How to Get Into Phillips Academy Andover

Admissions Interview

 Andover offers both on-campus and video interviews. The admissions department encourages students to complete an interview and either an on-campus or live virtual tour if feasible.  Availability for both the on-campus and video interviews is limited, so candidates can instead  choose to include a personal video submission with their applications.

Although the interview is not required this year, it  can be an important part of the application process for the school and for you. It gives the school the opportunity to get to know who you are beyond your application, and it gives you the opportunity to further explore if the school is a good fit for you. The interview also gives you the chance to distinguish yourself from the sea of other excellent applicants, so it is important to be prepared.

Interviewing, much like test-taking, is a skill that you can learn and improve. Test Innovators’ Interview Prep Course helps you prepare for the interview by practicing common interview questions and teaching you how to present yourself as a strong candidate for admission.

In addition to practicing, it is important to take some time to research the school before your interview. Explore Andover’s course catalog, performing arts programs, and athletic teams. Look for connections to your existing passions and potential new pursuits that spark your interests, and be prepared to discuss these specific offerings.

For example, if you’re fascinated by the night sky and have always enjoyed trips to the planetarium, you might want to tell your interviewer how excited you were to see that Andover offers an astronomy course. If you play the clarinet, you may wish to ask questions about the symphony orchestra, wind ensembles, and private instruction. If you have always wanted to explore the great outdoors but have never had the opportunity, you might mention that the Outdoor Pursuits program is a big draw for you.

Please refer to Andover’s admissions page for the most up-to-date information and deadlines.

Admissions Tests

Andover will be test-optional for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. Students may submit scores from the following admissions tests in support of their applications:

• Students applying to 9th grade or 10th grade can submit scores from the SSAT or ISEE
• Students applying to 11th grade, 12th grade, or the postgraduate program can submit scores from the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.

What does “test optional” mean?
Although Andover is test-optional this year, we still recommend that students prepare for and take at least one of the admissions exams. That is because “test optional” really means “submission optional.” If you have competitive scores for Andover, then go ahead and submit your scores. If you don’t think your scores will benefit your application, then don’t submit them. In short, taking the test can only improve your application and increase your chance of acceptance.

Check out our SSAT Prep Guide to learn more about the SSAT and our ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about the ISEE.

Financial Aid Application

Andover is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for each of its students. Overall, 47% of students receive financial assistance and 14% of students receive full scholarships. All financial aid is allocated in the form of grants, which do need to be repaid.

Andover has a need blind admissions policy, which means that students’ financial needs are not a factor in admissions decisions. Andover therefore encourages students to apply regardless of their families’ ability to pay the full cost of tuition.

Financial aid applications are now submitted and processed through Clarity and are due with the general application by February 1, 2024. The fee to submit the application is $55. Please refer to Andover’s financial aid page for the most up-to-date information, as well as detailed instructions on how to submit your application through Clarity.

International Students

Andover welcomes international applicants as part of its commitment to educating “youth from every quarter.” Currently, 15.7% of Andover’s student body is international and includes residents of 47 different countries.

The TOEFL iBT, the IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test is required for international applicants unless they speak English as their primary language or attend a school where English is the primary language of instruction. Typically, admitted students score above 100 on the TOEFL iBT, an average of 7.5 on the IELTS, or 125 on the Duolingo English Test.

International students applying for financial aid should submit the International Student Financial Aid Form and supporting documents directly to the Andover Financial Aid Office.

Day vs Boarding

Applicants must indicate whether they are applying for the day school program or the boarding school program.

• Students who live in Andover or North Andover must apply for the day school program.
• Students who live in the following areas can choose to apply for either the day school program or the boarding school program:
  
  • Massachusetts: Boxford, Bradford, Dracut, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynnfield, Methuen, Middleton, North Reading, Reading, Tewksbury, Topsfield, and Wilmington
  • New Hampshire: Atkinson, Pelham, Plaistow, Salem, and Windham
• Students who live elsewhere must apply for the boarding school program.

Athletics

Applicants who are interested in competing on one of Andover’s sports teams should fill out the Prospective Student Athlete Form. During the admissions process, prospective student athletes will have the opportunity to discuss the athletic program in more detail with the admissions office and relevant coaches.

Andover has varsity teams for the following sports:

Andover also offers a wide range of intramural sports and other athletic and recreational activities for students who are not competing at the varsity level, including:

This list is a great place to draw inspiration for your admission interview and application essays.

For more information about Andover’s athletic programs and facilities, please visit the Andover athletics page.

Arts

Andover also offers a wide range of artistic opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

Browse this list for inspiration for your interview, application essays, and special interest letter of recommendation.

Music & performing arts

• Academy Symphony Orchestra
• String ensembles
  
  • Academy Chamber Orchestra
  • Amadeus Chamber Ensemble
  • Corelli Chamber Ensemble
• Wind ensembles
  
  • Concert Band
  • Jazz Band
• Faculty-coached chamber music ensembles
• Vocal
  
  • Phillips Academy Chorus
  • Fidelio (a capella)
  • Gospel Choir
• Private music lessons
• Theatre
  
  • 6 mainstage-productions a year
  • Coursework in performance, directing, and technical theater
• Dance
  
  • Andover Dance Group
  • Coursework and student groups
• Student groups and clubs
  
  • Hypnotiq (hip-hop dance)
  • Blue Strut (modern dance)
  • KeyNotes (inclusive a capella)
  • Azure (all-girls a capella))
  • Yorkies (all-boys a capella)
  • Footnotes (tap dance)
  • Andover Dance Group (modern, jazz, classical dance)
  • Drumline (marching and spirit hype)
  • SLAM (step team)
  • Handbell Choir (bells in Cochran Chapel)

Visual Arts Coursework including art history, drawing & painting, sculpture, weaving, and architecture.

For more information about artistic opportunities at Andover, please visit Arts at Andover.

Conclusion

It can be challenging and stressful to navigate the admissions process at selective schools like Phillips Academy Andover. However, with the proper preparation you can achieve higher test scores, write compelling application essays, and interview confidently. Test Innovators is here to help you prepare for every step of your admissions journey so that you can put yourself in the best position to succeed.

Preparation Resources:

• Enroll in our Upper School Admissions Prep Courses
  • Interview Prep
  • Essay Writing
  • Parent Roadmap
• Start preparing for the SSAT
• Start preparing for the ISEE
• Start preparing for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT
• Learn more about Phillips Academy Andover