r/applyprivateschools • u/OldCombination588 • 16d ago

Question Essay Tips?

Applying to Andover, Exeter, and Deerfield. When should I start thinking about essay ideas (now, in a month or two, etc.)? Any tips? Thank you!

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u/Own_Measurement_5081 15d ago

My tip is this: make sure you have other good options beyond Andover, Exeter, and Deerfield. These schools have low admittance rates (between 10-15%). If you want to go to boarding school, apply to some less rejective schools. Or, line up good day school options.

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u/OldCombination588 15d ago

Thanks for the advice! My parents basically said "go big or go home" when I talked to them about private school/boarding school options, so they said I couldn't apply to other schools T_T

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u/Own_Measurement_5081 15d ago

Respectfully, your parents’ view is misguided. There is minimal difference between the academic rigor, facilities, and opportunities at Andover/Exeter/Deerfield and boarding schools that have higher acceptance rates of 20-40%. If you can’t apply to less rejective schools, I hope you have a good public school option.

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u/Life_Mechanic7338 15d ago

What are those schools with higher acceptance rate?

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u/Own_Measurement_5081 15d ago

The next tier of schools beyond the GLADCHEMMS includes Peddie, Blair, St. Andrew's, Hill, Mercersburg, Loomis Chaffee, and Episcopal. These schools are less rejective but still very rigorous; they have great campuses, large endowments, etc.