Andover v. Exeter v. Milton

<p>I revisited all three this last week, and loved them all (though I don't feel Andover got a fair hearing; I was extremely jetlagged; I woke up at 2:45 a.m. my time to go). Which is unfortunate, because now I have to decide. I got similar amounts of FA for each, but the most at Andover, then Exeter, then Milton (I won't say specifically, but it was significantly, though not drastically, more for Andover than Exeter and Exeter than Milton). I was told by you liars ;) on CC that I would have a sure feeling about one of them, but I don't. I know I would be happy at any of them. So, I would like to let anyone who has thoughts on the three post. You never know, I might be able to decide from a thread on CC. :D (FYI, I've had long conversations with my mum, dad, and grandmother, made pro/con lists, etc. Any other strategies, though, would be fine to hear.)</p>

<p>Lost me part way through. Too wordy and way too many not factors. No bad choice to make.</p>

<p>Sorry it's a little wordy, hazmat. I'm kind of nervous right now. I have to decide very soon. I'm just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the three schools.</p>

<p>I'd go to Andover. Milton is only 50% boarding and Exeter seems too math and science oriented.</p>

<p>What are your interests regarding academics, activities, and sports?</p>

<p>My suggestion is to select either Andover or Exeter and eliminate Milton. Milton does not offer the same boarding life that Andover and Exeter offer. As I'm sure you know, the boarding community is much smaller. The facilities at Andover and Exeter are nicer in my opinion. The town of Milton is lovely, but Milton Academy borders other towns that are not that desirable. Did you know that you might be assigned a dorm that is several blocks from the main campus? There are 2 dorms like this. Also, you will have classmates who have known each other since lower school at Milton. On top of that, they gave you less money. To me, this is an easy elimination. Obviously, you don't see it that way or you wouldn't be in this quandary. I think Milton is a wonderful school with a great intellectual tradition; it's just that you are comparing it to Andover and Exeter. Anyway, my 2 cents... </p>

<p>Good luck with your decision! And congratulations on achieving acceptance with fa at these top schools.</p>

<p>Jonathan, i know that that is exeter's stereotype, but you can't generalize like that</p>

<p>i went to revisits at Exeter yesterday and met kids whose favorite subjects coming in were math and science, but ended up enjoying religion or history more</p>

<p>I agree, preptobismol. I'd go to Exeter.</p>

<p>Yeah, Andover/Exeter and I are going to Exeter. Why wouldn't you go there? :) And the Harkness method is really best suited for the Humanities, after all, where it works spectacularly from what I saw. I don't really think you can make a bad decision from these schools, but I would definitely say eliminate Milton.</p>

<p>Very interesting insights. Keep posting! :)</p>

<p>BurbParent I think I should add why I'm keeping Milton (originally I figured it would either be Andover or Exeter) was on revisit days, I definitely found the kids be the warmest and friendliest, and I was surprised that even though I was in physics and Algebra II, I was engaged in the classes. I do have other qualms (like the 50% day student population) that might make me rule out Milton.
Jonathan: My main currant interests are writing, fencing, and working with young children in academic settings. Also interested in pursuing Model UN, debate, school newspaper, sailing, and perhaps other types of volunteer work.</p>

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Jonathan, i know that that is exeter's stereotype, but you can't generalize like that

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<p>I know that not all students that go there are crazy about math and science, but it's just what I've noticed from the few Exeter students that are on CC and the applicants.</p>

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Jonathan: My main currant interests are writing, fencing, and working with young children in academic settings. Also interested in pursuing Model UN, debate, school newspaper, sailing, and perhaps other types of volunteer work.

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<p>Based on your interests I'd go with Andover. I remember reading in their viewbook that they have a TON of English electives. You should check them out, but I'm not sure if you could fit them in your schedule.</p>

<p>Andover's debate program is great and The Phillipian is a very well written newspaper.</p>

<p>Andover, and I'm sure the other two, have many of the things you're looking for. Of course we have English and we have tons of elective. Fencing is offered as a sport two times a year, and I think it's a club as well. Our Model U.N. is a good team and competes at Georgetown every year. Unfortunately we don't have sailing, but not many schools do.<br>
It sounds like you would be very interested in community service, and there are lots of opportunities for that at Andover. There are several projects with elementary and middle school age children in the nearby town of Lawrence. The comm serv is usually on Wednesday afternoons, so some projects can get in the way if you are a varsity athlete. There are also times to get involved during the week on campus with comm serv when groups come here. If you like children there is a day care facility on campus that some students volunteer at and faculty are always looking for someone to babysit.</p>

