Does anyone know what the usual agenda is for these days? We will be in the area of Andover and our son, who is applying this year, could attend. That being said, the logistics would be challenging as we are in the area to attend our daughter’s boarding school’s parents’ weekend. He went with us to visit her classes last year and could go again this year, so I feel like he’s already getting an exposure to what boarding school would be like? Any insight is helpful. Thanks.
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I’d contact the school directly.
It’s not so much about the boarding school experience as the Andover experience. From a particular perspective, in my opinion.
Lot of talk about the curriculum from admibnistrators (Dean of Students, Faculty, etc.) typically with a teacher doing a deep dive on an offering or department. There will be panels for athletics and arts led by teachers and coaches but with kids participating and lots of room for Q&A.
It felt more focused on the academics, rigor and requirements, per my previous comment. It wasn’t a sell job, so don’t expect one, as we did. More informational; in a “Want you to know what you’re getting into if you apply here” kind of way. A good opportunity to arrange meeting coaches or music/arts Directors if you can arrange it. If not, interviews provide another opportunity. And you have the opportunity to talk to kids and faculty between panels.
One guy’s opinion, but I think it’s very worthwhile to attend. Full disclosure: While I appreciated them giving us the “real,” my kid left feeling a little intimidated. Almost didn’t apply after hearing the Chem Department head say matter of factly that Organic Chemistry there was as hard or harder than most colleges. My guess is they are scaring away the less than committed from applying. But again, just a guess, and it could be completely different this year or in other sessions.
The revisit once you’re accepted is where the magic happens.
You should go.
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I am not familiar with what PAA does, but I like these events. They are a very low stakes way to see a lot of aspects of the school. They assemble a lot of faculty, coaches, and students, and generally offer tours. During a normal tour, you get what’s given to you for the 60 minutrs your guide gives you. I also found that the questions asked often lead to issues we hadn’t considered.
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OP, if you go, don’t say PAA. It’s PA.
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Don’t say either. Verbally, it’s invariably “Andover.” “PA” is acceptable in writing - but not your admissions essay.
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People from PA say PA. Subliminal messaging that you’re one of them.
It’s the little things.
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Would you call Phillips Exeter “PE” or “PEA”?
And, “PAA” should stand for Phillips Abbot Academy. I never understood why the school neglected to rename itself after the merger like Choate did when it combined with Rosemary Hall.
They are PEA. Sometimes Morgoth Melkor.
They have to draw the distinction because there’s only one Phillips Academy. Which is why people from PA say PA. It’s a dig at the pea-brains.
They didn’t change the name because….they didn’t. Some did, some didn’t. Harvard’s still Harvard University post-merger. What can I tell you?
You’re right about Harvard and other institutions at the time that “absorbed” women’s schools. Also AI offers this explanation:
Disproportionate Leverage in the Merger:
While the merger was technically a union of two neighboring institutions, Phillips Academy effectively absorbed Abbot Academy
Abbot Academy had been facing significant financial struggles and declining enrollment, which meant that Phillips Academy held the vast majority of the institutional wealth, governance, and bargaining power. Absolute authority was ceded to the Phillips Academy trustees. Basically, it sounds like poor Abbot Academy was desperate
In my opinion, Phillips Abbot has a nicer ring to it than Phillips Andover (sounds like a “Directional School”)
And, the “PEA Brain” perjorative is funny!
Phillips Academy.
The Andover part is only brought into it because of the Pea-brains’ lack of creativity.
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What’s the verdict, OP?
Are you going?
Andover didn’t “neglect” to rename itself; it chose not to. As noted above, Abbot was significantly smaller and struggling.
Choate and Rosemary Hall were roughly the same size when merged. Additionally, the 2 schools were founded by the same family. That rationale is also the reason why NMH and Loomis Chaffee kept both names after their respective mergers.
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yep. we decided to make it work. thank you for the advice!
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