<p>@ZizoBahnasy: That’s a lot of questions. Let me see if I can answer some of them.
Could you possibly describe the school’s environment? Is it easy to make friends and/or get along with the faculty? How should I make a first impression to my future peers?
Socially, Andover is a pretty laid back place. There’s no formal dress code. Walking on the campus, you will see students hanging out or walking around in pairs or in small groups. They don’t look stressed or unhappy, although they are inevitably stressed some times and not always happy either. And you don’t need me to tell you that the Andover community is a very diversified one. Since it’s a bigger school, you will be more likely to find a group of kids with similar background and interests as yours and with whom you can get along. So yes, it’s easy to find friends. Teachers are generally all very approachable, and likely you will see them outside classrooms as well – on the playground as your coach, or in the dorm as your house counselor. You don’t need to do anything to “impress” your peers. Just be yourself, and be patient if you don’t immediately find your “circle”. It takes time to know the new people and it takes time for others to know you. In summary, I wouldn’t worry about the social fitting in – you will be fine!</p>
<p>What are the pros and cons of a campus such as Andover’s? Is it difficult to transition between classes? Please keep in mind the fact that I have never visited the school, though I do have a “revisit” scheduled for April 4th and 5th!
It’s a pretty big campus with a lot of green. Amazingly beautiful, in spring and fall particularly! Depending on where you are from and your personal preference, you may or may not like the setup, which is pretty spread out. The 10 minute break between classes however is more than enough for walking from class to class in most cases, and the distance between the two academic buildings most apart from each other is just about 10 minutes’ walk.</p>
<p>I have always done considerably well in most subjects, and I do enjoy the range of topics offered to high school students. I’ve always been classified as a “math-and-science person,” though I am very much interested in history, and I enjoy reading. I do not particularly favor writing essays, though I do enjoy doing them if they are not done “last minute,” or in a rushed manner. I also enjoy playing the clarinet, singing (although I may not be very appealing as a chorus member!), playing sports, etc. I simply love extracurriculars. With all of this information in mind, should I follow a certain “path” at Andover? I do NOT want to limit myself to a path and end up regretting it, though. 
I know my schedule is not as free as a freshman, but I am still very curious about this subject. I apologize if this question of sorts does not make much sense; I’m not 100% sure how to explain my situation.
Andover is very well resourced, so don’t worry that your desire for academic challenges and your intellectual curiosities will not be met, whether it’s math and science or social sciences. Check out the course offerings and the scholar programs on the school website and you’ll get an idea. Essay writing however is something you’ll have to learn to like I think. You will be asked to do a lot of it. You can of course plan well and start as early as possible but with the demanding course load, you won’t be able to write “at leisure”. You will have plenty opportunities to involve in sports and music, and all sorts of extracurricular activities you are interested (again, check the school website for the offerings). Andover’s students are very talented so expect to be working with peers of high competency and involve in activities that are in advanced level. That said, you will soon find yourself have to choose the battles. Learn to give up some things so you can focus on some others and do them well, and to get some down time and a little social life. </p>
<p>Which language should I take? I was thinking of Latin, especially because I had a sample of it in fifth grade, and I’ve studied Italian in school for seventh and eighth grade (so far). I know the school does not offer Italian, so should I take Latin? What about Spanish or French? Greek? My parents are also both Egyptian, so I speak improper (not formal) Arabic quite fluently at home.
Arabic is a very popular choice in Andover. Latin has some great teachers, as far as I know. I’m not familiar with the others. Sorry I can’t be more helpful on this. (to be continued)</p>
