<p>We were very impressed after Experience Exeter revisit days. I was just wondering what other parents and prospective students thought of their revisit.</p>
<p>Exeter did a very good job getting patents and students excited about Exeter through its “Experience Exeter” program. They gave the students a very good “Feel” for what it means to be an Exonian. They gave parents a good sence of what school is all about at PEA and also the kind of peers that our kids will be associating with.</p>
<p>Just back from PAA and PEA revisits. </p>
<p>After an hour on campus it is clear why both schools have such amazing reputations; incredible facilities, distinguished faculty, self-motivated really smart students and cultures of excellence abound. I suppose if you are looking for warts, each has plenty and no doubt that intangibles factor in where you feel more comfortable. A wart for one, is a beauty mark for another. </p>
<p>A revelation to us is that our daughter felt more comfortable in one place, and I felt more comfortable in another! Realistically, her vote is what counts and the day was helpful for a parent to form an opinion so that we can engage her in a 'why this or that discussion. Nevertheless, there was really no replacement for the accepted student shadowing a student for 3 or 4 classes then meeting with coaches/instructors. It’s hard to describe all the factors that go into an ‘aha moment’ when you know things are right for you.</p>
<p>if you don’t mind my asking BAREERS, which school was which (that your daughter/you felt more comfortable at)?</p>
<p>Harkness classes ( US History and English) were quite amazing with well prepared students running the class >90% of the time and teacher just guiding the discussion with very brief remarks. No opportunity to be inattentive or “zone out” in that setting.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the Dorm room shown to our parent group was disgusting- it was a basement “double” room in dorm attached to one of the dining halls. The surroundings seemed to be out of a horror movie and the room was as messy as you can imagine; with used clothing scattered around on the dirty floor. I presume that is not the typical dorm room at Exeter but the one shown to our group was probably the worst.</p>
<p>Asides from above, the “Exeter experience” is well managed and mostly enjoyable experience.</p>
<p>PAA students participated much less in the class discussion ( Senior class, likely in a funk on the day after the college/ivys decisions). Dorm rooms/Commons and other facilities were excellent. Student body seemed more relaxed and more “all-rounded.”</p>
<p>Hi, She was more comfortable at PAA as her student guide was talking about her involvement in many activities (sports and music). On the other hand, I was blown away by the interaction in an English class around the Harkness table. Those kids were so bright and a style of interaction where it’s ‘spoke to spoke’ instead of ‘hub and spoke’ seems tailor made for self-motivated, articulate students.</p>
<p>It’s hard to reach systemic conclusions based on such a small sample size, but it’s all we have and, at some time, you just have to make a decision (which we have not yet done!!!)</p>
<p>Re: Exeter-</p>
<p>The level of student involvement in class at Exeter is mind-blowing, even compared to the very rigorous private school D is coming from. So much more “real world” in terms of the in-depth, high quality discussion and the give/take that you normally see in a university graduate seminar. The students are very well-spoken, engaged, bright, and seem happy. They were all very friendly!</p>
<p>Students didn’t appear overly stressed, and the homework (in Latin, English, and chemistry anyway) was actually pretty light in terms of amount (but heavy in terms of substance). No busy work assigned, yet everyone must come to class prepared because they ALL participate in analysis and discussion. Also surprised that classes are made up of different ages. There were different grades mixed together which made for great discussions and nice interaction between kids.</p>
<p>The teachers were extremely impressive. They were accessible, funny and down-to-earth, yet also VERY engaged with the students and serious about their subject matter. </p>
<p>The classroom buildings were kind of ho-hum. They don’t appear as new or fancy as Andover’s buildings, or as nice as buildings at her current school. Andover’s campus definitely feels fancier (for lack of better word), but Exeter’s felt friendlier and more relaxed for some reason. Hard to explain, but it’s just a feeling. Dorm room was not horrible, but not impressive either. Dining halls were ok. Athletic facilities at Exeter are truly amazing and the library is so cool you can’t even grasp its greatness unless you go inside. </p>
<p>Students were very active in many clubs, etc. and there was tons of enthusiasm for their non-academic activities, arts, social gatherings, etc. This was a nice surprise. Overall, very impressed at how friendly the kids were. Not just the students in the classes or on the panels, but even the random kids in the dining hall or walking around campus. They appear well-rounded, friendly, and mature. There seems to be a lot of school pride and spirit at Exeter. Everyone you walk by says ‘hi’ and smiles. The school has a great ‘feel’, much better than we expected actually.</p>
<p>Sorry for the late posting…</p>
<p>Revisit for son and myself was phenomenal. Son’s impressions are what counted most, and he was very impressed with Harkness and level of involvement by students around the table – he and another visitor participated vigorously in a history class with encouragement from his host. </p>
<p>I visited an advanced game theory (math) class and was very impressed with how well Harkness works with math. </p>
<p>Perhaps most interesting were the other families of visiting students – all seemed well grounded regardless of demographic factors.</p>