Phillips Exeter Academy - Review #26

Definitely its renowned Harkness discussion. The principal is based on the idea that the students are of such a high intellect that they are able to teach each other, and thus the teacher of the class simply acts as a moderator for the brilliant discussion which occurs. I miss this teaching style a lot (we don't have this in big colleges like Cornell, unfortunately.) What I like best about it is that when it comes to exams etc, you don't have to study much to do well because all the material is already embedded in your memory through your active participation in the discussion. (Discussion participations are graded for some classes.)

I think I really have learnt to be independent at Exeter. I was a highly unorganized person who did absolutely no work back home. (I have no idea why they even accepted me in the first place.) At Exeter, people were motivated and insightful. I've met some most amazing people there (e.g. granddaughter of I. M. Pei, the world's renowned architect) and they have taught me a great deal. Even now I keep in touch with all these people. Sometimes connections you made at Exeter can be very helpful during your college years and possibly even during your career years.

Branch out more. I always thought I didn't branch out enough my 1st week, or I could have met even more amazing people. Also, really plan out what courses you are going to take each semester. Skip up a level if you think the class bores you.

Exeter really prepared me well for college. A lot of people say Cornell is much harder than Harvard and Yale academically because we do not have grade-inflation (this is true). However, being at Exeter taught me time-management skills and how to balance your social life with academics greatly. It is a myth that you can only have 2S out of the 3S (Sleep, Social, Study) in college, but with the preparation of Exeter, it is not true at all. I still got a 4.0 at Cornell my first semester without having to bury myself in books or kill myself with sleepless nights. Give me one hundred more times to choose. I would still choose to go to Exeter.

Best Girls Dorm: Hoyt (Hoyt has probably the most lenient check in times) or Amen (Amen has real good facilities).Get to know your dorm faculties. It is always good to get to know adults at Exeter. They could be of great help if you need a ride, etc.

I love it that you get to know the professors really well. This is perhaps due to the small size of the class (roughly 13 people). This is really great because when it comes to the College Application Process, you have absolutely NO trouble finding teachers' recommendation letters. Also, the College Counseling Program is great. I got into ALL of my college choices with their help.

I wasn't exactly competitive athletic at Exeter, considering the fact that I only swam on a team.However, we have amazing athletic facilities. The newly built squash court (very nice, with computer-sensors on the walls) is one of the many facilities that I often use. We have nice pools and hockey/ football/ soccer fields. Frisbee is also big on campus.

The music building has pianos that are free-for-all students. (In college, you have to pay if you want to play.) We have great musicians and anyone is allowed to have "recitals" that would be open to the public. You can virtually learn anything as long as you are willing to pay for it. Exeter will find you an instructor.

There are so many I don't know where to start. From "Students for a Free Tibet" to "Anime Exeter", you can almost find a club about everything. If there isn't a club of your interest yet, you can always start one. It's real easy and they give you funding.

I LOVED my dorm. HOYT-pride woot woot!Dorms are single-sexed on campus, and each has its own reputation. (e.g. Wentworth was the jock's dorm and Amen was the dorm with pretty girls.)Check-ins are at 8 for Freshman and Sophomore (We call them Preps and Lowers). 9 for Juniors (or Uppers) and 10 for Seniors. On weekends, it is 11 for everyone.It is possible to transfer between dorms if you do not like your room.

Exeter's AWARD WINNING dining service was not exactly great, but it was edible. I've been to places like NMH and Andover, and it was a lot worse. I guess I'm just spoiled. Once in a while, we have banquets (free) such as Jazz Brunch and we'd have loads of good food (free) like chocolate fondue. Seniors also get Lobster Dinner. There are no assigned seating.

Exeter is a peaceful town. The downtown is really small so if you want serious shopping, you should just go to Boston (1 hour away by train). There is also FoxRun Mall, which is not too big, but it has something a high school student would need. Exeter offers a round-trip bus ($3) to FoxRun every Saturday.

Because the school is small, you get to know people on an individual basis really well. Around a dining hall, you will usually have no problem finding somebody to sit with (this is very different in college. You always have to call your friends and then meet up and go eat together, which is in my opinion very inefficient.)