2015 Revisit Day Experience

TheStig2
Mon, 06 Apr 2015 20:41:23 +0000

**Experience Exeter Revisit Day/B

Basic format/schedule of your revisit day
Revisit day was from 8:30 a.m. – app. 4:00 p.m.
DK & I checked in & received lanyards and separate itineraries for parent & student
DK & I were together for welcome remarks from Principal and DOA, then student panel discussion (students that had free time in their schedule, not selected just for revisit day)
Then DK went off with student host to shadow classes and go to lunch.
Parents stayed in Phelps Science Center for Global Initiatives presentation. Lots of options available to study abroad. Two students spoke about their term in Rome. Their participation required careful, advance course selection in prior years to make sure graduation requirements are met. Study abroad opportunities vary by student interest and selection is competitive.
Next, I visited an upper level English class.
Then, I went to the Academy Life Panel Discussion. They encouraged incoming students not to request specific housing and that students are usually happy with their given dorm. Advisors live in the dorm with students and are first point of contact for parents. There is no online portal available for parents to constantly monitor grades and there are no rules about technology use on campus. I’m not sure what date, but faculty is due to vote on student resolution for a more gender neutral dress code (no ties for boys) and that more information will be sent out over summer if it is passed. I felt the panel stressed to parents that students have a dorm check-in time, but they expect and foster independence in the students.
Lunch was in Elm Street dining hall with current parents.
The first Afternoon Option I chose was College Counseling Information – It was a fairly generic presentation, but Exeter seems to definitely have insight into the admissions process at highly selective schools. Also, from the Q&A, the CCO office is adept at managing student and parent expectations.
The second Afternoon Option was a girls dorm tour. We toured Merrill on the north side of the campus. I’m not sure if this is representative of most of the dorms, it seemed like an older dorm, good-sized rooms though. Guide explained that most students use the laundry service, and that visitation by the opposite sex is limited to the common areas. Also, she indicated that every dorm has different visitation and check out policies – some are more strict than others.
DK and I reconvened in Phelps Science Center for closing remarks by current principal and he introduced incoming principal. I really liked both of them immensely. There was a vocal performance at the end that was outstanding.
DK & I stuck around a little longer to see the library (magnificent!), bookstore, and to have dinner in town. Everyone was friendly as we strolled around the campus, but classes were still in session so we didn’t detain students with questions for very long.
Did the revisit confirm your interest in the school or did it dissuade you from matriculating?
Okay, full disclosure – I went into EE with low expectations that DK would find a fit here. I envisioned a large, impersonal school. This was our first visit to the school. DK interviewed with local alumnus and we really had no feedback from admission office or coaches before acceptance. We were one of the families that received the “glitch” acceptance on March 9th and were very surprised – like the veteran posters all say, contact (or lack of) from a BS is not indicative of results! The visit challenged my preconceived view of the school. I can’t imagine choosing a school without being on campus and am so glad we are able to take advantage of these Revisit days – there really is no substitute for your “gut” feeling and the intangibles.
What specific things about the revisit pushed you in either direction?
First, I appreciated that we got an authentic view of the school and that questions were answered honestly. Especially in the Academy Life panel, where parents posed some pretty tough questions. We both had interactions that convinced us that this is a closer community than anticipated and the students are diverse and respectful. I also left knowing that this is a very rigorous climate and that it is not for everyone because it requires an inordinate degree of discipline, integrity, grit, and hard, hard work that not all teenagers have (my own included). Obviously, there is support available but the student needs to seek out these opportunities. It is my impression that (especially as a new Upper without the transitional tools preps receive) there is definitely no hand-holding - a student has to be proactive to make the most of the Exeter experience. Overall, the takeaway was that my fairly mature, self-motivated, organized DD will be able to successfully swim in this very large pond if she chooses to!
Did you learn anything new/surprising about the school?
I didn’t realize how close and integrated the school and town are and absolutely loved that aspect. DK liked the independence and freedom of the 10-mile radius rule.
DK commented that the student’s daily schedule seems really complicated! Also, that the athletic and training facilities are incredible.
Something you wish you had learned which you didn’t
I still need clarification on dorms for a new upper – I was told DK would probably be placed in one of the smaller houses around the periphery of campus and the dorm tour I was on went to Merrill. DK visited Dunbar so we only saw the larger dorms and have no idea if she would like a smaller setting with less girls.
Also, I need to research and learn more about the college counseling process. I attended the presentation, but it was more generic and as an incoming Upper, we will be starting the process soon. One parent asked about the counselor to student ratio and I felt the question was side-stepped a bit as she just answered that appointments are required and some students are in weekly and some they have to chase down to make sure deadlines are met. I’m really interested not so much in matriculation stats, but how they help students with fit – how to craft a good list and a cohesive narrative to present to colleges.
How was the food?
Food was good – I ate in Elm Street with current parents, DK also ate in Elm Street with host. Elm Street was recently renovated, lines not too long and lots of options.
How were the classes you sat in on?
I sat in on an upper level English. The students led the discussion and all participated – Harkness at its finest, no warriors in this class!