Looking over the acceptances, I find it very odd that there is not a single student that has been accepted at both Exeter and Andover. There must be some great candidates that appeal to both of these selective schools. In fact, with the exception of legacy/sibling applications, I would assume that the schools attract and admit similarly high achieving candidates. Is it possible that the schools communicate with each other to prevent competing for candidates? How can one explain the apparently mutually exclusive acceptance list?
It’s not mutually exclusive. I had a close friend text me last night that he got accepted into both, as did two other acquaintances that I made in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
I highly highly highly doubt it. I did do a quick scan. There is not enough data to support analysis. I found only 5 of the applicants that applied to both were accepted by either one. This is too small a sample size to draw any conclusions.
I’ve known kids accepted to both. However, IMO, they are actually very different places, so it doesn’t surprise me that there would be different acceptances.
My oldest was accepted to both 3 years ago so I know it happens.
I agree with @classicalmama . I’m always surprised at people who apply to both. But that’s my own personal bias. I see them as 2 very different feels.
On the official master list, looks like weezin just got into both.
OK. Conspiracy theory debunked. But, I still think that there might be some communication between schools (perhaps via middle school counselor/principal serving as facilitator) with regards to mutually beneficial yield protection for some involved schools.
I know several kids who got into both (including DS). I’d be very surprised if there was any sort of communication between Admissions Offices, they are bitter rivals.
OK. conspiracy theory specifically re: Exeter/Andover withdrawn.
But @sgopal2 just because they’re rivals, doesn’t mean that even the faculty are at odds, Lawrenceville and Hill faculty communicate a lot about different things, even though they prank each other on occasion.
Right. They are fierce rivals in sports, but I’m not aware of any animosity between staffs. 
In fact (and not to reignite any conspiracy theories!) because of their surface similarities (class size/FA), you’ll frequently see the schools comparing admit rate, financial aid offered, etc.–there’s a hint of competition in some of the news reports, but I think the AOs are primarily interested in looking at the numbers.
I thought that was intriguing too HB, but over the years on this board and knowing other kids, I know many who were accepted to both, although not my kid.
I find them to be quite similar on paper in terms of academic offerings and size, but we were struck by differences in culture while visiting. DS applied to both, but seriously considered not finishing one application after the campus visit and interactions with admissions. Given our very different experiences at each, It would not surprise me that admissions finds students fit one better than the other frequently. And since I think deciding between well-qualified candidates is something like a [ insert lottery, raffle tickets, or poker game as discussed here], there is a lot of randomness and luck in the process.
maaybe this is yet another argument for “fit”. Perhaps there are ‘Exeter kids’ and ‘Andover kids’ and sssomehow this is obvious to AOs wonder what makes the difference?
sorry - uber sensitive keyboard