschool! It seems great!

[@coffeeguy2000]

Can you do a video about five things you did not like about boarding school? Another idea is what types of kids would not do well at boarding school. Thx!

[@Ifechi]

Awesome ideas! I will be making a boarding school series soon, and def will include these vids, because I know people are starting to think about applying!

[@queenblessyy]

How would you say the diversity is in Exeter? Are there a lot of African Americans?

[@Ifechi]

I would say it's decent, but like most private institutions, blacks are a minority. I would say there are 7 - 10 % blacks on campus, so a bit lower than the national proportion.

[@ragegull4375]

Omg this is amazing! Red hot!

[@carolinenayor2479]

Hi Ifechi! Im applying to Exeter for my sophomore year and I wanted some advice on how to get in. I’m currently in a private all girls school, and feel as if I’m not reaching my full potential. Your videos have been an amazing insight on Exeter life!

[@bjsb1267]

Did you get in?

[@quaran-teened59]

I also go to an all girl school and applying here for sophomore year 😂!! Do you have any luck?

[@demonicbouai2313]

howd it go?

[@zoes1863]

i’ve been binging your videos bc my interviews are coming up!

[@Ifechi]

you got it queen!

[@ellieanasperantsas5966]

Same!!!

[@phoebebuchanan4697]

Mine are in 20 mins 😭

[@4oclockarmy695]

I had my interview last month i think it went really well I really hope I get in!

[@createdbychanel8960]

I'm applying for the 2021-2022 school year and I'm so nervous. My state is one of the poorest, and as a result, we don't have an excellent school system, so I'm scared they'll think because of that I won't be able to handle theirs, and I'm homeschooled to so I'm worried about the fact I won't be able to show them club/activities. I've only inquired for now, and I'm working on my SSAT (I only have two months at the most to prepare, ugh) right now.

[@icam7967]

hi, can you tell me more about the repeating of grade level in exeter? how common is it? and perhaps if there's anyone applying for repeat or considering doing so, please let me know! :)

[@billbergendahl2911]

I congratulate your successes.

[@itskammiprincessvuu944]

I’m applying for Exeter when I get in high school and I hope I really get in!!!}

[@elizabethjohnson7442]

I know I am a few years(lot) Late but what was you ssat score if you remember. I'm applying this year and just want to know like good range to be in

[@user-jy8wl1ns7s]

Hi, could you please consider sharing your stats, ECs, etc. for Exeter? Thank you so much in advance!

[@treasuretreatz8818]

Your at Brown. Omg u really care about your education I commend you like a lot your very determined

[@chonicz_9412]

I’m wondering if I still have a chance of getting into Phillips Exeter Academy for my second year of high school. I got accepted into the St. Paul School, but no Exeter. I still feel that Exeter is the school for me but I am not sure if I’m able to apply for Exeter while I’m at St. Paul’s. I’m not sure if my teachers will right me letter of recommendation for another school. I know that you applied to Exeter for your second year of high school so please let me know if there is anything I can do to apply to Exeter without losing my place in St Paul’s in the process.

[@Ifechi]

You can def apply for your second year but if you take St. Pauls (congrats), you should stay.

[@gamingwithsanam9446]

Please guide me for SSAT I am not good at English please 😫🙏🙏💓

[@ankhe9925]

Hi, at what grade did you start at Exeter?

[@anweshasaha8671]

Can you work as a teenager staying in a boarding school(like babysitting, puppy sitting,etc.) to make some extra money if you come from a poor family??

[@bellagillette4498]

I've been looking into Exeter and I was hoping you had the answers to these lol. do you share a dorm? also do they have a girls soccer team? and how well do you think classes went for you, like was it easy to get help on things that you were struggling with?

[@Ifechi]

I would say classes vary depending on subject and teacher, but overall, they are rigorous and interesting!

[@geraldinetalledo3490]

Is Philip Exeter Hard?

[@shuangbai4820]

Are there any placement levels at exeter for each subject (honors, regular, etc.)?

[@Ifechi]

I mean there are courses mostly in STEM that are harder and are faster than the others, but they don't have an official honors status.

