First Impressions Andover and Groton fall 2014

Prep School Admissions
1

<p>I toured and visited Groton and Andover. My interview went very well, and I really hit it off with both interviewers. However, my Dad and I were surprised by how much we loved Groton and hated Andover. First, I will talk about my time at Groton. I hope this thread will be helpful for people to get a sense of what the tours and interviews feel like.</p>

<p>Groton, we get to the school about 45 minutes early for my tour and interview, and we are shocked by how empty the campus was. It must be said that it was a rainy day and probably 8:45. However, we agreed that it was beautiful and very well kept. When it was finally time for my appointment my Dad and I go into the waiting room, which was nice and cozy, and their shaking hands with the applicants, is the head-master. I gather this is a normal occurrence, and I think that was a really wonderful way to greet the applicants. Soon, we met our bubbly tour guide. She was really nice and showed us the great facilities. The thing that impressed me most about the school, was how all the kids in the hall ways looked happy and excited to be at Groton. Also just by chance I got a teacher who I had been corresponding with she was so friendly, nice and helpful. So all in all I had a great first interview and tour at Groton.
Then, my Dad and I drove to Andover expecting a bigger version of Groton. But, when we get to andover what we found was a large, impersonal college, where depressed looking kids take college like courses. (If you go to Andover this was just a first impression no offense intended I bet you are getting a great education) (Also my Dad is a college professor so it is not like we hate college or anything.). After taking our tours, for some reason at Andover they separate the candidate from the parent during the tours, my Dad and I came to the conclusion that this was not really a place for children (teens). It did not feel at all kind or caring, and the kids did not look at all happy. Also the dorm rooms were really not very nice at all. Though my interview went very well I am tempted not to apply.</p>

<p>I am using this post sort of as a a diary to help me remember what i thought of the school when March 10th rolls around I will be remind myself. Also with my opinions of Groton and Andover in mind, which of the other schools I am visiting in the next 2 months (Deerfield, Middlesex, Hotchkiss, Choate) Do you think I will like in the same way as I liked Groton. Also feel free to post you first impressions of the schools you have visitied.</p>

2

<p>In general, I think your observations hit the tree, but are somewhat unfair to Andover. You use a few negative characterizations that I think are not accurate. Of the schools you mentioned, we visited Andover, Groton, and Deerfield. I think your read on Groton is generally accurate. The school emphasizes kindness as a core value and tries to find kids and families that share that value, it seems. Not to say that moneyed legacies, EA gaps/needs, etc. don’t play a role in admissions like they do at every other school, but nevertheless Groton I think strives for an atmosphere of family, with more oversight and structure than you’d find at a larger school with a different mindset.</p>

<p>Not everyone wants or needs this approach, and this is both perfectly ok and where Andover comes in. Our sense from visiting and from talking to several alums is that Andover looks for kids who are close to college-ready, or already there. Like Exeter, it’s an academic pressure-cooker (I think no one would argue with that), and the kids kind of pride themselves on that and their ability to handle it. One Andover student on these boards said that there’s a kind of mindset at Andover that you should never let on that you’re stressed, because that’s a sign of weakness. Like many parents, we weren’t crazy about that type of environment for our DC, but as we looked around Andover, we saw kids everywhere on campus that obviously were, and who thrived. It’s all about what’s right for you. Every child is at a different place along the independence spectrum. Most end up at the same place eventually; some seem to get there a bit early, and those kids are the ones that would do well at Andover.</p>

<p>I would not call them “depressed.” I think, if anything, you observed some natural stress related to the beginning of the year at a school with a very difficult academic workload. Depression is something entirely different. The Andover kids are probably feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, even though they wouldn’t admit it to anyone!</p>

<p>We thought Exeter had a similar dynamic to Andover, though not as pronounced. Exeter seemed to have just a little bit of a “smaller” feel to it and wasn’t so much like a college campus. Some have said it’s even more of a pressure cooker than Andover, though, but I wouldn’t know. </p>

<p>The grads I know from Exeter and Andover (a handful from each school) uniformly loved their experience there. They also said it was much much more difficult than college was (and most went to Harvard or Yale).</p>

