Exeter - Ask A Parent

<p>I've seen ask a student as well as ask a teacher but didn't see an ask a parent thread for Exeter. I'm the parent of a student who just completed his Lower (Sophomore) year. Lower year was his first year. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions. I'm sure some other parents on the board would be willing to answer as well.</p>

<p>This might be something to ask your child, but how do printers in dorms work? Do most students have them ? Are they necessary? Are there dorm printers that everyone can use? </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Sorry to butt in but printers aren’t really necessary. It is helpful but certainly not necessary. I usually go to the library, as it’s open early and closes pretty late.</p>

<p>Just out of curiosity though, are there usually some printers in dorms?</p>

<p>Both my son and his roommate had printers, it’s far more convenient than having to go to the library to print something, especially if your dorm is far from the library. I’m sure you will find there are plenty of printers in the dorm if you don’t bring one!</p>

<p>There are no school-provided printers in the Exeter dorm. However, it seemed that there was at least one student-owned printer in every dorm room. The kids are often finishing writing papers late at night, long after the library closes, so having their own printer is very helpful.</p>

<p>When we faced this question last year, I was amazed to discover how low the prices are now for laser printers. We bought a brand name one for $85 at [Newegg.com</a> - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!](<a href=“http://www.newegg.com%5DNewegg.com”>http://www.newegg.com) and it became a major resource for our son (and apparently some of his dorm mates too).</p>

<p>I think a printer is a real help too–you’ll use it a lot late at night or first thing in the morning. Not essential, but it will save you time.</p>

<p>Newegg is great, but check sales at office max too–we had one delivered to our son’s dorm (free shipping) and the price, if I’m remembering correctly, was even better. I don’t think we spent more than 40 or 50 dollars. A black ink printer worked fine for my son-he was able to print somewhere else on the rare occasions when he needed color. </p>

<p>I agree with mainer that laser printers are the way to go–you’ll rarely need to replace the toner cartridge. On my kid’s printer, the starter cartridge lasted until Thanksgiving, and the replacement is still going strong.</p>

<p>Thanks guys, but I bought my laptop yesterday and the printer was included with it for free. And it’s a decent printer. So I’m happy. :)</p>

<p>How easy/hard was it for your child to adjust to Exeter? I am going to be new lower this coming fall so I am a bit nervous about academically adjusting.</p>

<p>What are the advantages of sending my child to Exeter instead of my area high school which is ranked in the top 1% of high schools in the country?</p>

<p>Pulsar, the first Trimester was definitely an adjustment period as my son came from a school with little academic rigor. He did well and continued to do better in the second and third trimesters. He took a Study Skills class second trimester which really helped him a great deal. It helped with time management and workload management and prepared him well for his remaining time at Exeter.</p>

<p>Hope this helps! Every child seems to adjust and handle the workload differently. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from your advisor, teachers or dorm mates.</p>

<p>How much do parents “help” on the Exeter admissions essays. Can the adcoms really tell?</p>

<p>WVa, this is a difficult question to answer without any type of background as to why you are asking.</p>

<p>Placido,</p>

<p>I didn’t not help my son with his essays at all. I reviewed them once he was finished but did not assist him in writing them.</p>

<p>Parents should not help at all. In our case, we did not even read our son’s essays until they were mailed. Yes, there was a myriad of small errors, but the essays were recognizably his work. The admissions folks really want to know what the “voice” of the applicant is like. You could actually do your child a disservice by “helping” him/her. In addition, I’ve heard that the SSAT essay is cross-checked versus the application essays and a mis-match of voice, style, etc. will not work in your child’s favor.</p>

<p>Thanks for answer re essays. Now, the hard part is getting them written. Especially for PG year, when all peers are heading off to college.</p>

<p>I hope everyone is getting excited to either return to PEA or enter PEA as a new student!</p>

<p>(: I know I am.</p>

<p>Just bumping in case anyone has any questions.</p>