[@noahplaysidv]

Alright so, I heard at Exeter especially no one does the form kitchens dishes and it’s like just TEA over those damn dishes. Can you confirm 😂😂✌️

[@Ifechi]

the nerve of some of these people... most people do their dishes but there are always a couple of bad eggs who ruin it for everyone

[@noahplaysidv]

Ifechi 😱✌️😤

[@thatoneperson8908]

Hi, I am planning to apply to Exeter for 11th grade next school year. I come from a different country so I am a bit confused by some of the requirements. Mostly about the testing, the SSAT or the ISEE. We don't have those in my country. What are they and where can I take them?

[@Ifechi]

If you're international, I think you take the TOEFL?? Check the website for more info.

[@user-zs5mq3wd6n]

So HOW.. did you go to exeter

[@alynaai]

Heyy I'm currently in 8th grade and I'm applying to Exeter (Exeter has been my dream school since 6th!!) Would you recommend submitting the application earlier or later and does the submission time make a difference? Also do you have any tips for not appearing super nervous in the interview? Thanks!

[@Ifechi]

earlier is always better! And just be yourself in interviews.

[@alynaai]

Ifechi thank you sooo much!!

[@mohamedkane4091]

Hey, im expecting to apply soon! How hard is it to get in? How were academic grades previously to exeter?

[@Ifechi]

Well, Exeter is a competitive school to get into, and you could probably find the acceptance rate on the website. And I don't completely understand your second question but I'm assuming you're asking if your grades rn should be good and yes they should be relatively good because exeter is so rigorous.

[@exalite7736]

I'm applying for Exeter class of '24, and I finished two of my essays already. I'm also wondering what you got on the SSAT. I know the score isn't as big of a deal as the essays, but I was just wondering.

[@Ifechi]

sorry I don't remember my score! It was a really long time ago. I took my ACT before I took the SSAT so I do know I did well (standardized tests come naturally to me), but I couldn't give you the exact number (I don't even know what the max is anymore)! Good luck on your application!

[@exalite7736]

@@Ifechi Thank you! The max is 2400 now. But I'm pretty sure percentile matters more than score.

[@Jenny-tu9fc]

I would love to apply and I am going to shoot my shot for Class of 2023, but I'm not sure if I will get admitted because there are also tons of other outstanding candidates. :')

[@Ifechi]

Shoot your shot always!!!

[@gwasp5554]

Hey maybe im too late to comment as the video has been for almost 5 years, but to try my luck i would like to ask if the school has any malaysian students, im malaysian and my interview is this week.I hope I get in.

[@LuliiCardosoo]

ik this video is kinda old but, is it hard to make friends as a new junior at exeter? and are the classes that hard? im going in september!!

[@Ifechi]

Congrats! I wouldn't say it's hard to make friends because everyone is so friendly and your dorm is a squad! Classes can def be hard at times, so time manage well.

[@jades3373]

I just started my application for the 2021-2022 school year. My interview went well and I’m about to take the SSAT. I will update this when I find out if I got accepted! (Also i’m currently in 9th so applying for sophomore year) edit: I’m applying to other schools and I’ll update when I find out what I got accepted to edit 1/9/21: Ok so I have submitted my candidate profile, and am about to submit my essays. I took my SSAT’s and did pretty good. I will come back with another edit if I got accepted or not! edit 3/10/21: so I got rejected :/

[@4oclockarmy695]

Me too I don't know if I should take it since I started preparing later... I hope we get in!

[@jades3373]

@@4oclockarmy695 I also started prepping later as well. Good Luck! I also hope we both get in!

[@demonicbouai2313]

@@jades3373 which did you get into

[@GG-tm1pu]

Do you have any advice for applying? I'm going into 9th grade, but I'll be applying for 10th grade. My scores in middle school weren't that well, but I do tend to be good at testing. I also had a lot of hard classes. I only really have one extracurricular activity(computer science/ coding).

