Parent FAQ
Start with the questions that change the plan
Verify requirements, timing, fit, and affordability before investing in preparation work.
Checked against Exeter's published admissions pages on October 6, 2026.
Before you enroll
Questions from parents.
Does Exeter Prep Flex include essay feedback?
Yes. Instructor essay feedback on your Exeter essays and the parent statement is included: 6 feedback credits, one for each response your student submits for review. An instructor returns line-by-line notes on what to keep, cut, and strengthen, usually within 7 business days.
What does the Exeter application include?
The application includes a Candidate Profile, standardized testing, student essays, a parent statement, recommendations, transcripts, and an interview.
Which tests can my student submit?
Grade 9 applicants must submit the Upper Level SSAT or ISEE; applicants to grades 10 and 11 submit one of the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, PreACT, or ACT; grade 12 and postgraduate applicants submit one of the PSAT, SAT, PreACT, or ACT.
Is an interview required?
Exeter requires an interview for all applicants.
Does applying for financial aid affect admission?
Exeter describes its admission process as need-blind, meaning an applicant's financial circumstances do not affect admission decisions.
Is ExeterPrep affiliated with Exeter?
No. ExeterPrep by EduAvenues is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Phillips Exeter Academy. Check every requirement and date on the school's own website before you apply.
How current is the admissions information on this site?
The admissions facts on this site were last checked against the school's published pages on October 6, 2026. Schools can change requirements and dates at any time.
Free download
The Exeter Application Planner
A one-page plan for every part of the application, with a step-by-step checklist. Free, and it opens right on this page.
Your Exeter application planner
The dates and requirements that shape the year, then a plan to work through in order.
- Start
- Applicants can begin the Exeter application as early as July by submitting the Candidate Profile in Gateway to Prep Schools.
- Recommendations
- The recommendations and transcripts part of the application, requested through Gateway to Prep Schools, opens in October.
- Application due
- For the 2027-28 school year admission cycle, the application deadline is January 15.
- Testing
- Grade 9 applicants must submit the Upper Level SSAT or ISEE; applicants to grades 10 and 11 submit one of the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, PreACT, or ACT; grade 12 and postgraduate applicants submit one of the PSAT, SAT, PreACT, or ACT.
- Score reports
- For grade 9 applicants, SSAT or ISEE results must be sent directly to Exeter by the testing company; Exeter will not accept test scores sent by the applicant.
- Interview
- For the 2027-28 school year, each applicant may book one interview appointment, which must be completed by January 15.
- Financial aid
- The financial aid application deadline is January 15.
- Decisions
- For the 2027-28 school year admission cycle, admission decisions are released March 10.
- 01
Submit the Candidate Profile early so the applicant portal and interview booking open for you.
- 02
Pick the SSAT or ISEE, take a full timed practice test, and register for a date that leaves room for a second sitting.
- 03
Book the interview early and prepare two or three real stories rather than scripted answers.
- 04
Ask teachers for recommendations as soon as that part of the application opens, and give them plenty of time.
- 05
Draft the student essays in the fall, revise for substance first, and keep the parent statement in the parent’s own voice.
- 06
If you are applying for aid, gather tax documents early so the aid forms do not compete with essays in January.
- 07
In early January, check that every piece shows as received, including score reports sent by the testing company.
Dates and rules can change. Check each one on the school's own admissions pages.