Our Admissions Philosophy: Seeking the Inquisitive
At Parvis Exeter Academy, we are not searching for perfect grades; we are searching for a particular kind of mind. We seek the intellectually restless, the creatively courageous, and the collaboratively driven. We look for students who ask “why,” who are not afraid of complex problems, and who possess the ‘creative grit’ to see a difficult project through to its conclusion.
Our admissions process is holistic and deeply personal. We read every word of every application. We are looking for evidence of intellectual curiosity that goes beyond the standard curriculum. A high grade is evidence of what you have learned; we are more interested in what you want to learn and how you think.
We are a community, not just an institution. As such, we also look for character. We value kindness, intellectual humility, and a readiness to contribute to our community. We are building cohorts of students who will challenge, support, and learn from one another as much as they do from our faculty.
The Application Journey
The application process differs between The Academy (High School) and The University (Undergraduate/Postgraduate). All applications are assessed by dedicated faculty members from the relevant department, not by a general admissions bureaucracy. This ensures that your application is read by an expert in your chosen field.
1. Entry to The Academy (16+ / IB & A-Level) Admission to our high school programme is highly competitive and based on three pillars:
- Academic Record: We require transcripts from previous years of schooling, demonstrating high performance and readiness for the rigours of the IB or A-Level curricula.
- The ‘Parvis’ Essay: We provide applicants with a series of short, challenging prompts designed to assess critical thinking and creativity, not just writing ability.
- The Interview: All shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (either in person or remote). This is a conversation, not an examination. We want to hear about your passions, what books you are reading, what problems you want to solve, and what questions you have for us.
2. Entry to Undergraduate (BA/BSc) We welcome applications from our own Academy students and from the best students in Greece and around the world.
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must be on track to complete their secondary education with outstanding results (e.g., predicted grades for A-Levels, IB Diploma, or equivalent national qualifications). Specific subject prerequisites apply for our Engineering, CS, and Economics streams.
- The Personal Statement: This is your intellectual self-portrait. We want to see a genuine, sustained passion for your chosen subject. Tell us what you have read, what you have built, what you have questioned. We look for evidence of engagement beyond the classroom—be it a coding project, a design portfolio, or a research paper.
- Academic References: Letters from teachers who can speak to your academic abilities, your work ethic, and your intellectual character are crucial.
3. The Portfolio (A Special Note for Design & Creative Media) For all applicants to the Faculty of Design & Creative Media, the portfolio is the most significant component of the application.
- What we look for: We want to see your process, not just your polished final pieces. Include sketches, failed attempts, and annotations that explain your thinking. We value experimentation, curiosity, and a critical engagement with the world. A portfolio showing rigorous process and one brilliant idea is far more compelling than a dozen perfect, but sterile, technical exercises. For UX/UI pathways, include wireframes, user journeys, or even code snippets from projects.
4. Entry to Postgraduate (MA/MSc/MBA) Admission to our postgraduate programmes is based on proven academic excellence and a clear potential for advanced research or professional leadership.
- Academic Record: A first-class or upper-second-class (or international equivalent) undergraduate degree from a recognised university.
- Statement of Purpose: This is critical. You must articulate why you wish to pursue this specific degree at Parvis Exeter. You should identify faculty you wish to work with and explain how your interests align with our research hubs.
- Research Proposal (for MRes/MA Research tracks): A clear, concise, and viable proposal outlining your research question, methodology, and contribution to the field.
- Professional Experience (for MBA): Applicants to our MBA programme are expected to have a minimum of three years of significant, relevant work experience.
We are aware that talent is not always captured by traditional metrics. We have, and will continue to make, exceptions for ‘unconventional’ applicants who demonstrate extraordinary potential, a unique perspective, or a remarkable creative portfolio.