[@Ifechi]

Some good general advice is keep your grades up, do extracurriculars and activities outside of school that you enjoy, get good recommendations and test scores, write compelling essays and be yourself through and through!

[@demonicbouai2313]

​@@Ifechi quick question, what do you mean by extracurricular activities? I play squash and got into an volunteering leadership program, does that count?

[@angelazhang3023]

I was just accepted into the class of 2023 and I’m beyond excited to go! Would you mind offering an example of a daily schedule? Busier days, more relaxed days (whatever you’d consider relaxed at Exeter... haha)? Thank you!

[@Ifechi]

YYAAAASSSS!!! Wednesday is a half day always so pretty chill. A daily schedule really varies I have to be honest. It depends on which classes and levels of classes and your extracurriculars. Some days, my day would be from 8am to 8pm and some of my friends' days would go from 1pm to 4pm. I would say just be excited!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!

[@angelazhang3023]

Ifechi thank you so much!!!

[@isabellavesely]

I was accepted to the class of 2023 as well! I cannot wait! Maybe we can meet up one day!

[@Ifechi]

@@isabellavesely YASSSS! Congrats! I hope you really enjoy it there (I think you will!). And yeah, I like to come back to visit so maybe we could meet!

[@apersonontheinternethi7023]

Haha I just realized I got denied and I am completely heartbroken :(((( Idk what to really do, but do you think if I email them to reconsider reviewing my application it will really do anything or not?!! PLEASE RESPOND

[@Ifechi]

It probably wouldn't if it's a rejection (it may be different if it was a waitlist). The only thing you can do is try again next year.

[@jayminec3329]

Is it difficult to have a place in exeter ? How many students do they have ? How many are applying for a place ? I applied for Exeter summer but I don't really know if I have a chance ! And actually, I'm French 😆

[@Ifechi]

If you're looking for this info, def search for it before you ask others because you wouldn't want to be asking questions like these in interviews (if you have them) because it shows you haven't done your research. Check out the Exeter Website!

[@jayminec3329]

@@Ifechi yes I checked a lot of things about this. I haven't done it when I wrote this. Thanks for answer (and I have no interview, I just have to write an essay)

[@paurebollo7330]

mail?

[@chrrryfairy102]

Hi, I was wondering if you could give me your insight on something! I will be applying for class of 25 later this year and am currently participating in the online Exeter summer program. Do you think having this experience will increase my chances of getting accepted into Exeter?

[@Ifechi]

I don't think that doing the summer program necessarily increases your chances of acceptance.

[@Ifechi]

The summer program is just an entirely separate experience that can be beneficial in itself and/or can help you figure out if you are interested in the school, but large majority Exonians do not do the summer program.

[@briannabobbie5456]

I’m confused about the dorm room situation. According to multiple sources, each person receives their own “room” which is typically small. Is this true? And you have to was your own dishes??

[@Ifechi]

oooh no. Those sources are wrong. Most people, esp underclassmen, have roommates (although people will get singles from time to time, usually upperclassmen) and room sizes differ from dorm to dorm. Nothing is too small that it's ridiculous, and there are not insanely large rooms either. And yes, wash up after yourself 100%!! if you don't, you will cause a lot of issues in the dorm.

[@briannabobbie5456]

Ifechi hopefully I’m class of ‘25 (yes I know I’m pretty young but I’m aiming high ! Lol 🥰

[@chrrryfairy102]

brianna-noelle Our applications are coming up! I wish you luck! ❤️

[@briannabobbie5456]

Caspia thank youuu❤️ same for you do you have any social media’s?

[@chrrryfairy102]

brianna-noelle of course! My Instagram is: rruby.anne

[@mattys.3505]

Hey Ifechi! I’m a 7th grader hoping to get into PEA when I apply next year (or whenever I do I’m kinda nervous). I’m joining student council and math club and tennis and all that stuff. The only thing I’m worried about is money……like I’m not rich 🤨 do you have any tips on getting scholarships or maybe financial aid?

