<p>OK, now the pressure cooker is finally starting to char my nerves!!! Now, assuming that I get into the schools where I applied, where would I choose? This thread is where current and potential students should share unbiased beliefs and observations about highschools.</p>
<p>Being a canidate for the obvious Andover/Exeter and understanding other's worries, I want to start out saying good-luck to all other applicants. Now, for the classic question: Andover or Exeter? These are my two main choices and will need help deciding where to go if admitted. I am sure that the wonderful people of this forum will help you if you have any conflicts between schools that you would like to matriculate to. </p>
<p>Here are my impressions:</p>
<p>Although good, Andover's facilities did not impress me. Exeter's, though, were remarkable. Science lab even had a 28-foot whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling!</p>
<p>Andover's classes partially implement Exeter's teaching through discussion methodology, minus the maths/sciences. Exeter uses only discussion-based methods of teaching. I personally prefer the latter.</p>
<p>Andover is more of a "lax" environment with liberal views; highschool is more of a blend between normal highschool and prep school. Exeter is more of a conservative environment where uniforms are still implemented.</p>
<p>This is where I need help, what do you guys believe about these schools' student bodies/athletic programs? Of these two schools, where would you choose and why?</p>
<p>Feel free to correct me if I make any mistakes, these are just my impressions.</p>
<p>Exeter is in no way majorly Conservative. It is way Liberal. First, are you a Maths/Sciences or a Literature/Arts guy?</p>
<p>Exeter is more conservative in terms of rules, dress, code, lights out (not political atmosphere).</p>
<p>I personally think Andover is less of a blend between high school and prep school as a blend of prep school and college. When I revisited both, most of the Andover students I met were a lot happier than Exeter students. Also, the proximity to Boston, existence of a downtown, and ** no Saturday classes ** appealed to me a lot.</p>
<p>But visit again and see what you think.</p>
<p>When you say Anodver's students seemed happier, what do you mean exactly? Were they less weighed down by work or their environment? Other than this, what pulled you toward Andover?</p>
<p>Replying to the earlier post, I am more of a math/science student. My interviewers were shocked to learn this, though. This is because I do not have the stereotypical linear thinking but instead am a creative and abstract thinker. Another reason they were impressed was because I am articulate. I hope this is the information you wanted.</p>
<p>I forgot to ask this on the previous post: I thought that Andover had occasional Saturday classes, roughly once a month. Is that true or has this statistic changed?</p>
<p>Yes, math/science people are creative/abstract anyways; thank you for the definition. Yes, I believe Exeter has a stronger Mathematics program. I'm not so sure about Science though. But I would choose Exeter for Mathematics. But I think you have some other considerations. What else are you thinking?</p>
<p>My other considerations are the athletics. I have been doing sports for all my life and usually am extremely good at them. For example, until today, my basketball teams have won the last 4 championships (we lost today in the finals on my YMCA team). Other than basketball, I am a promising baseball/football/crew/archery team member.</p>
<p>Also, I would like to get into a school with a good debate team and some martial arts.</p>
<p>The school that I will choose to go to should also have some good passtimes for my free time.</p>
<p>P.S.,
I liked the Science center at Exeter although I do not know the quality of the academics.</p>
<p>I hope I'm not coming off snobby or anything, I'm just trying to portray an image for you guys to understand.</p>
<p>Thanks for your understanding.</p>
<p>Just with these sports, are you promising like NCAA/NFL promising, or just a sports player? Because if you're the former, I think you're better off at a magnet public school. </p>
<p>The truth of the matter is, you will not get a lot of time at these schools. You'll have your work, and your EC's to carry out. But they should be your passion right?</p>
<p>Actually I lied. You could have lots of pastimes as well and refrain from EC activities. That would be sort of introverted though wouldn't it?</p>
<p>Sorry I can't help you with your other considerations. I can tell you right now though, that Exeter has an excellent Mathematics program. What are you planning to take next year should you come?</p>
<p>I am probably NFL/ NCAA promising. Other than that, the main reasons I am applying to these schools is not because of the ECs, but instead because of the education. Just as many of the higher-level colleges, these schools bring with their acceptances a promise of a challenging curriculum filled with basically any subjects I would like to pursue. Also, the environment would allow my drive to thrive. </p>
<p>If I gain acceptance to Exeter and choose the go there (whether or not its because of rejection at Andover or other schools), I will be planning to take probably AP or advanced math, science, social studies, and writing class. I might switch from studying Spanish to Japanese. Right now, I am not quite sure how you plan out your curriculum, so I do not know what else I will do. </p>
<p>What do you currently take and what are your opinions as Exeter as a school overall?</p>
<p>Thank you for your help. </p>
<p>P.S.
