Andover vs. Hotchkiss

<p>I was hoping to get an opinion on Andover and Hotchkiss in terms of their campus', education, extra-curriculars, sports, and music. Any opinion about the two would be extremely helpful!
Thank you :)</p>

<p>My DD graduated from Hotchkiss last year and had a great education, friends, athletic experience, etc. They should literally put her on a retainer for her role as positive ambassador for the school. She has a part-time job in college and set up a monthly automatic payment for the Annual Fund (small for now, but just wanted to start giving back immediately). That said, there are so many differences between Andover and Hotchkiss, starting with the size and location. Hotchkiss really is very remote and extra cold in the winter up on the hill above the lake. But such a gorgeous setting. The physical layout of the campus as you probably know is centered around “Main” and most classes take place in one building, that includes the library. Again, in the winter, that can be a good thing, but it can also feel a little claustrophobic. Andover’s campus feels much larger in terms of how you move around through the day. Can’t really speak to extra-curriculars. The music program at Hotchkiss is terrific, with a beautiful performance space and an interesting integration in the Humanities curriculum if that’s the arts discipline you choose. The music building at Andover is excellent with a large library and the larger student body allows for more student ensembles, etc. Hope this helps! Both great schools and you should visit both if possible.</p>

<p>My sense is that if you have your study & life habits down and won’t be tempted away from doing well, Andover could be a good fit. If you need help building or strengthening habits of success, Hotchkiss could be a better fit.</p>

<p>Hotchkiss will be a more difficult transfer to the nearest airport, Andover has several convenient methods to get to Boston.</p>

<p>Hotchkiss offers more personal connection in our experience. Smaller class size more appealing as well. Competitive athletics…</p>

<p>Andover has more day students which can affect the overall feel and jive of a community. Day students are also good sources of contraband parents might not want their kids to have access to. Not that those things wont be brought in by boarding students but day students have better access.</p>

<p>I have never thought of that. That’s really interesting. (and morbid)</p>

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<p>One can argue the flip side. Students at a school in the middle of nowhere are more likely to get bored and experiment to pass the time.</p>

<p>That said, drug and alcohol use will show up on every campus and should not go into the selection process. How the administration deals with these infractions should be part of the selection process.</p>

<p>Not everyone at these schools do drugs. Once you go to one of these schools it is YOUR choice whether or not you do drugs. You have no one else to blame even if you are not the source of the drugs.</p>

<p>Most of the people at these schools DON’T do drugs. Exactly like @needtoboard said above, it doesn’t matter if there’s a good supply as long as you’re keeping well away from it, and those who abuse it.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.phillipian.net/sota13/sections/drugs.html”>http://www.phillipian.net/sota13/sections/drugs.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I know that Hotchkiss has a zero-strike policy for anything like that.</p>

<p>Hotchkiss is more formal, with designated study hours, a strict dress code, and so forth. However, it’s a smaller community and more close-knit with the isolation and small (not acres-wise but buildings-wise) campus. Andover is more casual and laid-back (not academically), but it’s much larger and suburban. It’s easier to get to. Additionally, Hotchkiss has a wonderful humanities curriculum and a great MUN/debate program, along with the great academics both schools offer.</p>

<p>Andover’s debate program is absolutely amazing. </p>

<p>I don’t doubt it. Just to clarify, I was just saying that Hotchkiss, and Andover does too, strikes a great balance with the humanities and math/science that some schools don’t always seem to hit right on the head. They have a great two-year humanities curriculum where you stay with the same class for English, history, philosophy, and an art of your choice. Sorry if that seemed a little assumptive. </p>

<p>No problem, and I’m sorry for misunderstanding. It’s just Andover has the oldest debate program in the nation (high school wise). It’s also the most prestigious too. </p>