Your Dream School, Our Insights For You

As U.S. boarding school admissions become more competitive than ever, the advantage lies not only in how well you prepare—but how much you know. That’s why Foundation Global Education’s most senior consultants, Ashmita (North America Director) and Zion (Partner & Director of Junior Boarding Programs), were personally invited this spring to visit five of America’s most elite schools—Phillips Exeter Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, Andover, Lawrenceville, and Fessenden.

These rare, behind-the-scenes campus visits and private meetings with Admissions Deans provided us—and now you—with never-before-public insights into:

• The latest admissions trends

• What top schools are really looking for

• How to stand out in an increasingly crowded applicant pool

We kicked off our exclusive series with the latest from Choate Rosemary Hall and Phillips Exeter Academy, two of the most selective and admired institutions in U.S. secondary education.

Choate Rosemary Hall

The Pulse of Innovation Meets Tradition

If there’s one school that combines cutting-edge facilities, vibrant student life, and a legacy of excellence, it is none other than Choate Rosemary Hall. With graduates regularly accepted to Harvard, MIT, Princeton, and Stanford, Choate is more than a school—it’s a launchpad to the elite league.

This year, FGE students secured three coveted offers from Choate for Fall 2025—this is remarkable and no small feat; especially in a year where the acceptance rate plummeted to a historic low of 10%.

Campus Visit Highlights

• We witnessed the beloved annual Physics Flotilla, where students race their hand-built cardboard boats—a quirky and creative showcase of Choate’s hands-on learning philosophy.

• We also toured the almost ready, brand-new admissions building, set to officially open later this year, which featured state-of-the-art tech, dedicated family welcome spaces, and interactive digital displays of student work.

• We held a private strategy session with Jeff Beaton, Choate’s Director of Admission.

Key Takeaways from Jeff Beaton

• “Same Platform, Same Chance”: All applicants, regardless of geography, will interview through a standardized online portal, ensuring an equitable process for all.

• Asia on the Radar: The Choate admissions team will return to Asia this fall, meeting prospective families in person. (Pro tip: be prepared!)

• Visits Make an Impact: While interviews are virtual, in-person campus visits are strongly encouraged. Families who visit benefit from deeper insights into Choate’s values, student life, and community spirit.

• What Choate Values: Academic rigor alone isn’t enough. Admissions officers want to see how you’ll shape and contribute to the Choate community. Your essays and application should reflect:

  • Specific ways you’ll participate in clubs or initiatives

  • Evidence of community mindset

  • Your authentic interests—not just polished achievements

Phillips Exeter Academy

The Gold Standard in Academic Excellence

Known worldwide as “the Harvard of U.S. high schools,” Phillips Exeter Academy sets the bar for intellectual rigor and holistic student development. Our team proudly helped four students earn Exeter offers for Fall 2025.

Meeting with John Hutchins, Director of Admissions

We sat down with Mr. Hutchins to learn how Exeter is navigating growing international interest—and what it means for families abroad.

Inside Exeter’s 2025 Admissions Strategy

• Global Focus: The school is ramping up international recruitment and will visit China, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam this fall.

• No Cookie-Cutter Applicants: Hutchins emphasized that Exeter doesn’t follow a fixed formula. What wins them over?

  • Authenticity

  • Curiosity

  • A drive to grow and lead

• Stand-Out Talents? Show Them Off: Whether it’s athletics, robotics, creative writing, or debate, Exeter encourages students to submit portfolios or connect directly with faculty.

• Interview Flexibility: Online or in-person—it doesn’t matter. What matters is how you express your voice, not where.

• Try Again, Win Again: Exeter openly supports reapplicants. There are many true stories of students who didn’t get in on their first try but succeeded the second time with stronger profiles and deeper insight.

FGE’s Strategic Insights

Based on these exclusive campus meetings, our message to families is clear:

✅ Start early
✅ Be intentional and authentic
✅ Think beyond grades—leadership, initiative, and how you add value to a community matters more than ever
✅ Trust the process—with the right guidance, the right school will recognize your potential

Join Us This Fall: Meet U.S. Boarding Schools in Asia

FGE will once again host admissions seminars and 1-on-1 interview prep sessions with representatives from Choate, Exeter, and more this fall. Want to stand out? Let us help you plan your visit, prepare your story, and impress admissions directors with purpose and polish.

Dreaming of Exeter or Choate?
We’ve walked their halls. We’ve sat down with their deans.
Let us walk you in the front door—confident and prepared.