<p>We wouldn’t have bothered applying to Exeter, except they sent us a letter which said, we should apply, did we know about their financial aid packet? Because of their generous endowment, they could be generous, financial-aid wise. So we applied. and didn’t get in. we were wait-listed. It just doesn’t seem right that they would send out these letters and then cut back on their financial aid offers. They shouldleast refund the application fee. </p>
<p>Did anyone else get those come-hither letters from Exeter?</p>
<p>A year ago my d received a similar letter, but I can’t remember if it was from Andover or Exeter, and it started our boarding school journey. I found this forum right away and other resources that greatly helped us. We expanded our search to include a variety of schools. She also attended the Access Exeter summer program. After the summer program she did not want to apply to Exeter, but dad thought it would have been a waste of money for the summer program if she did not apply for the school year, so she did. Two weeks ago she received a call from a student at Exeter asking if she had any questions about the school. She was rejected at Exeter. D didn’t care since it was about last on her list, but I was surprised. The schools want as many applications as possible so they can have lots of options, I think applicants should make sure they have lots of options also.</p>
<p>We received a letter from Exeter but got waitlisted although S could only be “more qualified” than when they sent him the letter, but I am not really bitter about it because that letter ignited our interest in boarding school education and now we have ended up with offers from a few better and more fit schools. Regardless of the outcome (or maybe not), I haven’t liked Exeter much except its recruting video, which is so inspring and well made.</p>
<p>Boarding School is a business – with their main goal to enroll as many top students as possible. The way they reach this goal is to have as many people apply as possible – that way they can cherry-pick the ones they want. The letters, mailings, website, video, etc are all part of a professional marketing plan aimed to get your student to apply. It works – even in this economic turmoil, applications are up significantly.</p>
<p>For those who are looking at applying next year – keep this in mind. While you and your student may be flattered by the attention, hundreds (if not thousands) of other students get the same “personal attention”. It doesn’t mean you will get in or even waitlisted – it just means they want you to apply.</p>
<p>Yes, to all of the above. Yes, we got them. Yes, we applied ONLY because the FA component was force-fed to us (particularly by Exeter). Yes, it’s one thing to simply send a polite letter of introduction (as Andover did), but a completely different matter to “recruit” as Exeter did, only to reject the applicant. Based on our many interactions with E and A, would I allow my child to apply to them again? Andover, Yes. Exeter, No.</p>