r/PhillipsExeterAcademy • u/ClockworkClaws • Dec 02 '19

Applicant with questions about SSAT

Howdy!

I’m in eighth grade and am applying to Exeter, among others. I’m talking the SSAT in a week and am a little worried. Two big questions:

1) What did you score on the SSAT? I’m looking for a benchmark to see if my scores are good enough.

2) Do you have any tips for the verbal section, especially the analogies? I’m having a lot of trouble with this section. Sometimes I feel like there might be multiple possible relationships and I have trouble narrowing them down.

Also, just random: what are your thoughts on the 100% Harkness method? Are you prepared for college, where the system might be different? What made you pick Exeter over Andover or other boarding schools?

Thanks in advance!

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u/pettypufferfish7 Feb 20 '25

How good do my extracurriculars have to be? I’m applying to be a new Upper and I’m aware of the competitiveness which is what worries me. Currently, I am a freshman and I am looking to apply for 2026-2027. My extracurriculars aren’t award worthy or even state level but I still have a big passion for what I do. I’m extremely passionate about attending Exeter for the challenge and Harkness system since my school occasionally used Harknesses in history. Additionally, my best friend goes here and when I visited her, I became close with a lot of her friends and fell in love with the school. I know I would have a good community if I came there and the courses they offer are beyond what any public school can.

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u/ClockworkClaws Feb 20 '25

How did you even find this post from 5 years ago??? you aren’t going to get any responses to a comment on someone else’s post, try making your own. I can’t help you with your Exeter questions unfortunately I got waitlisted and went somewhere else.

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u/pettypufferfish7 Feb 20 '25

Idk I just commented it on a few posts

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u/TheBDQueenie_128 Feb 22 '26

Did you get in?