From friendships that last a lifetime to skills that propel you through college and into successful careers, an Phillips Academy Andover High school’s education can be the spark that starts it all. The school is one of the best private secondary schools in the United States, offering a simple college-preparatory education to students from across the U.S. and around the globe. It was founded in 1778, the coeducational school is located in Andover, Massachusetts, and provides both boarding and day-school options.
The school board has seen several capable hands to head the school and keeps changing them after they completely impact the school positively. Few months after the Board of Trustees announced Mr. James F. Ventre ’79 as the 17th elected head of school, the management opens admission protal for new students.
Therefore, for domestic and international students planning to apply for the 2027–28 academic year, Andover has already opened its Fall 2027 application. The admission deadline is February 1, 2027, making it important for prospective students to begin preparing their academic records, recommendations, testing and interview well in advance.
About Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Academy, commonly known simply as Andover, is an independent, coeducational secondary school with a long history of academic excellence. The school offers a broad curriculum designed to prepare students for selective colleges and universities while encouraging intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and participation in community life.
Andover reports approximately 300 courses, including 150 electives and eight world languages. Its average class size is about 13 students, with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The school also reports students from 41 states and territories and 53 countries, with international students making up approximately 18% of the student population.
The school emphasizes a diverse and inclusive educational environment and welcomes students with different academic interests, backgrounds, talents and aspirations.
What Can Students Study at Andover?
One of Andover’s major attractions is the breadth of its academic program. Students have access to hundreds of courses and a substantial number of electives.
The curriculum is designed to provide both a strong academic foundation and opportunities for students to explore individual interests. Courses span areas such as:
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- English and literature
- History and social sciences
- World languages
- Visual arts
- Performing arts
- Computer science and technology
- Interdisciplinary studies
- Humanities
Students can also pursue extracurricular activities, athletics, arts and other interests alongside their academic studies.
The school describes its educational environment as one that encourages students to be curious, motivated and open-minded while developing the skills necessary for college and beyond. This is similar to The Brook Hill School Admission.
Day and Boarding Options
Andover offers both boarding and day-school enrollment.
A significant change in the school’s admissions policy is that, beginning with the 2025–26 school year, applicants can choose whether to apply as a day student or boarding student without geographic restriction. The choice must be made when the application is submitted and is a one-time decision.
Boarding at Andover
The Boarding students live on campus and become part of a residential community that combines academics, extracurricular activities and residential life.
Boarding is particularly relevant to international applicants because students can attend Andover while living on campus rather than needing to reside with a family in the United States.
Day Students
Day students attend classes and participate in the school’s academic and extracurricular programs while living off campus.
Because Andover allows applicants to choose between day and boarding without the former geographic restriction, families have greater flexibility when deciding which option is most appropriate for their circumstances.
Phillips Academy Andover Admission Requirements 2027
Andover’s admission process is selective and considers more than examination results. Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic ability, personal qualities, interests and potential to contribute to the school community.
For the Fall 2027 admission cycle, applicants must complete several components.
1. Candidate Profile
The first stage is to complete the Candidate Profile, which serves as Part One of the application through Gateway to Prep Schools.
After submitting the Candidate Profile, applicants receive their Andover application-portal login credentials, normally within 24 hours.
2. Interview
Applicants can supplement their application through an interview.
Andover currently offers:
- On-campus interviews
- Virtual interviews
- Interview recordings
Applicants who want an interview must first submit the Candidate Profile. Interviews are conducted through January, and available appointments are released on a rolling basis.
For students who cannot travel to Massachusetts, the virtual option can be particularly useful.
3. Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is required.
Applicants may submit one of the following:
- SSAT – Upper Level
- ISEE – Upper Level
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
Students should arrange for their official scores to be sent directly to Phillips Academy using the school’s testing codes.
4. Academic Records
Applicants must provide current and previous academic records.
Andover requires:
- Grades from the first term of the current academic year
- Grades from the previous two academic years
- A complete high-school transcript for applicants to Grade 12 and the postgraduate program
Students who have attended more than two schools during the previous three years may need to provide additional grade reports.
