<p>Some time in the past few months ago, I had my interview. (I’ve been waiting to post, just so I can spill my experience) I’m only applying to Exeter and Andover based on my parents’ closed minded view of “prestige.”
First was Exeter. My tour guide was skittish, very introverted, a freshman, and definitely just not the right person to guide a tour. She was probably a good student but not a very nice or outgoing tour. I ended up being the one who did the most talking, because I had to fill in the awkward spaces. They should probably plan that better. The girl was in short: shy, a little uptight, and serious. It didn’t help that she was a freshman. (Not only that, she kept checking her iPhone!) She did have my same nationality, though, which I thought may have been a little bit strange. Maybe they did that to help us “relate.” (Did anyone else have that same type of thing going on, or am I reading too much into it?) Personally, we barely got to see anything on the tour and my parents were not impressed by the time we were back into the admissions center. In addition, the campus did not feel “friendly”, especially the kids. The adults were all very nice, but the kids were gathered around each other making jokes and not even smiling when we looked at them. The tour was very disorganized. (Much like this paragraph, sorry if it was confusing.)
However, things took a MUCH better turn by the interview. The interviewer made me feel very comfortable. We laughed a lot, and the conversation was flowing, with us talking about many different things. Our conversation ranged from talking about our favorite character in a Seperate Peace to waterskiing in Bora Bora (something we both have not done.) All in all, it was a nice interview experience. (Sorry if I’m being n00bish, but halfway into the interview he filled his note page-- is that a bad or good thing?)</p>
<p>My Andover was experience was MILES better. Our tour was a girl from overseas who was able to describe her experience, and answer all of our questions. She was EXTREMELY nice and outgoing, and she didn’t let our questions go unanswered. Needless to say, the tour was really organized. The girl was a really good explain-er and led us around in a circle. It was obviously pre rehearsed (a good thing.) It was in a nice chronological order. The students were welcoming too; they saw I was touring, and acknowledged it. They smiled, waved or even said Hi!
The interview was a little less comfortable than at Exeter, and I felt on my part I could’ve done better. but the lady was extremely nice and welcoming. She talked about her experience at Andover. Overall I was more impressed with Andover than Exeter as a student. My thing with Exeter was mostly just with the tour guide, though. If accepted I would still recommend/ accept.
EDIT: Although I know this is supposed to be a thread for all B-S interviews, I found it’s more geared to SPS. I’ll probably repeat post this on a new thread!</p>