<p>Does Andover teach math the same way as Exeter? Exeter teaches math with no traditional textbook. Thanks! Also, how many schools do people usually apply to? I read on some posts that some people only apply to 2 or 3 schools.</p>
<p>I’m not sure about Andover’s way of teaching. Exeter is unique for its harkness method alone. But I know Andover offers placement test, and there is a freshman that is taking BC calculus!!!
And I am only applying to Andover. To be honest, I think it is extremely rare that you can fit into 3+ schools. I had considered applying to other schools, but I realized that I cannot express the same feelings that I do for Andover. And another reason why I don’t need a “safety” school is because my current school is decent.</p>
<p>@bklai8 I think that’s a smart idea that your only applying to one because you know that that’s the only one that would fit… I would do the same but I, unfortunately, can’t visit until later on and I still don’t know EXACTLY what I want… I’m applying for Taft, hotchkiss, Andover, SPS, lawrenceville, and choate… My safety is my current day school as well…</p>
<p>As current Andover student, here’s what I would say about math at PA. First, it is taught in what would be considered a more traditional style–i.e. we use textbooks and don’t use Harkness for math. However, math is very fast-paced and very well taught. The is a placement test that gets sent to matriculated students in the spring after they accept the school’s offer. The math department is very good at placing students and is very willing to switch students up or down a course in math if the level of difficulty is not right.
Also, it is very important to note that Exeter is not the only school to use Harkness. Many boarding schools, day schools, and universities use Harkness but may not advertise as much as Exeter does. Andover uses the Harkness method in a multitude of different forms and disciplines, as do many other schools, so Exeter is in no way unique for its use of the Harkness method.</p>