[@babys6582]

I don’t know about scholarships but u have to apply for financial aid And they do financial aid based on need & it’s a grant so you aren’t loaning money I suggest looking on their website about financial aid Good luck! I’m applying for boarding too but I’m not applying to PEA anymore lol

[@Ifechi]

Definitely apply for financial aid. I found the aid very generous at PEA (better than any university for sure), and the majority of students receive aid.

[@aadyakanwar8867]

Hi... I was just wondering if you took financial aid. I just have so many questions that I think I can only ask an alumni. Please reply if we can get in touch to answer my questions!

[@allison2324]

What SSAT score should I be aiming for to get into Exeter? I'm in 7th grade right now and would love to be part of such an amazing school. Do you think I have enough time to prepare? Thank you! :)

[@valeriecaceres9350]

Heyyy!! I’m currently in 8th grade and had my interview today. I would say that the most important part is the interview since that’s where the admission gets to know you. My interviewer was talking about how long was I interested in this school and I told her that I was in 7th grade when I found out about this, as soon as she heard this she immediately got me contacted with the Exeter admissions and also said that she will cover my Application payment so I would say that Yes you have time to prepare 👍👍

[@sierraHAHA...]

@@valeriecaceres9350 omggg, how is exeter?

[@rknsin6316]

Hello, I saw your video. I am planning to get in. But do not know what to do, how to do. I have no help. Could you please guide me. The only thing I did is register my self. I am going to 8th grade this year but 2020 I am planning to join philips. Please tell me about the SSAT test and all the other helpful information please. Thank You.

[@Ifechi]

If you don't know the logistics of applying, you should check the exeter website for all of the updated info on how to apply.

[@Ifechi]

If you don't know the logistics of applying, you should check the exeter website for all of the updated info on how to apply.

[@emilywang3478]

hi, i just got my results back.............i got waitlisted. is that bad? do .i still have a chance? r there a lot of waitlisted boarders at exeter? i love exeter so muchh...

[@Ifechi]

I don't know anything about the waitlist, and there's nothing any alum or current student could tell you definitively about it, even ones who were admitted off the waitlist. be hopeful but also be honest with yourself is my advice.

[@emilywang3478]

@@Ifechi Okay, thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@kristind6774]

Did you make it

[@mypoorbraincells]

hello! i don't know if you still reply to comments anymore, since this video is old, but i hope you do because i am very confused! i've always wanted to apply here, but my parents never wanted to fill out and research the school! i took it into my own hands this time, but now it's very late to start interviews, tours, etc. i haven't even started studying for the SSAT. im a freshman right now, so i'd be applying for sophomore year. do you recommend i just study super hard and still try now, or should i wait until next year (sophomore applying junior year)? i heard that if you do this, statistically, there is an even lower acceptance rate, so i'm not sure. my grades last year, which they would see if i applied now, are all A+. if i apply next year, they'd see my freshman grades, which are- admittedly not as good- around A/A-/B+. i'm really stressed because i have to figure this all out by myself; my parents aren't helping at all :/

[@sairabano4587]

the ssat requires quite at least 2 months to study for. i would say apply for sophomore year but make sure ur application is outstandong. for example, i know an exonian who has written and published 2 full length novels, straight As, great personality, plays piano, does 3 sports, they love students that are well rounded like that

[@mypoorbraincells]

@@sairabano4587 alrighty!! thank you so much for your help! i really appreciate it

[@sairabano4587]

@@mypoorbraincells also if the ssat is really stressing u out dont submit it. just make sure the rest of ur application is spectacular. gl

[@sophiajundi]

I have my first interview in a month :)

[@tressablomberg7779]

No way I live 20 min away from there!

[@marissawong2066]

what other boarding schools did you apply to??

[@Ifechi]

like a lot lmao, but I can't remember what they were. Definitely all of the ten schools, but Exeter was my first choice

[@ben_feuer]

Applying, I'm a CS person, taking the Ap in 8th

[@user-gn2dd1kq9w]

Hi pillips school have scholarships for international studens pleas answer me

[@Ifechi]

their financial aid is generous for all students who need it!

[@CyberHipHop]

Who is all going to EXETER Summer 2019??