<p>I think it’s awesome there are schools around that differ so widely in their atmosphere and approaches. Something for everyone.</p>

<p>FWIW, we thought Deerfield was closer to Groton in atmosphere than to Andover/Exeter. I don’t think Deerfield really pushes kindness/family as a core value, but we thought it was a very warm and inviting staff and campus. Not nearly as small as Groton (I think it’s nearly twice as large), so you lose a little of the feeling of closeness. But we thought it was a beautiful place and had a wonderful vibe.</p>

<p>Good luck to you!</p>

3

<p>ediect - be careful when you comment on this board not make your self readily identifiable.</p>

4

<p>+1 on what ThacherParent AND Nwbddad have written…</p>

<p>But also, don’t be be afraid of going with your gut/first impression of schools. There are plenty to great schools to choose from, and no need to keep something on the list just because. We had an allergic reaction to Exeter, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great school and that kids/parents/alum swear by it.</p>

5

<p>Pressure cooker to some, challenging to others. Attending that reach school can be a miserable 4 years academically, not to mention an unimpressive GPA. </p>

<p>@ ediect, sorry to jump on the band wagon here but be more discreet. In fact, if no too late maybe you can edit / delete your post.</p>

6

<p>I’m so happy to hear that you liked Groton. My son is there as a third former and absolutely loved it. Many people say that Middlesex has a similar feel to Groton as they are fairly close in location and similar sizes. I also agree to some of the comments about Andover. We got the feeling that more independence was expected at Andover (never visited Exeter). For my son, the structure at Groton has been helpful. Under formers have mandatory study hours where they must be in their room studying, 8-9:30 for third formers followed by check in at 9:45and lights out at 10:30. Some kids don’t need this structure, but for my son it has been so helpful as he is easily distracted and would spend all day chatting with friends if he could. I’m also glad to hear that you met headmaster Maqubela. He is just wonderful (came from Andover) and really makes an effort to get to know everyone. Both he and his wife teach as well.<br>
It’s really all a matter of personal fit. My son loved Andover, but in hindsight things happened for a reason and Groton is really much better for him. Some people would really rather have the college feel. At groton everyone has classes all in one building and even have a break in the morning where everyone meets to have a snack and a drink. He already feels as though the kids in his dorm are like family.
Best of luck ck in your other visits. They are all wonderful schools!</p>

7

<p>@ediect -You’re an ideal candidate for BS because you’re trusting what you see and feel instead of relying on what others say. Good for you! </p>

8

<p>@ediect I would say that your “visit report” will be helpful to others using this board to search out schools. I agree that you should be careful about disclosing details which might identify you – </p>

<p>The fact that you are visiting schools, and truly evaluating how each school fits YOU, is an important part of the process. As has been said many times before on CC, fit is important. Most schools mentioned here will be rigorous enough for most students (depending on course selection), so the less concrete factors are important to consider. Sometimes you “just know” when a place would suit you. Don’t ignore that component of the decision-making process. Good luck!</p>

9

<p>Please don’t get your heart set on Groton or Andover given how incredibly difficult it is to get into either. Since Groton is much more your cup of tea, find many other boarding schools (6+) with a similar profile and/or feel. As for the other schools you asked about, Middlesex was to us most similar then Deerfield. Hotchkiss not at all like. Choate unknown to us. That leaves you with 2 somewhat like Groton, but I recommend finding a good number more.</p>

10

<p>Hi everyone thanks for the helpful comments I agree that I may be being to harsh on Andover. I am currently emailing with a moderator to get my username changed. I am going to Hotchkiss soon so we will see what we think.</p>

11

<p>I am trying to get this post deleted because of the personal information. Maybe could some of you guys report it?</p>

12

<p>Sorry, OP, but you’re outing yourself again by making the connection between your screen names. You’re not supposed to say, “Here I am again under my new screen” on the same thread with your old screen name. Now we all have made that connection and you’ve documented it.</p>

13

<p>I got the moderator to take out the name and dates </p>

14

<p>When it this supposed to happen? It obviously hasn’t happened yet The longer this sits here, the longer you are exposed.</p>