How challenging is the math program? I’m currently in 8th grade (looking at schools to apply to next year for 10th) and I’m starting pre-calculus. Once I finish calculus (probably in the summer before 10th) would there be still be math classes available that would challenge me?
During revisit day, Coach Mills (Boys Varsity Swim Coach) offered for me to stay in the dorms overnight. Do you guys know how that would work out?
@YoungThriver sorry for the confusion - all of our kids started as preps. I do think that PEA has a good handle on how to integrate kids whatever grade they enter at. Because PEA builds their community thoughtfully over the 4 years, they add students of each level each year. This is different then many schools where most kids join the community as freshmen.
I was referencing the fact that as a senior, many of my daughters best friends joined sophomore year. This has not stopped them from assimilating seamlessly into the community. I wouldn’t focus on what the differences are between entering as a prep vs lower, just that you feel comfortable with how they will support you as an entering sophomore.
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@4everstressed I am certain that PEA can keep you challenged at whatever level you need in math, as can many other BS. Many years ago, I had the same worries with my oldest, but for a variety of reasons these concerns were unfounded.
@SquashPlayer123 It partially depends on what you’re looking for generally in a school. One thing I’d definitely advise paying some attention to is the Harkness method, as it’s likely a different teaching philosophy than most schools employ. Also, if you get a chance make sure to look into your areas of interest. For instance, if you play squash (just a guess from the username lol) see if your host has a chance to show you the squash courts; if you’re a musician see if you can visit the music building. Mostly I would just try to spend as much time as possible talking to current students and watching the classes your host is in.
Prospective students and parents should read the course catalogue and handbook of any school they’re considering (found online pretty easily). It will answer many questions, as well as give you a good sense of the supports available, the rules (and disciplinary process) and answer questions you have about course offerings and requirements.
Exeter - and any school - will be what you make of it. My best advice, especially for kids who are socially anxious or quirky or might be concerned about socializing, is to put yourself out there and get involved in as many things as you can handle. My son gets along with his dormmates and roommate, but they aren’t really friends. This hasn’t been more of a problem because he’s found his people, so to speak, on sports teams and in music groups and a couple of different clubs/activities he does.
One of the biggest differences between coming in as a lower vs prep is that the peeps don’t receive official grades for the fall term, but the new lowers do.
In terms of competitiveness and pressure, it comes from some students. My son is a strong student, but certainly put a lot more effort into the classes he loved than the classes he had to take, and the comments he received from the teachers reflected that. I know some of his friends are very focused on GPA, but most don’t care, and I don’t think any of them have felt pressure from the faculty. They’ve been challenged, and my son had teachers who weren’t dazzled by his background knowledge and called him out when he wasn’t backing up his arguments with solid evidence. The faculty truly seem to want the kids to learn and grow, and if they’re doing it, it will translate to decent grades.
In terms of re-visit day, don’t be afraid to ask to sit in on specific classes if you know you will be taking that class. My son was matched up with a math/science kid who took French, and the host was kind enough to find other friends who were taking the language my son takes so he could sit in on the class, as well as a history class.
Lastly, for any prospective students who identify as LGBTQIAP+ : Exeter does have a very active GSA and a strong community, as well as two gender neutral dorms for kids who identify as trans or non-binary/fluid.
@YoungThriver Hey, I’m a current prep who’s been in classes with new lowers this year. New lowers enter through transition courses and teachers are generally understanding of your circumstances. It’s really not that harsh of a transition, as you’re only adjusting to Exeter- not to high school. hmu if you have more questions or if you want to meet up with me during revisit day.
@ImWaisian You’d stay in somebody’s room who has an extra mattress or sleep on the floor.
Is there time for fun? What kinds of things do you guys do for fun on the weekends?
Is Exeter all that you dreamed it would be? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
How much time you have for fun depends on a lot of things - what classes you’re taking, what you choose to do for extracurricular activities, what you prioritise, and how you define fun. (Additionally, if you’re a day student you should not discount how much time commuting can take out of your day.) On a typical week day, I don’t do a whole lot outside of homework, classes, commuting (I’m a day student), practicing my instrument, and any clubs or extracurricular activities I have on that day. However, I do enjoy my daily activities and get to spend time with my friends at meals and such. On the weekends, I spend a significant amount of time with friends and on my clubs/activities, as well as getting ahead on homework for the following week. For me, Exeter is everything I dreamed and more, although it should be noted that while the majority of Exeter students report being happy overall (according to the Eight Schools Association survey) it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally, though, I’m really happy here.
