Ask a current Exeter student!

<p>Was Exeter your only choice?</p>

<p>While lionprid3 may not be able to respond quickly (this is a thread from 2011-March 2012), I can probably comment accurately on the math question as a parent. If you go to “Departments” on the Exeter web page, click on “Mathematics”, the problem sets are all there and you can look at how math is taught. There is no text book. Every night there are 8 problems for homework, and the next day each student goes to the board and puts up their work on one of them. Then the class and teacher discuss each problem, alternate methods for solution, where people may have gotten confused, until everybody “gets it,” then on to the next problem. On some problems, the teacher says very little, on the harder ones, there may be a 5 minute example the teacher shows at the board. At all levels, algebra and geometry are woven together, starting with simple right triangles and proceeding thru non-linear functions. </p>

<p>Exeter faculty have put many years into developing this curriculum, and teach all over the world to other teachers how to use this method. The hope is that students come out as good problem solvers who have done more than memorize formulas. The math teachers are amazing, and the classes I have been fortunate to observe have been very enjoyable. My daughter loves math at Exeter, but it is essential to have done the homework before class!</p>

<p>Hi im going to be attending Phillips Exeter in the fall. i found out im in amen hall and i was wondering if you knew anything about the dorm or the surrounding dorms. Im going to be a prep. I know it’s summer and you’re busy, but if you could answer some of my questions that would be amazing! I know school’s starting in a few weeks, but I’m shy and some of my questions are kind of stupid hahaha.
Are you allowed to go swimming? Like in the school’s pool just for fun?
I know preps have to check in to their dorm at 8 pm, but can you check out and then check back in later?
Are the dorm parents strict? Like do they actually check to make sure you’re in bed by “lights out”? And do they check on you when people of the opposite sex are in your room?
Are you allowed to use the Amtrak if you have permission? Can even preps do that?
I’m going to be a student so I’m naturally concerned with the social scene. It’s nice to ask a student and get a teen’s standpoint.
Thanks!!</p>

<p>Hi just jumping in here! I’m going to be an upper but I don’t live in Amen so I unfortunately can’t help with the dorm fac. It really depends on the dorm. It’s on south side so that might be a bit annoying during the winter, but you’ll get used to it. Living on South side, is really awesome during the Spring term. Everyones out on the quad enjoying the sun and having a great time!
There are open pool hours on the weekends, but I don’t rememeber the exact times. There will be sheets posted on the door of the locker rooms though.
Preps can check out after 8 if they are going to: the library, EP, stuco, peer tutoring, and other club meetings. But you can’t check out to go to Grill or Stillwells.
You won’t be able to ride Amtrak by yourself, without and adult, until you are 16. It’s one of Amtrak’s rules, not Exeter’s.
Good luck!</p>

<p>Thank you so much! Hahaaha you answered my other question too! What dorm are you in?</p>

<p>Amen in a really lovely dorm - the only one with an elevator (very helpful for parent moving you in), all rooms are singles (some are joined so more like a 2 room doubles). It is very near the library and the gym.</p>

<p>Hi,
I am a singaporean who wishes to apply for Exeter/ Andover next year.
May I enquire about how you got accepted into Andover?

  1. SSAT - What did you prepare for SSAT and how long did you spent preparing for the test? Do you have any tips on how to ace the SSAT test?</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Interview - What were some of the questions the interviewer asked? I read on this forum that they asked the usual questions, but I heard from one of my friends that they asked weird questions like “apples or oranges”. Can you please enlighten me on some of the questions the interviewer asked, and how you answered them?</p></li>
<li><p>Essays - For andover, you have to write a few essays / answer questions. How did you write the essays? Any tips? Does it have to be written in good english, or just to show more of my personality? Is it advisable to include my achievement in some of the question? Any suggestions on how to score well for the essay, other than being truthful?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you for answering all my questions, I hope I am able to join you next year at Exeter / Andover, ( I am applying for grade 11).</p>

<p>I don’t mean to revive a somewhat old thread, but I have question. My mom scheduled my interview at Exeter. She didn’t mention a tour. Let’s say they told her 4pm, is that the time for the interview or for the tour?</p>

