<p>Hi, I am an incoming freshman, and I'm planning to apply for both Andover and Exeter for my sophomore year (2013-2014). I would like to know the pros and cons of each school so I can see which parts of each school fit me better as a student. I've read several posts on this topic, but they all seem like Andover and Exeter students/graduates arguing. I would like neutral facts about the pros and cons of each school, if possible.</p>
<p>Also, I have interviews with each school coming up, so if anyone could give me tips about those, that would be awesome. Thanks!</p>
<p>I won’t put pros/cons but wrather facts. It’s you’re opinion whether or not they are pros/cons.</p>
<p>Andover:
-Freshman dormitories
- cluster system
-traditional teaching
-very sparse saturday classes
-no dress code
-good at soccer, lax, crew, wrestling, swimming, track, xc, baseball, volleyball, tennis
- more of an “open”/widespread campus
-located closer to boston</p>
<p>Exeter
-freshman integrated into upper classman dorms
- two dining halls
- better/modern facilities imho
-harknees
-good at water polo, football, hockey, swimming,
and others that I don’t know stats on
-better food imho
-campus is more tightly packed from what I’ve seen
-saturday classes
-sports in the middle of the day??( correct if i am wrong)</p>
<p>That’s all i know right now. If i’m wrong on any info, please correct</p>
<p>I’d add xc, track and crew to sports that Exeter is good at–not sure of others.
Harkness (typo)
Campus is more tightly packed and integrated with downtown Exeter
Saturday classes are minimal now, particularly in winter and spring terms
Sports are sometimes in the middle of the day, but the school tries to put most jv/varsity sports in the typical 3-5 slot.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you, that helped a lot!</p>
<p>@ eeliu</p>
<p>I am not sure you can get a really “neutral” opinion, because there are not many students who have had the experience of actually attending both schools. They are both great schools with very loyal following. I have found it interesting to follow the school papers (Phillipian, Exonian). Just last month the Phillipian published “state of the Academy” which reviewed the academic and social scene in some detail, and is available on their website. Nice piece, worth a look. It is also worth visiting each school because they each have a different feel. </p>
<p>Speaking as an Exeter parent, I know Exeter recently eliminated almost all Saturday classes for winter and spring term. There are a few now and then in the fall, because the term is shorter. The student body voted this spring to keep the tie requirement for boys. Most people wear jeans. Internet will be 24 hours beginning in the fall. </p>
<p>We like how warm and supportive Exeter is, and my daughter is very happy there. She has made wonderful friends (just finished first year). Exeter is very economically and socially diverse (the majority of students are on financial aid and Exeter offers free tuition, board, books, computer and other grants to any family with income under 75K), and the majority of the student body are “students of color”. The sports, math, music and Classics programs stand out as especially strong, but there are honestly no poor Departments. </p>
<p>I don’t think you can go wrong at either school. My daughter chose Exeter after being admitted to both, based on feel and fit.</p>