<p>catg - Thanks!</p>
<p>classicalmama,
I agree that you can get FA aid from schools without huge endowments, but my experience was that of the 7 schools to which my d applied, she was accepted to 6 but declined by her 1st choice due to the fact that they could not provide the necessary aid. If you need FA in order to attend, it increases your odds of acceptance if you apply to schools noted for generous FA packages where you are at near the top of the grade/score range.</p>
<p>toombs61,
My d sat in on classes at both Hotchkiss and Exeter and got the impression that Exeter students were more intellectually engaged with the material. It probably has to do with the fact that all of Exeter classes are discussion based around the Harkness Table as opposed to lecture based, rather than the ability of the students at either school. Exeter homework was all about getting ready for the next class as opposed to an extension of the current class. </p>
<p>For example, at Exeter, a math class consists of students discussing proplems they solved for homework. In the class, they are expected explain the formula used and why. In most Exeter math classes, no textbooks are provided. This is different from schools where class time is used to lecture on formulas and their applications and then students are given problems to solve based on what the just learned in class.</p>
<p>CKSABS,
On the sports issue…I agree with you that you shouldn’t limit your apps to only the schools with winning seasons, BUT Prep schools take some of their sports teams SERIOUSLY and your chances of acceptance increase if your abilities align with the focus of the school. Granted if you are looking for a future college scholarship in the sport, you want to look at coaching, but if you just want to increase your odds of acceptance, be sure your talents make you a competitive candidate to the schools to which you apply.</p>