<p>Could be both, or only the interview,because some people do not tour when they interview. If unsure, a call to admissions will clarify quickly.</p>

<p>My kid had a 4:00 interview as well, and it included a tour. I remember because my dh commented on how tired the kids looked at that hour! I think you’ll find out which comes first when you show up at admissions, but there’s definitely still time in the school day for both, if that’s what you’re wondering.</p>

<p>Since this thread has been revived, I have a question: I know the Exeter dining hall is cafeteria-style, but are there ever “special” sit-down meals or do the students sometimes or often sit down to meals with faculty?</p>

<p>While we were having lunch with D during drop-off, faculty came by and sat and joined our family. They eat in the same cafeterias. There is a very personal presence of faculty among the students, since they teach, tutor, advise, coach and do dorm duty with students daily.</p>

<p>Faculty have also joined us in the town eateries and coffee shops. They are friendly!</p>

<p>There are no formal arrangements at meals except for special occasions (like the Hassan’s ice cream social and dinners with seniors), probably because of the size of the community (1000+ students plus many faculty). The community cannot all fit together in any of the dining facilities. </p>

<p>Special meals are also arranged with groups of students and their advisors, and some clubs. Dorms have kitchens and homemade treats are also popular, some made by students and some by dorm staff/faculty.</p>

<p>Thanks for the detailed answer! I’m glad to hear that it’s like that.</p>

<p>I am currently a Indian 9th grader in Indiana. I am applying to Exeter for 10th grade.</p>

<p>Grades:
8th grade- Gifted/Talented Program And High School Math All As one A- in Orchestra.
GPA 3.928
(9th grade grades are not in but I am most likely all As (so far))
Classes for 9th-
Biology A
Algebra 2 A
English Academic Advanced Honors
Latin
Sociology
Psychology
PE
Health</p>

<p>ECs
Spell Bowl 6yrs Captain 3yrs
MathCounts/Bowl 5yrs Top 12 2yrs
Tennis-5yrs Team 2yrs
Dance- I have choregraphed Indian dances but its mostly just at functions.
Student Council- 2yrs
Battle of the Books- 2yrs
Volunteer- 1yr
Religous Competition and Volunteer at an Indian “Church”
English Bowl- 3yrs Captain 1yr
Swimming ( I learn)
I play hockey (recreational)
I do pretty much anything I can.
i play 2nd chair violin all through middle school and some in elementary-6yrs
gone to state science fair 2 times 1 time reigonal 1st place at school 3 times</p>

<p>SSAT/PSAT/SAT
SSAT- Last i got a 90 percentile… This year aiming for 95-99.
PSAT- I am going to take it in October so far practicing and tests i have gotten 200-230
SAT- I took it in 7th I got a 1630 without prep sooo I gues I could use this to predict my SSAT score.</p>

<p>MEEEE</p>

<p>I am very enthusiatic about learning and have very high ambitions in life. For my essay one of them i am writing about wanting to go to India and volunteer as a doctor in poor places.
alsoo could you give me some advice for the interview</p>

<p>I am currently a Indian 9th grader in Indiana. I am applying to Exeter for 10th grade.</p>

<p>Grades:
8th grade- Gifted/Talented Program And High School Math All As one A- in Orchestra.
GPA 3.928
(9th grade grades are not in but I am most likely all As (so far))
Classes for 9th-
Biology A
Algebra 2 A
English Academic Advanced Honors
Latin
Sociology
Psychology
PE
Health</p>

<p>ECs
Spell Bowl 6yrs Captain 3yrs
MathCounts/Bowl 5yrs Top 12 2yrs
Tennis-5yrs Team 2yrs
Dance- I have choregraphed Indian dances but its mostly just at functions.
Student Council- 2yrs
Battle of the Books- 2yrs
Volunteer- 1yr
Religous Competition and Volunteer at an Indian “Church”
English Bowl- 3yrs Captain 1yr
Swimming ( I learn)
I play hockey (recreational)
I do pretty much anything I can.
i play 2nd chair violin all through middle school and some in elementary-6yrs
gone to state science fair 2 times 1 time reigonal 1st place at school 3 times</p>

