I was admitted into two excellent hidden gems and into to very prominent “HADES” schools. I will be able to go to the HADES schools for revisits but I am trying to see through the rose colored goggles of acceptance packages and school hype videos. If anyone has any substantial experience in this situation (specifically with Andover, Exeter, NMH, or SAS in Delaware) and what you think makes them special I would really appreciate it. My biggest concerns are the size differences between the two (HADES are much bigger) and the difficulty of the courses. Thank you!
What hidden gem schools were you accepted to?
@Giraffeneck: there are substantial threads about each of these schools on the forum, with tons of helpful insight and info from folks with experience. I like the SAS thread started a while ago by @SevenDad . USe the search tool. The info you seek is already out there!
I’m a current student at Andover, new this year, and I don’t have much to say other than I absolutely love it. Boarding school life is great, the classes offered are incredibly interesting and diverse as well as challenging, and everyone there just loves doing what they do. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to shoot me a message.
@Giraffeneck I posted some of the many things I love about NMH on the recent NMH buddies thread. I am a parent though, so if you can reach out to some current students as well that would be a good idea. My dd graduated last year but you can PM me with questions. Congrats!
@Giraffeneck , I personal messaged you but not sure that you have enough posts to have gotten that – let me know.
@Charger78 I did receive the personal message. I haven’t been on CC much the past few days but I really appreciate everyone’s help. I think I am only going to visit Andover and Exeter, they are my top two choices.
@Charger78
Just so you know, The 15 post limit for PM messages is no longer applicable… brand new users can receive and send PMs 
I was accepted to and revisited both Andover and Exeter last year. Honestly, it was a pretty hard choice for me, so I’d be happy to help with anything if needed!