5. Teacher Recommendations
The application includes several recommendation requirements.
Applicants must obtain recommendations from:
- Their current English teacher
- Their current mathematics teacher
- Their principal or school counselor
- A personal recommender
A special-interest recommendation and arts or athletics supplement may also be submitted where applicable.
The English and mathematics recommendations must come from the student’s current teachers, rather than former teachers.
Writing and Essay Requirements
Applicants are required to submit:
- A graded writing sample
- An essay response
- A short video response
- A parent/guardian statement
The school also allows applicants to provide certain optional materials, such as an additional writing sample, résumé, award or information about extracurricular accomplishments.
International Student Admission Requirements
Andover actively welcomes international students and describes its international community as an important part of the school.
The school currently reports international students from 53 countries, and international students account for approximately 18% of its student population.
International applicants who attend schools outside the United States that are not English-medium schools are asked to submit an English-language proficiency test.
Andover accepts:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS
- Duolingo English Test
As a guideline, Andover says that most admitted international students score at or above approximately:
English Test Guideline Score
TOEFL iBT 100
IELTS 7.5
Duolingo English Test 135
These are guidelines rather than a statement of an absolute minimum admission score.
International applicants should also make sure that academic records and recommendations are properly submitted. If a recommender does not speak English, Andover says the recommendation may be submitted in the recommender’s native language; an official translation is helpful but not required.
Application Fee
For the 2026–27 school year, Andover lists an application fee of $60 for applicants generally and $125 for international applicants.
Applicants seeking financial assistance may also be eligible to request a standardized-testing fee waiver through their application portal.
Because fees can change, prospective applicants should verify the amount applicable to their application cycle before submitting payment.
Phillips Academy Andover Tuition 2026–27
For the 2026–27 academic year, Andover lists the following tuition:
Student Type 2026–27 Tuition
- Boarding $79,800
- Day $63,840
These figures represent the school’s published tuition rates for 2026–27. Families should consult the school’s official tuition page for the latest information about additional fees and payment arrangements.
Financial Aid at Andover
One of the most significant features of Andover’s admissions system is its need-blind admission policy.
The school says that an applicant’s request for financial aid does not affect the admission decision. Andover also states that it meets 100% of each student’s demonstrated financial need, using grants rather than loans.
The school reports that approximately 47% of students receive financial aid.
Importantly, international students are also welcome to apply for financial aid.
This makes Andover particularly noteworthy for international families who might otherwise find the full boarding-school cost difficult to afford.
When Is the Phillips Academy Andover Application Deadline?
For Fall 2027 admission, the main deadline is: Application deadline: February 1, 2027
The financial-aid application is also due on February 1, 2027.
The school lists March 10 as its decision-release date.
Admission Activity Date
- Fall 2027 application Available
- Interview period Through January 2027
- Admission application deadline February 1, 2027
- Financial aid deadline February 1, 2027
- Admission decisions March 10, 2027
Applicants should begin the process well before February because standardized testing, teacher recommendations and interviews all require advance planning.
How to Apply to Phillips Academy Andover
The Andover application process can be summarized in the following steps.
Step 1: Create Your Candidate Profile
Start with the Candidate Profile through Gateway to Prep Schools.
Once submitted, applicants receive their personal Andover application-portal credentials.
Step 2: Schedule an Interview
Use the Andover portal to select an available interview option:
- On-campus
- Virtual
- Interview recording
Students who can visit Massachusetts are encouraged to consider an on-campus visit, although international students can use the virtual option.
Step 3: Take the Required Tests
Complete one of the accepted standardized tests:
SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT or ACT.
International students from non-English-medium schools should also arrange the appropriate English-language test.
Step 4: Request Recommendations
Ask the appropriate teachers and school officials to complete the required recommendations.
Students should allow sufficient time because recommendations must be submitted through Gateway by the relevant teachers and school officials.
Step 5: Submit Academic Records
Provide the required current and previous grades and transcripts.
