<p>Right now I’m at public school, why?</p>
<p>Another question. I live in really rural Vermont and I’m used to being spread out with lots of space and not a lot of buildings. I know that I have to actually visit the schools to get the feel of them but I’ve heard that Andover is more open, so would that maybe feel a little more like home to me? Or is Exeter just as open?</p>
<p>Ermm… Well, there’s a 0.9 mile walk from Andover’s farthest dorm to class (or something like that). In my opinion, they should reserve that dorm for cross-country participants, but…</p>
<p>Um, apparently Exeter’s more college-like while Andover’s more… spread-out, random (some call it “messy” but honestly it’s just personal preference)
Ehh, honestly (as you pointed out) you need to visit it to see for yourself. btw, i believe asiankid29 is also from Vermont! (she’s going to exeter)</p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>I’ve heard Exeter is less spread out, but wait and see when you visit, because what you imagined as ugly/uncomfortable might not turn out to be.</p>
<p>For the SSAT, the lists of vocabulary the prep books give you to memorize are very helpful. I looked at one list only (bad mistake), and 2 of the words from that one list was on there! I imagine if somebody memorizes the whole vocab. chapter, they should get a great score, at least in reading.</p>
<p>Okay thanks, that helps 
But I will wait until I visit to form my own opinion. lemons.can.fly, thanks I’ll make sure to really study those lists. Right now I’m planning on only using the Princeton Review, Cracking the SSAT 2010 edition because I’ve heard that’s really helpful, but honestly, should I get another one?</p>
<p>I think one is perfectly fine, but I’d wait 'till you take the practice test in the book after you finish the book and see if you really need the other one.</p>
<p>you can order this book called Preparing for the SSAT and it’s really good because it’s made by ERB which is the company/institution that makes the SSAT…i think you can order it on the SSAT website</p>
<p>Don’t they give you that book automatically when you register for the SSAT?</p>
<p>No, I’m pretty sure you have to pay a fee for the book. Correct me if I’m wrong, though!</p>
<p>I think you pay for it when you’re registering. Like it’s an option for an extra thing you can pay for. I got that and it seems pretty helpful and I got my Princeton Review book a few days ago and that looks really helpful. Thanks for all your help, everyone. Is there anything else I should know about applying?</p>
<p>You can purchase it at Barnes and Noble…most likely online as well.</p>
<p>The ninth graders take the same SSAT as the tenth graders, right?</p>
<p>Yep. Grades 8 and up take the same test. :)</p>
<p>I recommend applying to The Governors Academy which is a little less challenging than A/E, but still very strong academically. It never hurts to try your chances at Andover though ;)</p>
<p>Thank goodness. I thought for a second that there were different tests for each grade. The math would be up to Algebra or Geometry for 10th grade?</p>
<p>apparently there’s a bit of easy geometry mixed in, but people have told me that it shouldn’t be too hard. it’s the essay-writing part i’m a bit concerned about… i barely finished mine for the lower level test. :$</p>
<p>It all depends on your personal strengths/weaknesses.
Everything was really easy for me except for THE ESSAY! ohmygod. I didn’t finish!! Definitely plan your time well. I wrote & edited it on a scratch paper first and then copied it onto a final draft, but… I didn’t finish copying the conclusion onto my final draft. x_x</p>
<p>Hey, I applied to only Andover and Exeter and got into both.
Don’t pay attention to the “formula” that many posters on here try to make for the “ideal applicant” (no offense to anyone- I applaud you for helping). As far as extracurriculars, do what you want to do. Don’t add ECs that you think will look good to the school for that reason only. I really had one EC (that I was REALLY serious in) and that was more than enough. I’m not saying be a bum, but don’t add fluff to your resume.</p>