It is especially nice to have an Exeter student giving your views because at this point in time, I have Exeter labelled as my number one choice.</p>
<p>Yep, Andover has Saturday classes a couple times a term, (as opposed to every weekend). If you're into math, Exeter is definitely more your place. They have a very competitive math team and national-award winning alumni.</p>
<p>If you're into football, I think Exeter's team is better. At the last Andover-Exeter though, we won 5 out of the 8 games. Crew at Andover is generally better (in terms of interschols won and Junior Olympic Crew members), period. Of course, this varies from year to year and the sports programs are always comparable. At either, you'll be fine.</p>
<p>You will have very little spare time at either Andover or Exeter. By nature, they are rigorous prep schools that leave little time for freedom. Between the two though (and I honestly think this is true, even if I am a little biased), I think Andover student life is better just because we give more freedom when you have free time. For example, we have later sign-in times, no lights out for tenth graders, more lenient parietal rules, and more lenient day/overnight excuse rules. Other people may disagree- it differs from person to person. If you prefer a more structured, rigid environment, Exeter may very well help you organize yourself better.</p>
<p>I visited Andover and Exeter when I was accepted to both. The Andover students I stayed with were very friendly- open and welcoming and more laid-back. The Exeter students I met (and this was not an isolated incident) tended to cluster in little groups more, and seemed generally more stressed and not quite as open. I don't know if it's the fact that Exeter tends to attract more introverted math-science people, or the schedule, or rules, or weather, or what, but that's just what I felt. Exeter students, feel free to correct me- I'm just saying what I thought was true for a couple of visits. This is what made me choose Andover.</p>
<p>PS- If you're into debate, St. Pauls has the best debate team.</p>
<p>NFL/NCAA eh? I must tell you now, that most your your latency won't be revealed until you reach college, so until then, your skill level could be redefined entirely by better players. </p>
<p>Btw, I am no Exeter student. But I have been in contact with Exonian students often on AIM. I am an Upper year applicant for Exeter though, and hopefully something good happens this Thursday.</p>
<p>RaspberrySmoothie, I'm not surprised you make those introverted claims about Exonians. I'm afraid you have a valid argument there though. Some Exonians are just "out of it." They don't have an idea what some common terms mean such as, "cred." However generally with the Math subjects, if one is good at Math...that's about all they're good at. But when I say good, I mean International Mathematical Olympiad good! </p>
<p>So yes, Exeter's that type of school where you can specialize into your interests, and then grow tremendously from there. RaspberrySmoothie, maybe you could confirm if Andover promotes a more broad/breath of academics? Because dude, you don't seem like that specialization type of guy. I'd really think you'd like Andover better.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help guys, and good luck on Thursday!! I'm probably gonna be sneaking onto my Lion Links at school ;-) You know, I'm a little anxious.</p>
<p>But anyway, you are right about the athletics department and how my view might be redifined. Again, I was just trying to illustrate a picture. </p>
<p>I will probably end up specializing though, whether it be in meteorology, geology, volcanology, or aeronautics, so I believe that that's not going to be a large factor.</p>
<p>Rasberry, I tried applying to St. Paul's too, but my mom wouldn't let me when she figured out what part of NH it was in.</p>
<p>J, what do you mean by "out of it"? Just out of curiosity, what school do you attend?</p>
<p>Rasberry and J, why do you think that this difference in student personality exists?</p>
<p>Hey guys, Im a senior up here at Exeter. I think your supposition that Exonians are math crazed introverts is a little off. While we are, without doubt, some of the hardest working students youll find, that doesnt mean we dont have a good time. The nature of academic life here is non-competitive. The harkness method is all about collaboration rather than competition, which fosters a real sense of community. There is a feeling pervasive on campus that we are in this thing together. Whether its commiserating about the brutal New Hampshire winter or pushing each other to make it through finals week, everyone looks out for one another. This shared experience has provided me with the best friendships Ive ever had, and some of the most memorable moments of my life. Boarding school, while academically rigorous, is a place where students come to really discover who they are. Being in this expository environment has made me a better person. Wearing a tie to class, going to school on Saturday morning...these are things that unite us as a community. While from the outside that may seem like conservative relics of days past, I can attest that they dont really put a damper on things. (Whoever said that Exeter is politically conservative was mistaken. The Exeter Democratic Club made 30,000 phone calls this fall during the election, and we brought every candidate to the Assembly Hall stage during N.H.s first in the nation primary).</p>
<p>This is actually my last weekend on campus, because in the spring term, Im going to Washington D.C. to intern on Capitol Hill (this program is run through Exeter). These final days have really made me look back on my time here and reflect on the big question: was it worth it? Well, I guess you can decide: eight oclock class turns into a life-affirming philosophy discussion. Gliding onto the boathouse dock after a 5-mile row. Accidentally calling the history teacher who lives in my dorm dad, which was embarrassing at first, but made me realize how much Ill miss him when I graduate. As silly and contrived as it sounds, Exeter is the best experience Ive ever had.</p>
<p>herman, that sounds just amazing. You didn't fool me there, I knew Exeter is primarily Liberal (LOL). Yah, someone told me about the Democratic Club's huge campaign during the US Election; and they successfully turned over the entire state of New Hampshire. That true?</p>
<p>So now FINALLY we have an Exonian on this board. Now that's an Andoverian, and an Exonian. Sweet. Guess I'll have to find out what Exeter's like...</p>
<p>Herman, what do you think about what rasberry said about students travelling in clusters?</p>
<p>Good luck on your internship and I wish you the best at your last days of Exeter!!</p>
<p>At a school like Exeter, with 1000 students, you can't expect everyone to be the best of friends. Even so, I recognize nearly every face I see on the path, and most people I know by name. The time when I really get a sense of the school coming together is our morning Assembly, which happens three times a week. The Assembly Hall fits all 1000 of us, and the room is built so that everyone can see everyone else. 1000 students sounds like a really large number, but when everyone is sitting in the same room, you start to realize how many people you know, and the number isn't so large anymore. </p>
<p>Yeah, Exeter can be isolating at times, but if you have enough inititive to go out and meet some people, you'll discover that we want to get to know you. Exonians are some of the most outgoing people I've ever run across. Better yet, we aren't the typical judgemental teenagers that I encouuntered elsewhere. I have felt more comfortable being myself here than at home.</p>
<p>On a side note, please ask any questions before Wednesday. After that, it's finals, and on Saturday I leave for home, where we don't have the internet (what can I say, my parents are a little earthy).</p>
<p>herman, a very important question. Say I'm a new Exeter student. How easy will it be for me to adjust to the Exeter environment; meet new friends, establish with some clubs and passions, and just start to do stuff and have fun instead of worrying about being a loner?</p>