There’s definitely time for fun if you plan for it. On the weekends, the school tries to give you opportunities to have all sorts of fun, like dances on Saturdays, or grade-specific events. Since check-in Saturday is at 11pm, much later than the usual 8pm, you have much more time to spend with friends. Sometimes I’ll go out to eat in town with a small group, or meet up with more people in one of our dorms. Fun can also be found during the week. As a prep, you’re not going to necessarily have a lot of free periods built into your schedule, but you’ll definitely have a few. I usually use my frees to do homework, but if your work is done, you can see if your friends have the same free periods.
Exeter is definitely everything that I dreamed it would be. I know it seems cheesy, but I can’t really think of anything I’d change about the school. Sure, it has its ups and downs, but overall, it’s been an amazing experience for me so far. It’s super accommodating, the faculty know what they’re doing and love their jobs, and the students are definitely there for a purpose.
@Ravenclaw3 I appreciate your perspective since my daughter will be a day student. Are you there pretty much both days of the weekend? And for all your meals on weekends too? How does that work for you? Do many clubs meet on weekends? It is very important to us that our daughter feel truly integrated into the campus. That has been our major concern since she first started talking about applying. Do you have any tips, in particular, toward achieving that? We do live walking distance from campus so I’m hoping that will help.
On a semi-related note (and in regards to your user name), if you’ve happened to see the white SUV around town with the HEDW1G license plate, that’s us. >:D<
I spend more time on campus than many day students because I choose to and because I live far away (about 20 miles). I’m usually on campus on Saturday because of clubs and because it gives me a chance to hang out with my friends; I often spend much of Sunday on campus as well because I work more efficiently on campus than at home. I usually have Saturday breakfast and Sunday dinner at home but the other weekend meals on campus. Since I typically get to school around 6:50 am because of my family’s transportation availability, I have breakfast at school, as well as lunch of course. I have dinner on campus most nights because of the particular activities I’m involved in. Day students do not have a limit on the number of meals they eat on campus. A lot of clubs meet on weekends, but beyond that your daughter will probably just want to spend some time on campus on weekends to be with her friends. I feel that I’m pretty well-integrated on campus; there are definitely day students who are not as involved. My tips generally would be: make sure to get to know boarders, spend time in your affiliate dorm, spend minimal time in the Day Student Lounge for the first month or so, and get involved in a variety of clubs and things; try to make sure that you’re part of some kind of community on campus that includes multiple grade levels, such as a sports team, drama production (just guessing from the username), or religious community. Overall, just make sure that you’re part of the school and spend time on campus.
@ProudDramaMama If you live walking distance from Exeter, it’ll almost be no different from being a boarding student. You don’t have to worry about your child losing out on the “dorm” experience too- many day students sleep over at their affiliate dorms at times and feel just as included.
@Ravenclaw3 Thank You!
As of revisit day, is it one day or two days event? Could you PM me since I am new here? Thanks.
Thank you @Ravenclaw3 and @exiestudent, this information is very helpful, and I’m so grateful.
One last but related question for you @Ravenclaw3, it sounds like your schedule is very rigorous. Do you ever feel like you need time to rest while you’re on campus, and is there a place for you to get it? I mean like 20 minutes of quiet time? Or are you go-go-go-go-go the whole time? My daughter is very extroverted so I’m not sure it will make a difference to her. But speaking for myself, that pace would be hard for me to maintain. In this sense, I’m happy she’s going to be a day student because I feel like we can use the limited time we do have with her at home to make sure she has downtime.
@rjh2677 can you pm me details too?
@ImWaisian since I am a new member, the system does not allow me to PM anyone.
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MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Guys, can we cut down on the request for PMs please? The fora is of interest to all, so discussions should be happening here. PMs should be limited to things like essays or personal details that you don’t want public. Details of a revisit day hardly warrants secrecy.