Applying to Andover

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STEP 1: Complete the Candidate Profile

Complete the Candidate Profile (Part One of the application) on the Gateway to Prep Schools website and submit it to Phillips Academy. You will then receive an email 24 hours after your submission with your application portal login credentials.

STEP 2: Interview

Using your application portal login credentials, you will be able, but not required, to supplement your application with one of the following options:

  • On-Campus Interview (limited availability)
    • All on-campus interviews include a campus tour
  • Virtual Interview (limited availability)
  • Personal Video Submission (open availability)

Applicants are encouraged to do an on-campus or live virtual tour if able.

STEP 3: Required Testing

*NEW* For fall 2025 applicants and beyond, we are returning to required standardized testing. Students may submit one of the following: SSAT (Upper Level), ISEE (Upper Level), PSAT, SAT, or ACT.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT ALL GRADE LEVELS:

Students who attend a school outside the United States that is not an English-medium school are asked to take the TOEFL iBT, the IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. As a guideline, most international students who are admitted to Andover score at or above: 100 on the TOEFL iBT, 7.5 on the IELTS, or 135 on the Duolingo English Test.

If you are unable to submit the TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo English Test due to financial concerns, please email us or call us at (978) 749-4050 and we will be glad to assist.

School Testing Codes: When you register for a standardized test, please use the following codes in order to have the test results sent directly to Phillips Academy.

SSAT: 5758 
ISEE: 220030 
SAT: 0156 
TOEFL: 8127

If you are applying for financial aid and would like to request a standardized testing fee waiver, please visit your applicant portal for information on how to make this request. 

STEP 4: Complete Your Application

Submit the remaining application documents via Gateway to Prep Schools:

  • Graded Writing Sample
  • Short Answers and Essay
  • Parent/Guardian Statement
  • Current Academic Year Grades
  • Previous Grades
  • Principal/Counselor Recommendation
  • Current English Teacher Recommendation
  • Current Math Teacher Recommendation
  • Personal Recommendation
  • Optional: Special Interest Recommendation
  • Optional: Arts or Athletics Supplement

STEP 5: If Applicable

Financial Aid: If applying for financial aid, complete the financial aid application by February 1.

STEP 6: Optional Character Skills Snapshot

If you choose to take the SSAT, you will have the option to also take the Character Skills Snapshot if you would like to do so. The CSS is an engaging self-inventory exercise that applicants often enjoy completing. Please note: Even if applicants choose to take the CSS, our admission committee will not view the results until after our March 10 decision release date. CSS results may be used for student onboarding purposes but will not be used for admission.


Boarding vs. Day

*New* Students are able to choose whether to apply to Phillips Academy as a day student or as a boarding student, without restriction. Your choice is a one-time-only option that must be made when the application is submitted to the admission office. If you need assistance making this choice and would like to discuss it with a member of our team, please call (978-749-4050) or e-mail ([email protected]).


International Students

Phillips Academy believes in the importance of “youth from every quarter” and values its international students, who share cultural traditions, initiate conversations about cultural differences and similarities, and advance global understanding.

Dates to Remember

February 1, 2025
Boarding and Day Student Application / Financial Aid Application Deadline

Nondiscrimination Policy

Phillips Academy admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable law, and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Phillips Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable law, in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other school-administered programs.