<p>SSAT/PSAT/SAT
SSAT- Last i got a 90 percentile… This year aiming for 95-99.
PSAT- I am going to take it in October so far practicing and tests i have gotten 200-230
SAT- I took it in 7th I got a 1630 without prep sooo I gues I could use this to predict my SSAT score.</p>

<p>MEEEE</p>

<p>I am very enthusiatic about learning and have very high ambitions in life. For my essay one of them i am writing about wanting to go to India and volunteer as a doctor in poor places.</p>

<p>I am currently a Indian 9th grader in Indiana. I am applying to Exeter for 10th grade.</p>

<p>Grades:
8th grade- Gifted/Talented Program And High School Math All As one A- in Orchestra.
GPA 3.928
(9th grade grades are not in but I am most likely all As (so far))
Classes for 9th-
Biology A
Algebra 2 A
English Academic Advanced Honors
Latin
Sociology
Psychology
PE
Health</p>

<p>ECs
Spell Bowl 6yrs Captain 3yrs
MathCounts/Bowl 5yrs Top 12 2yrs
Tennis-5yrs Team 2yrs
Dance- I have choregraphed Indian dances but its mostly just at functions.
Student Council- 2yrs
Battle of the Books- 2yrs
Volunteer- 1yr
Religous Competition and Volunteer at an Indian “Church”
English Bowl- 3yrs Captain 1yr
Swimming ( I learn)
I play hockey (recreational)
I do pretty much anything I can.
i play 2nd chair violin all through middle school and some in elementary-6yrs
gone to state science fair 2 times 1 time reigonal 1st place at school 3 times</p>

<p>SSAT/PSAT/SAT
SSAT- Last i got a 90 percentile… This year aiming for 95-99.
PSAT- I am going to take it in October so far practicing and tests i have gotten 200-230
SAT- I took it in 7th I got a 1630 without prep sooo I gues I could use this to predict my SSAT score.</p>

<p>MEEEE</p>

<p>I am very enthusiatic about learning and have very high ambitions in life. For my essay one of them i am writing about wanting to go to India and volunteer as a doctor in poor places.</p>

<p>Don’t repost the same thing again and again. Just use/type “bump 10 char” and hit post. You need 10 characters minimum to repost.</p>

<p>As to your stats, you are in the running for these schools. However, no one on CC can tell who will get in as it depends on a lot of factors and the other applicants. If you really want to go to BS, apply to at least 5 schools. Being asian, it is harder/more competitive for you to get in. If you need financial aid, it is even harder. Focus on a few extra-curriculars that you are passionate about and go deeper/more accomplishments. Don’t provide a laundry list of ECs. Do research about the schools you apply to and show why you are interested in that school during your interview. Practice interviews with your friends and parents. Participate in service projects to help the needy. Have leadership positions in your ECs, not mere participation. You can find a lot of interview questions on CC if you use the “search” feature. </p>

<ol>
<li>What books have you read recently? What do you like about them?</li>
<li>Why do you want to come to our school?</li>
<li>If you can have lunch with one person, who would it be and why?</li>
<li>Why boarding school?</li>
<li>Have you lived away from home for any extended period?</li>
<li>If you can be a fruit, which fruit would it be and why?</li>
<li>What are your strengths and weaknesses?</li>
<li>What would your friends/teachers say about you? etc. etc.</li>
</ol>

<p>okay thank you for replying it helped quite a bit but as to your tone i am sorry it sounded a bit well mean i was using this for the first time so i really did not know how to use that is kind of why it got re posted but thanks anyway it helped a lot</p>

<p>Question about day students…This might sound silly but I honestly haven’t seen it anywhere on the website or in the literature from the school.</p>

<p>How many meals do day students usually eat on campus each day?</p>

<p>Are meals included in the tuition or is that a separate cost (obviously I know this is included for boarders but wasn’t sure how it works for day students)?</p>

<p>Hi, thanks for answering questions!</p>

<p>I have a couple since I’m considering applying:</p>

<p>What do you think about Harkness? Is it mostly centered around discussion? What is the grading generally like?</p>

<p>How is the extracurricular selection? How many activities can you generally do in one semester?</p>

<p>What is dorm life and the community like? What do you usually do on weekends? How often do most people go home every year?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>