Writing Winning Phillips Exeter Essays: A Guide for Applicants and Parents

The Phillips Exeter Academy application is a formidable one, designed to identify students of exceptional academic promise and personal character. While grades and test scores create the foundation of an application, it is the essays that breathe life into the numbers. They are a student's single best opportunity to speak directly to the admissions committee, showcase their personality, and demonstrate their fit for Exeter’s unique Harkness-based community.

For both applicants and their parents, the Phillips Exeter essays can feel like the most daunting part of the process. At EduAvenues, we specialize in demystifying these prompts and guiding students to write with authenticity and impact. This guide will break down the essay requirements, offer expert strategies based on this year's prompts, and clarify what Exeter is truly looking for.

The Purpose of the Exeter Essays: Beyond the Transcript

Before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), it's crucial to understand the why behind the essays. Exeter isn't just looking for grammatically perfect prose. They are searching for evidence of:

• Intellectual Curiosity: Does the applicant think deeply about the world? Are they eager to learn for the sake of learning?

• Authenticity and Self-Reflection: Does the essay reveal a genuine, thoughtful individual? Can the student reflect on their own experiences and growth?

• Potential for Contribution: How will this student enrich the Harkness table? What unique perspectives, experiences, or passions will they bring to the dorm and the broader community?

• Character and "Non Sibi": Does the applicant show kindness, integrity, and an awareness of others?

The Phillips Exeter essays are a holistic tool for assessing these qualities.

Deconstructing the Prompts: A Strategic Analysis

Exeter's prompts are invitations to reveal your character and intellect. Let's analyze some of the key prompts provided to applicants this cycle. While applicants are typically asked to choose one, understanding the strategy behind each is invaluable.

Prompt 1: "Stepping out of your comfort zone, while challenging, can be rewarding. Write about a time you took a risk and how it impacted you."

• What they're asking: This is a classic prompt about growth and resilience. Exeter wants to see that you are not afraid of a challenge and that you can learn from your experiences, whether you succeed or fail.

• Strategy: The "risk" does not need to be a death-defying feat. It can be an intellectual risk (taking a class you knew would be difficult), a social risk (auditioning for the school play), or a personal risk (standing up for a belief). The most important part of the essay is the second half: the reflection. How did this experience change your perspective? What did you learn about yourself? Focus on the transformation, not just the event.

Prompt 2: "If you had the opportunity to create a high school class, how would you title your class? What topic would it cover, and what skills would you be looking to develop over the course?"

• What they're asking: This is a direct test of your intellectual curiosity and creativity. It reveals what you are passionate about learning when freed from a traditional curriculum. It also shows if you understand the purpose of education beyond rote memorization.

• Strategy: Be specific and imaginative. Give your class a compelling title. The topic should be something you are genuinely passionate about, whether it's "The Physics of Science Fiction" or "The History of Food." The most crucial element is the "skills" you would develop. Connect these skills to the Harkness method—mention critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and learning to articulate complex ideas. This shows you've done your research and understand the Exeter ethos.

Prompt 3: "If you could spend the day with anyone, living or in the past, who would you choose and why? How would you spend your time together?"

• What they're asking: Your choice of person reveals your values, heroes, and interests. The plan for the day demonstrates your creativity and what you consider to be a worthwhile use of time.

• Strategy: Avoid cliché choices (e.g., Einstein, Shakespeare) unless you have a deeply personal and unique reason for your choice. Perhaps you'd choose a lesser-known historical figure, a scientist whose work fascinates you, or even a family member you never met. The "how you would spend your time" is where you can shine. Instead of a generic "ask them questions," craft a thoughtful itinerary. Would you co-write a piece of music? Re-create a scientific experiment? Cook a meal from their time period? This detail brings your essay to life.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Phillips Exeter Essays

1. Trying to Sound "Scholarly": Using overwrought vocabulary or complex sentence structures can obscure your true voice. Write clearly and authentically.

2. Repeating the Resume: The essays should reveal the person behind the list of accomplishments. Don't simply re-state what's elsewhere in your application.

3. Writing What You Think They Want to Hear: Admissions officers read thousands of essays. They can easily spot insincerity. The most memorable essays are the ones that are honest and unique to the writer.

4. Forgetting "Non Sibi": While the essays are about you, the best ones often show an awareness of others. Reflecting on how your actions impact your family, team, or community demonstrates maturity and aligns with Exeter's core values.

Our Final Word of Advice

For Parents: Your role is to be a supportive guide. Help your child brainstorm and proofread, but fiercely protect their unique voice. The essay must be their own story, in their own words.

For Applicants: Start early. Give yourself time to think, write, and revise. Share your drafts with a trusted teacher, counselor, or parent. Read your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Most importantly, be proud of who you are and the stories you have to tell. The goal of the Phillips Exeter essays is to introduce that person to the admissions committee.