<p>prettyckitty:</p>

<p>Do your parents know about Dr. Lovemeister? This decision might not be so difficult after all.</p>

<p>Seriously...if Burb Parent's comments aren't news to you...then you've got a tough 3-way decision to make. </p>

<p>Here's one way to run the decision through the ringer: Consider what you give up by eliminating each one. Make a list. For example, if you eliminate Exeter you won't have the Grill, you won't have a great library, the whale, etc., etc. These things are unique to Exeter, so by eliminating Exeter you'll give up those things. Then try Andover. You look good in blue, you want to go to the same HS as the President, etc. Next, you look at that list of things you're going to have to give up by eliminating that school. Some things will be easy to give up. Other things won't be so easy to let go of. Cross out all the things you really don't mind giving up. After a while, you'll have a list of the things that you'll have to part with for each school if you select another school. And before you know it -- possibly -- you'll see one of the schools stand out as having too many things you just don't want to compromise on or sacrifice.</p>

<p>I've said it a number of times...but I don't mind repeating myself repeating myself: these decisions are not difficult because it's hard to find a good fit. They're difficult because it's hard to let go of the wonderful things that would await you if you made a different choice. You've got to say goodbye to those things and embrace just one school. That's why it may help you to understand what you're saying goodbye to and get comfortable with that.</p>

<p>A week from now you'll be committed to one school. And you'll be totally amazed and excited about it. If you don't want to be looking back then or anytime later (and, trust me, you don't!) then make sure that you've come to grips now with the things your Inner Voice might later tell you that you should have looked at. Your answer will be quick, "Well, I actually thought that through and decided that it didn't matter, so shut up Inner Voice!" </p>

<p>Good luck. This is an exciting decision. But it will only be MORE exciting once you make it and have your heart and mind focused on a single school. Don't rush...but don't drag this out and cling to the decision longer than you need to. It's actually much better on the OTHER SIDE of your decision!</p>

<p>are you sure you want to go to the same school as the president? :D</p>

<p>Milton, hands down, because Ted Kennedy went there.</p>

<p>(So did James Taylor, I believe.)</p>

<p>As did T.S. Eliot.</p>

<p>yea umm i can't even decide for you...but i'd probably choose between Andover & Exeter.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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Jonathan, i know that that is exeter's stereotype, but you can't generalize like that

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<p>Amen :)</p>

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I've said it a number of times...but I don't mind repeating myself repeating myself: these decisions are not difficult because it's hard to find a good fit. They're difficult because it's hard to let go of the wonderful things that would await you if you made a different choice. You've got to say goodbye to those things and embrace just one school. That's why it may help you to understand what you're saying goodbye to and get comfortable with that.

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<p>You are 100% right with that! I felt HORRIBLE giving up Choate for Exeter because Choate is AMAZING in that the students and faculty are UNBELIEVEBLY NICE, the orchestra is brilliant, and the dining hall is absolutely beautiful. Not to mention they had a very convinient conveyer belt to dump your lunch trays on. Now I feel sad again :( haha</p>

<p>Why did you pick Exeter, lovelyskye?</p>

<p>LOL...My parents wanted me too...and I talked about it for a long time with my cousin last night on the phone. She went to Miss Porters. She told me that Choate is indeed more nurturing, but that I should tough it out for a few years at Exeter...and it should make things a lot easier for me in the future. Many of my friends and teachers also told me Exeter sounds like the better option when I told them about the schools. I know it's not the best way to choose...</p>

<p>And even though Choate is awesome, there are some great things I like about Exeter that I wouldn't want to give up either. The dorms are really big, and I like the Harkness tables a lot.</p>

<p>The Harkness tables are great at Exeter. It would make me understand Math a lot better! :) I'm sure it'll be a great fit. Also, the whale is pretty cool. And it's a bigger school so you'll have more students/electives/courses. Plus, you have the big A/E rivalry to look forward to every year. :D</p>