Hey guys,
Hope you guys are faring well with admission decisions.
I’m a returning Lower (10th grader) at Exeter, and in the wake of M10, I wanted to let you guys know that I’m open to questions! The questions can be about anything regarding Exeter-- what’s in months to come, what it’s like transitioning, what the overall school experience is like. There are plenty of past threads about this, but they’re a bit outdated and I have free time to waste, seeing as it is spring break for me right now.
MODERATOR’S NOTE: Any student/alum/parent/friend can respond to the questions.
Hello, I have plenty.
Is Exeter reconsidering having to wear a tie?
Can you wear a bowtie?
What about that cowboy tie with the two strings?
Can you wear Jeans?
Can you wear a polo shirt?
Can you wear any color pants?
Can you wear T-Shirts while not attending classes?
What type of laptop do most kids have?
What kind of tablet?
How fast is the wi-fi (in Mbps)?
What type of rules do they have concerning male and female students being in each others’ dorms?
I think that’s enough for one go.
Anyone can feel free to answer any or all of the questions. I hope my post didn’t seem overwhelming for anyone trying to answer.
Too late. LOL.
FYI, 9th graders at Andover are juniors; at PEA they’re preps. Not good to use terminology of a rival school 
Today at 6:46 pm
Hello, I have plenty.
What are the dorm options for Juniors(freshman)?
Multiple dorms
What’s the theater program like? (Does it take the place of a sport?)
No experience
What do the beds feel like?
Twin xl - plastic cover - ok with foam topper/ mattress pad
Best dorms for boys (Juniors)
Is Exeter reconsidering having to wear a tie?
Yes- waiting on teachers to vote
Can you wear a bow tie
Yes and many do
What about that cowboy tie with the two strings?
Not sure
Can you wear Jeans?
Yes
Can you wear a polo shirt?
Yes
Can you wear any color pants?
Yes
Can you wear T-Shirts while not attending classes?
Yes- many do
Is dress code only in effect during classes (and like assemblies and such?)
Does FA help towards Study Abroad programs?
-yes
What type of laptop do most kids have?
Whatever they like- one of mine has Mac one pc
What kind of tablet?
Ipad
How fast is the wi-fi (in Mbps)?
What time does the internet turn on?
Doesn’t turn off
If you bring your own linens will they take back the ones they give you and wash your linens when needed?
You must add laundry service
How many students use the laundry service (in percentage)?
-80%
What type of rules do they have concerning male and female students being in each others’ dorms?
Depends on dorm. Usually must introduce and leave door open
I think that’s enough for one go.
I am so sorry for mixing up the prep/freshman terminology. Every school has a special word.
Can preps choose a dorm or is one assigned? For example, can one specifically request Soule or Abbot?
When will the teachers vote on the tie vs. no tie for boys?
How much does football interfere with class schedules?
Is the first trimester for preps still pass/fail?
Although PC and Mac’s are used, is there an advantage of one over the other?
Can a student fulfill a language requirement via testing or with college level summer courses?
directed at @heartburner 's questions
One can specifically request a dorm through emailing the school (not sure who exactly), although it is not an official process-- incoming preps (freshman) are placed into dorms randomly.
The new dress code will be voted on this spring term, and will be in place for the next 2015-2016 school year.
Football is scheduled during the G and H blocks, so from 4:15-6:15 -ish, and therefore will not interfere with class schedules. The team does hold practices for longer than most teams, however, mainly because of the time before and after for pads.
Fall term IS still pass/fail.
There is no advantage-- personally I have a Mac, and I don’t think my life would be any harder or easier with a Windows. It does seem as though there is an overwhelming number of Macs on campus, and AirPlay has been put into use in every classroom, but usually teachers won’t have students bring in their laptops.
Not sure about the last one. Sorry about that!
Can preps choose a dorm or is one assigned?
For example, can one specifically request Soule or Abbot?
Preps can request dorms. No guaranteed placement. My kids asked and received the dorms of their choice.
When will the teachers vote on the tie vs. no tie for boys?
Should be soon
How much does football interfere with class schedules?
All students must do pe or play sport . Biggest difference is Wednesday and Saturday games for football. Away games can take a lot of driving time. No interference with class- just homework
Is the first trimester for preps still pass/fail?
