Scared I am going to fail out?

<p>Im going to Exeter next year and I feel like I am going to die with the amount of work I’ll have to start doing since I have close to no homework right now even in advanced classes…
anybody else feel like this?!</p>

<p>I think most students wonder about this.
You could ease your anxiety somewhat by studying this summer. For example, in any foreign language class, it’s helpful to review what you’ve learned so far and work ahead.</p>

<p>Exeter kicked my proverbial assets the first semester. And I survived. You will too. It is hard, but not impossible to do the work. And you will adjust to the pace in no time.</p>

<p>But question - if that is your greatest fear, why did you apply?</p>

<p>My suggestion - spend the summer getting used to independent study and do some things that push you and challenge you so you get used to the pace early. My suggestion, which is actually an Exeter Adcom suggestion, pick some difficult literary texts and read one each week to get used to the pace.</p>

<p>Exie always said BS will self-select and pick only the candidates who they think can and will be able to do the work. What went wrong?</p>

<p>Don’t worry about it! They accepted you, they recognized that you are ready. Actually Exeter takes it easy on kids the first term, really easy. One teacher told me that they are just happy if you manage to brush your teeth. The teachers and advisers are very skilled and they work through this with kids every year, they know what they are doing. You will not fail, you’ll be great!</p>

<p>I think you’ll do fine too Gabii, and I always tell my kids that it’s good to get their worrying over with before they actually have to jump into whatever it is they’re worried about–your worry right now is probably kicking you into gear. </p>

<p>I didn’t have the good fortune to go to a school like Exeter, but when I went to college, I worked harder than I ever had before in my life. It was busy, busy, busy. But it was SO MUCH FUN…taking classes that interested me and stimulated my brain, hanging out with friends after intense hours of study, discussions in class that continued at lunch or dinner, and then having nice long breaks to rest up and get ready for the next round. I loved the whole four years, even the hard parts, and I’m betting you will too. Who cares how busy you are, really, as long as what you’re doing is worth doing?</p>

<p>dont worry, just start off on a good note and your going have to start with your feet on the ball. exeters program isnt that hard its not even IB so dont worry too much!</p>

<p>Thanks guys, these are all great answers!
The part I am scared most about actually is doing sports there along with schoolwork that I feel I wont be able to do or have time to do I guess…</p>

<p>Pulsar: Exie always said BS will self-select and pick only the candidates who they think can and will be able to do the work. What went wrong? </p>

<p>Nothing went wrong. Your sentiment is terrible. He/She is simply concerned. Which is of course natural.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>What! WHAT! I want a do over. They were mean and cruel and I worked really hard that first year! But that was back in the days of the Salem witch trials so I guess things have changed. (smile).</p>

<p>No seriously - everyone is right. They don’t select students who aren’t capable of doing the work. You’ll be in good hands!</p>

<p>At the revisit, when parents were reunited with their children, the Dean of Admissions told everyone that they were ready. He said something like, “We wouldn’t have admitted you if we didn’t think you could handle it.” </p>

<p>I am worried that my son is NOT worried. He knows it will be hard, but he’s not worried about it. I guess he thinks he can handle it. I hope he’s right! (I think he is.)</p>

<p>Neato, I remember the principal saying that on revisit days :slight_smile:
I guess Exeter thinks I’m ready then!</p>

<p>You’ll be fine, Gabii. Even though it is perfectly normal to be nervous and want to do well, try not to worry. (I don’t think my son is normal :slight_smile: )</p>

<p>Exeter is a place where if you commit to a lot of things (clubs/sports), you probably have no time to procrastinate.</p>

<p>As a new lower, you don’t exactly get a smooth transition (no junior studies, etc) but you get put in transition courses for math to help introduce you to the way math is taught at Exeter, and though there’s no transition classes for other classes, teachers will be nice and help. </p>

<p>I’d have to say the two biggest problems to overcome are procrastination and speaking (learning Harkness–some people just never talk). Another problem some people have is picking things to commit to. But workload is definitely not a large problem if you plan ahead and make good use of your free periods.</p>

<p>seikuu, that post just lifted so much off my shoulders because I am pretty sure I know what I am committing to besides academics which is the three sports I play and 1 or 2 clubs!</p>

<p>Students at Exeter are used to being the best in their previous school, and may be embarrassed to ask for help. If you find yourself struggling, or just not “getting” something to your satisfaction, don’t be afraid to ask for help. They have a wonderful Peer Tutoring program. It is informal and free. My son volunteers to tutor in a couple of subjects, and while there, has asked for help in another subject. Students are very supportive of each other.</p>

<p>I second the peer tutoring. My daughter also spends quite a bit of time there just doing her homework. She helps kids who need help (math and German) and gets help when she needs it (math and German again :)</p>

<p>As for sports - they give you plenty of time in your schedule for sports. Wednesday and Saturday afternoons are reserved for sports, and then your daily schedule will have adequate time for your sport. Once you make a team your schedule is created around your sport schedule so that if your sport meets for two hours in the morning then the rest of your classes will be scheduled later in the day etc. Exeter is big on sports as are all the prep schools and they make sure their athletes have time to participate and still do well in their schoolwork.</p>

<p>During the application process, Exeter never asked me much about my reading skills… I am afraid that I read too slowly. I am not a great analytical reader, either. Oh well. Even if I get a C or D in English, I will know that I put in all my effort and gained something from the class. Unlike my current school, success won’t be measured purely by grades.</p>