How to Get Into Phillips Exeter Academy – New Hampshire Top Boarding School Admissions Guide

Sapneil Parikh
Oct 22
2 min read

Why Phillips Exeter Academy Is Among the Most Prestigious in the U.S.

Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire is a renowned co-ed boarding and day school serving grades 9–12, enrolling around 1,000 students, with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and the innovative Harkness method. About 60% of students board, nearly half receive need-based financial aid, and admissions remain exceptionally selective.

Step	Deadline	Action Summary
Inquiry & Candidate Profile	Fall	Start via Gateway to Prep Schools; select Exeter as preferred school
Submit Application & Fee	Feb 1	Complete online form with essays, reports, and pay $65 fee
Required Standardized Test	By Feb 1	Submit SSAT or ISEE score (only one per application cycle)
Interview & Visit	Sept–Jan	Schedule student & parent interviews; optional visit or group event
Financial Aid (optional)	Feb 1	Submit School & Student Services (SSS) forms
Admission Decision	March 15	Notification emailed; reopen invitation for decision and campus revisit
Enrollment Deposit & Docs	Early April	Sign contract and submit tuition deposit if invited

What Exeter Looks For in Applicants

Phillips Exeter uses a holistic admissions approach, evaluating:

Performance on the SSAT or ISEE
Academic transcripts and course rigor
Thoughtful essays and student questionnaire
Teacher and administrator recommendations
Student & family interview impressions
Leadership, character, curiosity, and alignment with Exeter’s motto: Non Sibi (“Not for oneself”)