Ask questions about Phillips Exeter Academy

what is the Daniel Webster Debate Society like at Exeter?
also, how are the chairs that come with the dorm rooms?

The chairs are fine, they’re comfy and do the job. I’m not a part of debate, but it’s a huge club that is very respected around campus, and it’s a pretty big time commitment. Nonetheless, all of my friends in debate love it and say that every second spent into that club is worth it.

For wheelwright, are there carpets in the dorms and mirrors in each room?

@Anonymousia there are tiles in the wheelwright rooms, but there are mirrors in each room. I don’t think that they’re full body mirrors though, just in case you wanted one.

ahhh ok thanks… Also, are there bookshelves–like the one attached to the desks? Are the dorm mattresses really THAT uncomfortable?

@Anonymousia there’s a bookshelf that you get, but it isn’t attached to your desk. I’ve had friends put it on top of their desks, though. And no, the dorm mattresses, to me, are not uncomfortable. My opinion probably isn’t that valid because I can fall asleep on anything and it’ll feel like a soft bed to me, lol. If you want, you can buy a mattress topper, size twin XL. They sell tons of them from like 1 inch to 4 or even 5 inches thick.

Any thoughts on how much money we should put on the lion card every month?

@Center if your son has a debit card, he doesn’t really need money on his lion card since grill (the school convenience store) accepts debit card. If you want to though, I would say $50 a month. He really doesn’t need that much on his lioncard.

@Center I’d recommend a little more at the beginning of each term, because some textbooks can be pricey. It really depends on what courses you’re taking, though… the Chinese textbooks can be over $100 while other subjects’ learning materials can be significantly cheaper.

Any experienced Exeter parents here? What is covered in the parent meetings that occur on move in day?

Thanks!

If I’m not mistaken, the Daniel Webster Debate Society does not participate in competitive, off-campus debate? If this is true, does Exeter have a competitive debate team?

@AECDH20 Yes, Exeter has a well know competitive debate team. They once did a debate in front of the school for assembly and you can stream an archive of it.

My understanding is that the “varsity” debate team is a major commitment that is akin to a varsity sport.

https://www.exeter.edu/news_and_events/news_events_16233.aspx
https://www.exeter.edu/news_and_events/news_events_16605.aspx

Strike.

If Exeter does one thing well it is keep its admissions process shrouded in mystery. The one piece of data I’ve seen that sheds light on the process is that in a recent year 17% were legacy. I don’t know how many applicants are legacy to know if they are accepted at a higher rate but I was told that many legacy applicants are not accepted because they the legacy applicant’s academics are not strong enough for Exeter. I know alumni are very loyal and would likely apply their kids so it may be possible that legacy applicants are more than 17% of the applicant pool.

@divdad kind of a non sequitur no? ALL of these schools have a similar ,and most even larger, legacy pool. This is no shrouded mystery. Legacy applicants, like many other groups including URM and athletes, have an advantage in admission but there are lines. They, like anyone who receives preferred treatment, must be able to do the work or it ends badly for all involved.

@AMS0203 thanks!

@AMS0203 Does my child need a smart phone or will a basic phone suffice? (does he really need to see emails etc during the day?)

@Divdad very experienced parent here. There really are only only a few meetings on move in day. One is a large group welcome with the principal and key faculty. This is a very general overview and meant to be a feel good way for parents to get comfortable leaving their children in Exeters hands. The other more personal meeting is with dorm faculty and advisers. This is a great chance to meet other parents with new students. This is the time to make sure you get clarity on any outstanding questions you might have and get contact information. The day finishes off with a reception in the library- this gives parents an opportunity to make connections.

@Center You may not have seen the original question which was removed and edited to now say “Strike.” @AECDH20 was essentially asking is do the faculty advisers of certain extracurricular activities have extra pull in the admissions process. The non-academic aspect of an applicant’s profile is absolutely considered by the readers and the committee.

My point was not that the existence of legacies (and other groups like athletes, URM, etc) is a mystery but that the weight non-academics characteristic are given in the admissions decision year to year is not transparent.

@vegas1 Thanks!