Make sure that all academic records are accurate and complete.
Step 6: Complete Essays and Other Application Materials
Submit the required:
- Graded writing sample
- Essay
- Short video response
- Parent/guardian statement
Also submit any optional arts, athletics or special-interest materials if they strengthen the application.
Step 7: Apply for Financial Aid if Needed
Families seeking financial aid should complete the financial-aid application by February 1, 2027.
Andover’s need-blind policy means requesting financial aid does not affect the admission decision.
Step 8: Submit the Application Before the Deadline
Ensure every required component has been submitted before the February 1, 2027 deadline.
Applicants can monitor missing application materials through the Andover application portal.
Admission Policy
Phillips Academy Andover uses a highly selective, holistic admission process. The school says it admits students based on factors including achievement, talent, character and promise, rather than simply admitting students based on their ability to pay.
Its need-blind policy means that financial need does not determine whether a qualified student is admitted.
Andover also maintains a nondiscrimination policy covering admission and financial-aid programs. The school states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion, sexual orientation, disability status or other statuses protected by applicable law.
What Makes Andover Attractive to International Students?
For international students, several aspects of Andover stand out.
- Global community: Students come from dozens of countries, giving international applicants the opportunity to study alongside students from different cultural backgrounds.
- Boarding option: Students can live on campus and participate fully in residential life.
- Financial aid: International students are welcome to apply for financial aid, and Andover states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualifying students.
- Strong academics: The school offers hundreds of courses and extensive elective opportunities.
- College preparation: Students receive an academically rigorous secondary-school education designed to prepare them for university.
- International support: Andover has dedicated resources for international students, including a New International Student Orientation to help new students adjust to campus life.
Tips for Students Applying to Andover
Because Andover is highly selective, simply meeting the published requirements does not guarantee admission.
Prospective applicants should consider the following:
Build a strong academic record
Academic performance is one of the most important parts of a competitive application. Students should demonstrate strong performance in challenging courses available at their current school.
Start testing early
Do not wait until the application deadline to take the SSAT, ISEE, SAT, ACT or required English-language test.
Choose recommenders carefully
Teachers should know the student well enough to provide meaningful recommendations rather than generic statements.
Show your personality
Andover’s application contains essays, a video response and recommendations. These components provide opportunities for students to demonstrate curiosity, interests, character and personal qualities.
Demonstrate genuine interests
Students should provide evidence of meaningful involvement in activities such as sports, arts, community service, leadership, technology, academic competitions or other interests.
Prepare financially
Even though Andover offers substantial financial aid, families should understand the financial-aid process and submit all required documents on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phillips Academy Andover a boarding school?
Yes. Andover offers both boarding and day-school options. Applicants can choose which option they wish to apply for without geographic restriction.
Does Andover accept international students?
Yes. Andover has an established international student community and reports students from 53 countries.
Does Andover offer financial aid to international students?
Yes. International students are welcome to apply for financial aid.
What English test does Andover accept?
For students attending non-English-medium schools outside the U.S., Andover accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS and Duolingo English Test.
What is the Andover application deadline for 2027?
The deadline for Fall 2027 admission is February 1, 2027. The financial-aid application is also due on February 1.
How much does Andover cost?
For 2026–27, published tuition is $79,800 for boarding students and $63,840 for day students, before considering applicable financial aid and other charges.
When will Andover release 2027 admission decisions?
The school’s admission FAQ lists March 10 as the decision-release date.
Concluding Remarks
Phillips Academy Andover Admissions 2027 offers an opportunity for academically ambitious students to apply to one of America’s historic independent secondary schools. The school combines a broad college-preparatory curriculum with boarding and day options, a diverse international community and substantial need-based financial aid.
For international applicants, the most important preparation steps are to begin early, arrange standardized and English-language testing, prepare strong academic records and recommendations, complete the interview process and ensure that every required component is submitted by February 1, 2027.
The school’s official admissions information should always be checked before applying because requirements, fees and procedures can change.
Official resources:
Phillips Academy Andover Admission Official Website
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