Apply to Exeter Summer - Phillips Exeter Academy

July 6 – August 7, 2025

The application is now closed for 2025. Check back this Fall for information on Exeter Summer 2026.

Thank you for your interest in the Exeter Summer program. The application for Exeter Summer 2025 is available until May 1.

Please note students need to attend the entire length of the program and be between the ages of 13 and 18 years old on September 1, 2025.

The Exeter Summer Admissions Committee will not consider an application until all required materials have been received. It is the responsibility of the applicant and family to ensure that all materials are submitted promptly. Late or missing documents may jeopardize a candidate’s chances of admission.

Apply Early

It is strongly advised that candidates submit applications early to increase their chances of getting their first choice of cluster/course selections. Exeter Summer has a rolling admissions policy and only reviews submitted applications that have all the required supporting documents.

Qualified applicants are enrolled as early as January and enrollment continues until the application closes. As programs and courses fill, enrollment into those programs and courses cease; this can occur well before the application close date. When enrollment reaches capacity, the Admissions Committee establishes a waitlist.

Interviews and entrance examinations are not generally required. Exeter Summer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information or physical or mental disabilities in the administration of our admissions and financial aid programs.

Note to Parents

Exeter Summer urges parents not to encourage their children to attend unless the student is strongly motivated to do so. A student who enrolls reluctantly is unlikely to have a happy or productive experience.

Non-Native English Speakers

The coursework requires student participation in group discussions for all classes. All students must have a high level of English proficiency to attend the program.

Financial Aid

Exeter Summer offers limited financial aid to domestic (U.S.) applicants. See Exeter Summer Tuition & Financial Aid for more detailed information.

Exeter Summer Application

The application is now closed for 2025. Check back this Fall for information on Exeter Summer 2026.

Exeter Summer Dates: July 6 – August 7, 2025

Application closes on May 1.

Before Applying

Review the program course catalog to decide on first-, second- and third-choice clusters or courses.

Application Fee

The Exeter Summer application has a $100 USD application fee.

Personal Essay

All applicants must write a one- to two-page essay that includes the following:

Describe your interests and abilities along with any other background information you wish to share with the Admissions Committee.
Share a significant event, person, or experience that has influenced your outlook on life and your goals.
Explain your reasons for wanting to attend Exeter Summer.

Required Recommendations and Grade Report

On the Exeter Summer Application, you will specify the persons who should receive the appropriate recommendation form and those persons will receive an online form to complete and submit.

The following recommendations are required for the Exeter Summer Application:

School Official Recommendation – to be completed by someone who can provide attendance information, school statistics, and a grade report
English Teacher Recommendation – to be completed by your current English teacher
Math or Science Teacher Recommendation – to be completed by your current math or science teacher

A current grade report or transcript is also required. This is submitted as a part of the School Official Recommendation.

Notes on Recommendations

Be sure to check with your recommenders before submitting your application to ensure that they are willing and able to complete a recommendation for you.
The recommenders will receive an email with a link to an Exeter Summer Recommendation Form.
Recommendation forms must be completed and submitted by your current teachers/school officials through the online form system emailed to them from the application.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all recommendations are submitted promptly.
Applications are not reviewed by the admissions committee until all of the recommendations and a current grade report have been received.
Applicants can monitor submissions, edit email addresses, and send reminders to recommenders once the application has been submitted.

See the example below for the recommender information needed for the application; one of each recommender type is required.