For those who were admitted to both, why did you (or child) decide on said school. I know that it’s all about fit, etc, but I would love to hear from those who chose, their thoughts.
For my DS it was entirely about fit and how welcomed he felt at the school. At Andover he felt a positive connection with everyone he met and except for one person at Exeter he just didn’t feel the same way. Andover just felt like the place he belonged. This was not a one time experience for him as he toured campus, met faculty/staff and attended different school events on three different occasions at both schools prior to being admitted. Looking back now he still feels he made the right choice in attending PA.
In so many ways it really does come down to feel as both are great schools academically, athletically and socially. Both schools offer tremendous diversity as well as unparalleled opportunities in and out of their classrooms. You really cannot go wrong with either choice.
In DS1s case the students at Andover seemed happier to be there during his interview and visit. That gave Andover a small edge. The deal closer was that Andover offered 25K in FA and Exeter offered none.
Of course that would be a deal breaker! @RedSoxFan18
@panpacific it was for BS but it college was a different story.
^^ Of course, and the choice was between the twins of Phillips! 
Would love to hear your take on the two schools @momof3swimmers
Of course after accepting with Andover, the Exeter coach emailed to say they were going to push for DS to get off the waitlist. He still wants to go to Andover and feels like it’s all around a better fit for him. Agreed on the happier kids
I love Andover. I see balance there. We know many students, faculty etc so it is comfortable. We didnt even tour Exeter this year so we are looking forward to the revist next week. Can’t believe we will only have 3 days after that to decide. It is going so quickly and visiting another school (hidden gem) muddied the waters even more. He noticed lots of VERY happy kids.
@momof3swimmers I think the happiness quotient is such an important factor. Yet it’s the one intangible that isn’t measured or reported. Not only how happy the students are currently at the school, but how the school is guiding them to make healthy choices and to lead a balanced joyful life. In the end, that is all I want for my kids. I don’t care if they end up at an ivy. I agree with you that Andover feels balanced. The kids seem bubbly and comfortable in their own skin. Wishing you luck at Exeter next week.
I can assure you that Exeter is a very very happy place and a very intellectual place. It is very possible for a person deep in thought not to go around whistling or humming a tune or generally bubbling over with unbridled outward happiness. It does not mean they are not happy. It means they are seriously engaged. Think deeply, choose wisely.
Hi there. Just to add a different perspective and a really fun story. Sometimes I don’t understand when people make Exeter out to be like the Game of Thrones. Seems like they have a pretty good time to me, or at least they are extremely spirited. I happened to visit Andover during the E/A competition back in November. I was sitting on the Andover side with Other parents/Adults and we were all talking about how Exeter seemed much more fun and more spirited - despite them losing. The kids were having a blast over there - I would think it was a party school by the way they were acting. The had bag pipes going and the students were going nuts. The students at Andover were kind of stoic and quiet. Even though you can’t based things off of game and one visit, the kids at Exeter seem like they know how to have a good time when it’s called for. Made me think that it is not all work and no play at Exeter. It was interesting to observe the tone of both schools in each other’s presence. Andover seem to have to tone that everyone says about Exeter and vice versa. I also heard several Andover alumni give the Exeter community their props about their energy. It was pretty fun and interesting to watch.
@sonsun do you have a child at Exeter or only at Peddie? I am looking for people who have experience with these two specifically. I do understand that they may not look happy but could be happy. I have heard that they just are not having any fun up at Exeter. My child wants to also have fun while learning, not feeling like they are in the game of thrones like PP mentioned. 2 very different things.
“Think deeply, choose wisely”? Or else what? You’d fall in a ****hole? What’s wrong with liking a few more “whistling and humming”? Sell your school alright but don’t be sensational. Who are these new posters that suddenly popped up and started selling Exeter as a “very very happy” place? Don’t you know that people who are seriously considering Exeter may not really have “very very happy” high on their list? Overkill!
I have tried to stay quiet on this thread- but I can’t take it anymore. The perceptions people are reporting on about Exeter - are just that - people’s perceptions. I hope that parents and kids will make up their own minds about the fit of a school for their child based on more than anonymous people’s limited viewpoints of communities that they don’t even belong to.
Judging a communities happiness level by observing teenagers expressions during a brief glimpse in time is absolutely crazy!!
@vegas1 of course we will be forming our own opinions. We wouldn’t have applied to Exeter nor revisited otherwise. D.C. Was most excited about his acceptance to Exeter. We can’t wait for revist day. I was just curious about others who chose between the 2, why they did so. i hope I didn’t offend!
@momof3swimmers no offense taken. I hope you and your son find the best school for your family- whatever school that is. This has been a strange year on this forum. It seems people have very strong opinions on schools that they have little experience with - which makes it more difficult for families like yours to get accurate information.
@panpacific Maybe people are trying to balance the perception of Exeter not being well balanced. Thanks to @vegas1 and other Exeter/Andover parents for sharing your perspective as a current parent.
These responses were weird. I was also interest in the reasons people chose differently but the responses were strange. I know more people at Andover than Exeter but they were not accepted to both, so they can not give me a comparison.
@54321soca we are in the same boat knowing a large number of families at Andover, but not many who also applied or were accepted at Exeter.