[@adriana-zs6dk]

Cyber meee

[@CyberHipHop]

@@adriana-zs6dk are you upperclass?

[@carolinecoyle3649]

I really want to go there!! I don’t think I’m smart enough so can you pray for me? ((: also I have questions (1 what the Tuition? (2 can you get jobs or go to Walmart\target (3 do ever year you get a new room? (4 is this a public school or privet? (5 do you have school dances? (6 is there prom? (7 what grades does it begin and end? (8 anything your not allowed (9 how do I convince my parents (10 is there clubs? EDIT: btw I’m in 7th grade so a few years yet ((:

[@Ifechi]

Ok you're going to have to look at the website for this. You can find the answers to basically all of these questions there.

[@carolinecoyle3649]

@Ifechi just looked!! Thanks but there one question I got confused on what is the tuition? Also how should I convince my parents? I live in Illinois and I don’t know how to convince my mom and dad to send me to New Hampshire 😅 but thanks so much for replaying

[@maxcovers2755]

Kiwi Kiwi The boarding tuition without financial aid is about 55,000 plus expenses. I’m working on my parents too lol (live in Indiana)

[@carolinecoyle3649]

@Max Covers Indiana? Lol youre my neighbor!! Thank you btw ((:

[@maxcovers2755]

Kiwi Kiwi Anytime! Are you Chicago?

[@shelbym747]

the acceptance rate is 15% at exeter.... im probably not gonna get accepted rip

[@raintraore5456]

You will get in, if you believe in yourself !!! Good luck if you did end up applying !

[@cube6338]

I am applying for Phillips, good luck to me......

[@Evili555]

I have my interview in about 2 weeks any tips?

[@Evili555]

This is Andover btw

[@Ifechi]

@@Evili555 RRIPPP LMAO I WAS ABOUT TO BE LIKE CONGRATS ON EXIE BUT YOU JOINED THE ENEMY GUESS I CAN'T HELP YOU... jk Andover's chill o whateva. Seriously, sounds very cliche, but be yourself!! Don't try and make yourself be all formal. Talk about what you like and what makes you unique. They will love it if they can see your passion or excitement. You have the qualifications to get an interview. Now you have to show them who you are.

[@Evili555]

Ifechi I also applied to Exeter

[@Evili555]

So yea I’m flying to MA and I ment both of the admission officers at this event where they travel around

[@Ifechi]

@@Evili555 no worries I was joking. I'm glad that you have options! Most people apply to both.

[@briannabobbie5456]

How diverse is PEA?

[@Ifechi]

I would say it's somewhat diverse. It's no doubt a majority white institution but there is representation from a multitude of minorities.

[@oscairpage8689]

Bri_yanna_ Here are the stats: 50.2% male 49.8% female 7.8% international students 46% students of color 11.1% Asian 18.7% Asian American 6.8% African American 4.2% Black 9.5% Hispanic 1.3% Native American

[@lindae7839]

🇳🇬?

[@Ifechi]

Yes!

[@rezon4862]

yeet my interview is tomorrow :(

[@eeikca.j]

Rezon mines next week 😭🙏

[@aakashhaque9805]

Did you get in

[@toasterbath6997]

class of 23'!

[@Ifechi]

Congrats!!

[@cam-es8qx]

hope I become your friend if your there next year :/

[@Ifechi]

I graduated in 2018! However, some of my favorite people will still be there next year (and wetherel is fire) so you've got that to look forward to!

[@AdamSmith-vi4mc]

Top reason i went to exeter - my parents could afford it Lol like that'll ever happen

[@ryankertzner4343]

my cuz goes to phillips academy lol

[@vanessabates1697]

damn pea students have a way better exeter life. their public schools are the absolute worst ever

[@dr.apollo4226]

Cuz you rich.

[@valeriecaceres9350]

Cuz she smart

[@dr.apollo4226]

Valerie Caceres and rich

[@valeriecaceres9350]

Dr. Apollo lol

[@Dissandou]

Thank you so much, your videos helped me to get into Exeter today :D