It was this year and I haven’t heard of it changing
Although PC and Mac’s are used, is there an advantage of one over the other?
No- whatever you prefer
Can a student fulfill a language requirement via testing or with college level summer courses?
Yes. You can test into higher levels and for graduation just need to reach 300 level class I beleive.
And just a little more clarification for @GryffinHunter
What are the dorm options for Juniors(freshman)?
Unlike most other boarding schools, Exeter places incoming freshmen in any of the dorms on campus, excluding the Houses.
What’s the theater program like? (Does it take the place of a sport?)
A student can opt out of a sports program for the mainstage production-- this is where they have a little exercise in the beginning, and then spend the rest of the time working on the term’s production.
What about that cowboy tie with the two strings?
Yup! I’ve seen exactly one person wear it around. Teachers are fine with it, and it’s a great conversation topic.
The exact Wi-Fi speed, I have no idea. Let’s just say it’s sketchy.
Can I wear any type of shoe?
Can I wear any type of sock?
Can I untuck my shirt?
Do any kids wear shorts or is it always too cold?
Must I wear a belt?
What’s the shower situation like?
What’s the cell reception like for AT&T?
Great
The stipends FA kids recieve for Laptops and Tablets, any idea how much that is?
Varies- it is enough to get what you need
Can I wear any type of shoe?
Yes
Can I wear any type of sock?
Yes
Can I untuck my shirt?
Not during class
Do any kids wear shorts or is it always too cold?
Yes shorts first few months and last few months
Must I wear a belt?
My boys always did- not sure if mandatory
What are the most popular brands?
Have you done a theatre production? @TheIdiot
Do any kids use their mobile hotspot if wi-fi gets slow?
What’s the shower situation like?
Depends on the dorm. Most have a few bathrooms on each floor with shower stalls in each
Are laptops used in class?
Realistically, first semester as a prep, how many hours of home work did you have to complete?
Does everyone do the homework?
How often does the average person leave campus?
How far do they go?
What color is most common in furnishings?
Is there an ice cream machine?
Does it have vanilla?
Does freshman 15 hold true to boarding school?
Does anyone go on dates?
I think that is enough for round 3.
Are laptops used in class?
Not really. Occasionally iPads. Classes are discussion based -
Realistically, first semester as a prep, how many hours of home work did you have to complete?
Depends on classes. Most is prep work for the next day-
Does everyone do the homework?
Hard to tell. Some kids do the work and don’t contribute during class. Class depends on kids coming prepared and engaging.
How often does the average person leave campus?
Weekly to town when the weather is nice.
How far do they go?
You can go 7 miles without checking out I beleive. Most walk to town to get ice cream or fast food. Sometimes dorm field trips- bike rides- hiking, etc
For someone not participating in sports and doing theatre instead, would both Saturday and Sunday be free?
Depends. There are a few Saturday classes and I would imagine rehearsals might be in Sat
How often do you call your mom?
What color is most common in furnishings?
Realistically, if I bring white furnishings, how long will it take me to stain it?
Up to you - all different colors. If you can keep white clean at home- should be ok at school
Is there a fire code rule to what percentage of my wall I can fill up with posters?
Not that we seen
In the first few weeks of being a prep, did everyone ask each other if they were FA or FP?
No one ever asks/ discusses FA
Is there an ice cream machine?
Yes
Does it have vanilla?
Does freshman 15 hold true to boarding school?
Not for my kids ~ food hours are limited and food is average
How often am I given the option to eat pancakes?
Does anyone go on dates?
Yes- EP is held weekly and common for kids to take dates.
I think that is enough for round 3.
@GryffinHunter if you have specific questions about the theatre program, I graduated last year and did theatre every term I could while I was there-- I am happy to answer any questions!
I also did School Year Abroad and am happy to answer if anyone has questions about that.
Where did you go?
Did students with FA get help going?
What year did you go?
@lastelephant
I went junior year and loved it. I was on FA and Exeter FA goes toward your SYA tuition-- I went to SYA for the same amount as a year at Exeter. You don’t have to worry about that.
What country did you go to?
Were you taught in English?