What is Andover to you?

<p>I saw the thread about exeter, id like to know the same for andover. I know its probably similar but still id like to hear what people have to say.</p>

<p>Andover is the hopes and dreams of young individuals from all over the world. It is a community where people live, learn, laugh, and love. </p>

<p>How poetic. </p>

<p>Simply put, Andover is the best school in the world.</p>

<p>wow that was really poetic mcskittlZ10 did you just come up with that?;)</p>

<p>The rival/sister school of the school I'll be going to in September. :)</p>

<p>A soon-to-be hated arch rival</p>

<p>a really good boarding school
with a better name than exeter?</p>

<p>Andover does sound better than Exeter, I have to admit, although grudgingly.</p>

<p>People tend to lump Exeter and Andover together all the time because of "name-brand" association, but as someone who goes to Exeter and lives 20 minutes away from Andover (aka, have friends that go there), the two are COMPLETELY different institutions. When it comes down to choosing between the two, it's really all about fit. I got into both, and when I revisited both schools I just felt like I <em>belonged</em> at Exeter, though I've come to doubt my choice sometimes (note: I didn't say regret, just doubt).</p>

<p>Basically, Andover is just chiller, happier, and more relaxed than Exeter is. I truly believe those qualities are inherent to the school because of how open and liberal it is. Exeter, for all of it's uber-liberal social politics, is still an austere New England prep school at heart. That's the image Exeter gives off to many people, but that image is true to the institution itself and <em>not</em> to the kids. The kids here are honestly some of the nicest, funniest, most intelligent people I know, contrary to the stereotype that we're all ambitious, competitive nerds. Personally, to me Exeter feels like one big social experiment: what do you get when you take a bunch of bright, idealistic, motivated kids and stick them all in a place where, basically, they all have to grow up too fast? Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing; I feel pretty much prepared for life now. Many people think that it would be hard to exist outside of the "Exeter bubble," but I think the contrary is true. I've been here for less than two years and already I'm a completely different, and I think better, person. I wouldn't exactly <em>thank</em> the school for that, because a lot of the stuff that enabled me to become this different person was pretty brutal, but I'm definitely attached to Exeter; if nothing, come to Exeter for the people. Make as many friends as you can here, because I guarantee you it'll be worth it : )</p>

<p>Geez, I just posted a novel about Exeter in the Andover thread. Sorry guys. Basically, Andover has Exeter beat in the happiness category, but I think being at Exeter is, in a way, more socially dynamic and interesting. Seriously, it's a circus here. Student life is truly fascinating and bizarre, but it's impossible to explain <em>how</em> unless you actually experience it. You'll never be bored, nor will you ever forget the time you spent here.</p>

<p>thats okay, i was basically looking for stuff like that</p>

<p>Andover is the best place in the world.
That's the way it feels if you love it like you need to, to get through the days where you'll hate it, because on the days that you hate it, it is ruthless. It's the most bizarre experiment I've ever seen, it's cruel in a number of ways, it's unhealthily stressful, molds and unsustainable lifestyle for students, and is unrealistic to the point of blatant mockery.
And still the best place in the world.</p>

<p>andover seems more laid back than exeter</p>

<p>A school that I would have applied to if my parents allowed me to go outside of California.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the information about Andover. My idealistic view of Andover is that yes, it's super high stress and super hard, but once you're finished with it you'll be, as little_galaxie said, prepared for life. I imagine myself meeting really smart, interesting people from all over the world and coming out of the experience much more mature and enriched. I'm really excited (and nervous) about going there next year.</p>

<p>if you are smart and athletic and want to play lax in college then maybe Deerfield is the answer. While Andover and Exeter are probably #1 and #2 in most rankings it is not an automatic ticket. You need to do well wherever you go.</p>

<p>It all depends, though....a good friend og my sn's atends Andover and was a lax recruit. He is one of the top club players in New England and is looking at D1 programs. Being at Andover enables him to continue with his club team as well, which can be a very important, if not vital, consideration for an athlete hoping to get into a top D1 program.</p>

<p>Andover is a truly amazing school. It is definitely my kind of school. I can't wait to go next year:)</p>

<p>andover is a really good school, although I shouldn't say that since I'm going to exeter next year. i loved the campus. the things that made exeter beat andover in my mind: not harkness for all classes, campus had a "party" feel to it(I'm not saying its not a lot of work, it's just what I picked up from my visit), exeter has a stronger math team.</p>

<p>the decision was made easier for me as I was accepted to exeter with the FA I needed, and waitlisted at andover.</p>

<p>Actually, yes i came up with that myself. My girlfriend's quite a poet and here english skills are slowly rubbing off on to the math geek (me).</p>

<p>my goshhh! I'm a math geek tooo!</p>

<p>My Alma Mater in few months!!!!!! :D</p>