<p>After all the school visits, we are now at the stage of trying to decide what schools to apply to. So my son has been going down the process of “Why would I want to go to xxx?” therefore the question of “What is so unique about xxx?” </p>
<p>Here’s what he thinks:</p>
<li><p>SPS: the “Freedom with responsibility” sets the school apart from others, could be good for some kids and bad for some, but certainly different</p></li>
<li><p>Exeter: Math Team, library, science building</p></li>
<li><p>Hotchkiss: Best music building and best pianos; best debate team; the surroundings of the school is also different from all others</p></li>
<li><p>Andover: ??? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>I am sure there must be something unique about Andover but he just couldn’t think of any! He said all the schools talk about # of courses offered; how loving and caring the teachers are; the sense of community within the student body; there’s no limit in how much he can learn… He just can not think of something ONLY Andover can offer him. </p>
<p>Let me make it clear that he doesn’t mean he is too good for Andover. He said all these schools are excellent choices and he’d be lucky to be admitted. </p>
<p>Does anyone care to comment on the uniqueness of these schools?</p>
<p>This is coming from an adult with a first-year student at Andover, and is not meant to be critical of the other schools you listed, which are all great. Some small items: no formal dress code, closer to a big city, a large school that also has dorms for six students, where the chairwoman of the math department teaches algebra to 10 students.</p>
<p>But most importantly, I can vouch for some of the things said about Andover. The teachers and advisers really are caring and available. I was concerned about the school size, but all of the people have been so welcoming to our family. It has been a great experience getting to be part of the community.</p>
<p>In looking at what is special about each school, I suggest your son look at it in two ways, first what is special about the school as a whole and second what is special about the school to him, given how well he could pursue his particular interests. (Not too many people would say," Hotchkiss, isn't that the school with the great pianos?" But if you are a serious pianist, availability of pianos is important.) Not every school has to be "unique" on both fronts. There is another thread about a boy who is considering transfering from a top bs because it doesn't offer a good program for an extracurricular interest of his.</p>
<p>I'm parent of an Andover first year. What we noticed about SPS vs A & E was the 100% boarding, and smaller size, so I had the impression that kids were actually nurtured a bit more than at the larger schools rather than getting more freedom! Obviously a wonderful school. As for Freedom With Responsibility, if it weren't SPS's slogan it would be a good way to describe any of the schools you mention. I'd say, Freedom with Responsibility and Support and Opportunity. </p>
<p>I think a strong student will find a way to thrive at any of those schools. What might be distinguishing could be something particular to that student. My daughter's best Andover experience this fall was her sports team. What she didn't know, and made it so great: even though it's the top, undefeated team, EVERYONE is on the team, and it's a wonderfully supportive group. I'm sure at one of the other schools, something else (or being on a losing team!) would have been equally terrific.</p>
<p>About Andover, a few more things to consider: tremendous range of interesting and worthwhile community service opportunities (including non sibi day); nice variety of housing options, from smallish houses to traditional large dorms; proximity to Boston (with convenient train service), though many students seem happily engaged on campus so they probably don't go into Boston much; art museum and archeology museum on campus.</p>
<p>Now the archeological museum is unique, but all of the rest of the stuff that the post above me said is not.... you can find that in most schools. We are looking for UNIQUE things ppl! and for other schools as well if you don't mind ...</p>
<p>Like a sports program that has a coach featured in Sports Illustrated, or something like that.</p>
<p>Andover definitely has more than enough to offer. Are you looking for particular aspects that are unique or just general things? I'd focus on what your son would actually pursue. Andover has the cluster system, which breaks up the large school to feel smaller. This makes the deans more accessible, and it's easier to get involved in student government. Andover also has the Brace Center for Gender Studies that provides many opportunities to students. As a recent graduate, I'd be happy to answer your questions regarding Andover.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>sugerkim, I'll send you a PM.</p>