Phillips Exeter Academy - Review #1

The single distinguishing characteristic of Exeter was the Harkness method of teaching; it even came with its own prop: the Harkness table. These tables, located in nearly every classroom throughout the school were huge wooden conference tables that nominally encourage the students seated around the table (typically 9-14 students) to engage in discussion. The point is to diminish the amount of lecture-style classes, which it did. A second characteristic, or more accurately an attribute, which goes hand in hand with the first I mentioned, is Exeter's reknowned tradition of academic excellence. It's probably one of the most academically-challenging and rigorous boarding schools in the nation.

I think my trip abroad through SYA to China (which i found about through Exeter) really focused my life and helped me find my identity and cultural heritage. It has shaped my life from that point on, and everything else has only added more to it. It was a really great experience on the whole. Many things happened, and only a lifetime could retell it all.

I would have studied less in highschool, and taken advantage more of the social diversity there, met more people, and had more friends. Although I don't regret it, I think I would have tried to become closer with more people.

The academics.

The very traditional bureacracy - some of the rules/faculty are old-fashioned. They need to keep up with the modern times.

WENTWORTH! MAIN STREET! Long live the W and the moose.

It was incredibly challenging and rigorous. At the same time, there was enough variety in the depth and selection of the curriculum so as not to overburden any students. People whose affinities were towards the sciences were able to take countless courses in whichever field to nearly any extent (you could even design a field course with a particular facutly member). I did so in three fields: Physics, Chinese and Mathematics. Also, I felt that the size of each class was small enough so as to discourage intense competition, but rather focus on education and developing individual's learning styles.

The one drawback, perhaps, would be the demanding schedule put forth onto the students, who had a full day from 8-6pm. However, with both experience and a few careful course selections, this can change. Moreover, I am appreciative now of the extensive time management I learned from this experience.

We had pretty good varsity teams and there was never a shortage of sporting events to watch. The Exeter/Andover rivalry was also unmatched among other schools.

They didn't bother me.

I enjoyed all of the arts programs offered by the school. Although I was not entirely involved with those areas, what I did partake in was wonderful. The music building is very warm in the winter, and the practice rooms are very quiet and calming.

Nothing.

There were so many choices of clubs and other programs! It was a great way to meet people and spend some of your free time working.

Too many to choose from, you can't focus on all of them!

You stayed with a group of guys (or girls) with whom you would become extremely close over the time of your stay. You will be friends for life, and you'll never forget them. The rooms are pretty huge too, much too spacious for highschoolers!

Having to change dorms (which I unfortunately did) - it is not an issue unless you go abroad or something like that, you have to get used to new faculty and such. However, chances are that you will already know most of your dormmates in your grade at least.

It was open when you needed it, and there was unlimited food/drink.

The food was rarely...delicious.

Very welcome, everyone was extremely friendly, and we became good friends instantly.

About 1/3 African American + Latino/Hispanic About 1/4 Asian American The rest were Caucasion. Although the first groups tended to mingle together there was much crossover between these three groups.

Play sports - I loved taking advantage of tennis, basketball, etc. - It's like a resort. Also, going out into town and getting fast food for dinner was very good.

The towns surrounding Exeter is scarce. There is no activity on Sunday, but the food is decent. And there are trips to Boston and Portsmouth which help.