Maybe some organization would help current Exonians out. How about a collection format like the one below? When a student answers a question, they can tag the asker.
coconut5 asks:
- What is it like coming in as a new lower/upper?
- What are the best girl’s dorms? (in terms of location, people, overall atmosphere) Should I request a dorm?
- For a new student, (NOT a prep) is it better to have a double or a single?
- How competitive is it to get on to a V/JV team? What are the most competitive sports?
- Is there any orientation period for new students?
GryffinHunter asks:
Does Wetherall have better food?
@GryffinHunter
Neither dining hall has better food-- they have different menus, but nearly everything’s the same. Elm Street has a pizza oven, however. Wetherall is just smaller, but closer to the academic buildings (and in between Langdell and Merrill Hall). Wetherall is also closed on Wednesday afternoons and weekends.
@coconut5
- As a new lower/upper, it might be hard to adapt to the academics of the school (more specifically English, where students have already gotten a hold of Harkness), and get into pre-formed “social circles”.
2.Don’t request a dorm. If you do, you’ll might miss out on something you might’ve had! Just go with the flow, and trust the school’s judgement. There are pros and cons to each dorm. Placement-wise, Langdell and Merrill are very close to the dining and the academic buildings, and a close-knit environment. Amen arguably has the nicest rooms, but not everyone in the dorm knows each other (it’s not as close-knit). Dunbar is the largest girls’ dorm, but not too sure about the atmosphere.
- Depends on the person. New lowers might enjoy having a roommate as an automatic friend to go explore campus with or join clubs with, etc.
- It depends on the sport, and the gender. Girls' teams are arguably less competitive, as there are less people trying out-- you have to be a little more specific!
- New students will arrive on campus a day before all other students. Senior proctors will be there to answer questions, help you move in, guide you to required appointments, etc. Essentially, that first day is orientation with a bunch of meetings you have to go to.
Are iPads provided by the school or are students expected to purchase their own?
The school provides a specification for required tablet. The student provides his own. If the student is on Financial Aid, up to a pre-determined fixed amount of $ will be reimbursed towards the purchase of the student’s choice of tablet. Similar situation for the laptop.
Are there any incoming new uppers lurking on this thread? I’m curious to see how many will join.
What is the most interesting class for Military history?
@HarryLeggs I’m not sure if we even have any. Check the courses of instruction, online. If there is a military history course, it’d be a history course open only to seniors, and definitely very interesting.
I’m a little doubtful, however, because military history would be too difficult to cover in a one-term class.
I saw a class titled “War and Peace in Modern Times” but I believe you are correct in assuming its a senior course.
Hi, I am going to be a freshman (Prep?) at Exeter this year!
Are good grades (A and A-) difficult to get at Exeter?
Do they have you do a quiz to determine your roommate?
If so, then what does the quiz generally ask?
Thank you!!
@theidoit Yeah I just enrolled as a new upper. My interviewer told me that there were just 15 spots for new uppers this year (since the class of 2017 is over-enrolled I think? He mentioned something like that).
Are there any military history/strategy/tactics clubs?
@Exeter1,
Are good grades (A and A-) difficult to get at Exeter?
It is probably more difficult than at other schools, but if you do all the homework, meet with your peers or teacher if you’re having trouble, and study for tests, you should be able to do really well (that being said, you often feel as though you have the time to do all those things, which is the hard part). I should also note that the average GPA here is an 8.4-9ish on an 11-point scale. This is about a high B/low B+ average in all of your classes. So if you’re getting most A’s and A-'s, you’re doing pretty damn well.
Do they have you do a quiz to determine your roommate?
Nope.
Sincerely,
A lower (10th grader) at Exeter. 
@alooshy142 loooooool our class is literally already the size of a graduating class.
Our prep class was the biggest in history, and then they accepted 60 new lowers, so we’re already up to 300 kids in our grade.
so if you’re one of 15, consider yourself pretty lucky
Can anyone tell me anything about the advisors and the culture associated with the following dorms: Wentworth, Webster, Peabody, Soule, Abbot? Please feel free to PM me if there is concern about being critical of a particular advisor in public.
My son needs guidance on time management and engagement in the harkness method.
The dorm culture changes each year as seniors graduate and new students arrive, same with some advisors. The whole first prep term is about time management and Harkness, and grades are permanently hidden, so do not fear, there will be lots of help for him getting used to it. Some students are placed in support class second term, and choice of classes has a lot to do with how academically demanding it is. Kids find their level.
when do new students get their advisor/dorm/start registering for classes?
@ajsmiles12 This year, 15 uppers were accepted, but that’s only because the class of 2017 is already over-enrolled. Next year will be less hectic when applying for 11th grade since the class of 2018 isn’t as large as the class of 2017 is. I think it’s usually 25 new accepted uppers, but I’m not sure. Good luck!