Phillips Academy Andover Overview
Basic Information
- Location: 180 Main Street, Andover, Massachusetts, USA
- Founded: 1778
- School Type: Private, coeducational, boarding and day school
- Grades: 9–12 (plus postgraduate year)
- Enrollment: ~1,187 students (approx. 75% boarding, 25% day)
- Student–Faculty Ratio: ~6:1
- Average Class Size: ~13 students
Tuition & Financial Aid (2024–2025)
- Boarding Students: ~$73,780/year
- Day Students: ~$57,190–69,600/year (varies by grade)
- Application Fee: $60
- Financial Aid:
- Need-blind admission
- Meets 100% of demonstrated financial need
- ~47% of students receive aid
- Average aid grant: ~$45,000
- Annual financial aid budget: ~$28.8 million
Admissions & Acceptance
- Acceptance Rate: ~13% (some years as low as 9%)
- Application Deadline: February 1 (for both domestic and international applicants)
- Decision Notification: Around March 10
- Enrollment Deadline (for accepted students): Typically by April 10
- Requirements:
- Transcripts
- Recommendations
- Standardized testing (optional post-COVID)
- Interview
- Student essays
Academics & Outcomes
- Courses Offered: Over 300, including 150+ electives
- Advanced Opportunities: Independent projects, research programs, and global study
- Average SAT: ~1480
- Average ACT: ~33
- College Matriculation: High placement to Ivy League and top-tier universities (e.g., Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Columbia)
Pros
- Elite academics and vast course offerings
- Strong, supportive faculty with advanced degrees
- Diverse student body (over 60% students of color; 15% international)
- Need-blind, generous financial aid
- Top-tier college placement
- Emphasis on leadership and civic values (“Non Sibi” – Not for Self)
- Rich extracurriculars (125+ clubs, 70+ sports teams)
Cons
- Highly competitive admissions (~13% acceptance rate)
- Very high tuition if not receiving aid
- Intense academic and extracurricular pressure
- Large school size may feel less personal
- Can be overwhelming for students needing a slower-paced environment
Summary
Phillips Academy Andover is a prestigious, academically rigorous, and values-driven boarding school with a generous financial aid program and a commitment to diversity. It’s best suited for motivated students who thrive in a competitive and intellectually stimulating environment. However, the high expectations and cost may not be ideal for everyone.