What Sets You Apart in a Hyper-Competitive Admissions Year?
In a year where top-tier U.S. boarding school admissions have reached record-high selectivity, understanding what makes a candidate truly stand out is more important than ever. Continuing their exclusive visit series, FGE’s North America Director Ashmita and Junior Boarding Programs Director Zion traveled to Phillips Academy Andover, The Lawrenceville School, and Middlesex School to gain firsthand updates from key admissions insiders.
This third chapter of our visit series builds upon the success of our earlier posts featuring Exeter & Choate and St. Paul’s, Milton, Governor’s & Dana Hall. Here’s what we uncovered on our latest journey.
The Lawrenceville School: Elite Academics with Flexible Vision
Founded in 1810, Lawrenceville is renowned for its rich history, rigorous academics, and signature Harkness table discussion method. With a strong Princeton pipeline, it’s no surprise FGE students secured five Fall 2025 offers this cycle.
Private Briefing with Yang Yang, Senior Associate Director of Admission
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Admissions Policy Shifts Ahead: Following recent leadership changes in the admissions office, Lawrenceville is revising key policies and interview logistics. Expect updates by mid-July, including finalized travel schedules and interview formats.
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Interview Format Still Evolving: The admissions team is still determining whether interviews will be mandatory, and if so, whether they’ll be in-person, video, or Vericant interviews. Importantly, interviews are not the sole factor—as long as applicants can communicate effectively, the format won’t drastically affect outcomes.
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Competitive Grade 9 Entry: Due to limited boarding spots, especially in Grade 9, waitlists are fluid and influenced by summer withdrawals. Special talents (e.g., dance, athletics) will remain a key deciding factor in late-round decisions.
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Grade Level Advice: For younger applicants, Grade 10 entry is often more strategic unless there’s a compelling reason for early enrollment.
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Asia Trip Confirmed: Despite global uncertainties, the Lawrenceville team plans to visit Asia this fall to continue global outreach.
FGE Insight:
Focus on personal maturity, community fit, and academic readiness. Lawrenceville values students who are reflective, intellectually curious, and able to thrive in a student-led learning environment.
Phillips Academy Andover: Academic Powerhouse with Personal Depth
Andover, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the U.S., is a magnet for the country’s and world’s top students. Known for its need-blind admissions, rigorous curriculum, and world-class faculty, it’s often referred to as “the crown jewel of American boarding schools.”
FGE students earned two offers from Andover this year.
In Conversation with Tim Liu, Admissions Officer
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PAA Model: Each applicant is assigned a Personal Application Advisor (PAA) who becomes the primary contact throughout the process, ensuring consistency and deeper understanding of the student’s story.
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Interview Philosophy: While optional, interviews are strongly recommended. Andover offers multiple formats—live (in-person or online) and video submissions. The goal? Authenticity. Students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully, not recite rehearsed answers.
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Evaluation Rigor: Every application is reviewed at least three times by a team of faculty and admissions officers. Final decisions are based on holistic discussion and consensus.
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Coach vs. Admissions Influence: Athletic or music coaches are not involved in admission decisions. Communicating with them may help you understand program expectations, but admissions decisions rest solely with the committee.
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Summer Melt & Waitlist: Though “summer melt” (admitted students declining) does occur, Andover encourages waitlisted students to secure offers from other schools due to the unpredictable nature of late movement.
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Student Fit: The most successful Andover students demonstrate:
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Initiative & self-direction
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Resilience, especially when placed in foundation-level classes or second-tier teams
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A willingness to grow, even when not immediately at the top
FGE Insight:
Showcase your inner drive, emotional maturity, and comfort with challenge. Andover is a school for thinkers—and doers—who can balance intensity with humility.
Middlesex School: Tradition, Talent & Thoughtful Culture
Located just outside Boston, Middlesex School blends intimate community life with academic excellence. With a 100+ year history and an exceptional track record of college placements, it remains one of the most respected and selective small boarding schools.
FGE students secured two offers from Middlesex for Fall 2025.
Tour and Conversation with Starry Zhu, Admissions Officer
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Small, High-Achieving International Cohort: Middlesex maintains a close-knit international student population, ensuring integration and individualized attention.
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Signature Tradition: The Graduation Plaque: Every graduate hand-carves a wooden plaque bearing their name, hung permanently on the school’s walls. This lasting symbol of student legacy reinforces community and belonging.
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Robust Arts Program: Middlesex stages five full theatre productions annually, with evening rehearsals built into the school calendar. Students are encouraged—almost expected—to explore performing arts regardless of prior experience.
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Upgraded Facilities: A new comprehensive sports complex is undergoing construction, further strengthening the school’s athletic offerings.
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Academic Praise: Visiting students consistently praise Middlesex’s English curriculum, which emphasizes literary analysis and seminar-style discussions.
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Core Academic Philosophy: At the heart of a Middlesex education is the cultivation of:
FGE Insight:
Middlesex is ideal for students who thrive in a supportive yet intellectually stimulating environment, value tradition, and want to leave their personal mark on the community—literally and figuratively.
Want to make the most of this admissions cycle?
Reach out directly for personalized strategy sessions, exclusive interview training, and essay guidance based on real admissions insights—not guesswork.
