Exonians Welcome 318 New Students to PEA
After a year of applications, tours, interviews and school visits, 318 new preps, lowers, uppers and seniors will begin their journeys as Exonians this September. Only 437 students, roughly 40 less than last year, were admitted for the 2014-2015 school year to account for over-enrollment in the recent past. Additionally, the prep class has shrunk from 236 last year to 178 this coming year, a significant change. On the other hand, the incoming senior class experienced an unusually high influx of 42 students.
No matter the uncommon class sizes, incoming students seem both optimistic and nervous about their upcoming arrival. “To be honest, the feeling I'm having is nervousness mixed with eagerness,” new lower Richard Chen said. “Of course, like many others, I'm excited to join the community, but I'm just nervous because I don't exactly know what the future lies ahead, especially since the transitioning is immense.”
Similarly, new senior Ariana Patsaros described her emotions with a string of adjectives. “[I feel] incredibly lucky, blessed, excited, nervous,” Patsaros said.
Because of the daunting nature of transitioning to Exeter, the admissions office and other academic resources provide new students with information to ease the adjustment.
“At first, I was overwhelmed about which classes to pick,” Patsaros said. “My interim advisor, Ms. Clagett, really guided me in creating the perfect schedule for me. I also worked with the math department in placing me in the proper math class as my previous math education was atypical.”
New upper Gillian Chu also appreciated the admissions office’s support. “The admissions office has been very accommodating in answering my numerous questions, and the changes I have made in the process of trying to decide what I would like to take in the fall,” she said.
Some still think that Exeter could give new students more help to get them ready for the school year.
New lower Aivant Goyal thought that having returning students be more accessible for new Exonians woiuld be an improvement. “I found out that Facebook is a great tool for getting to know students at Exeter,” Goyal said. “I think it would be cool if Exeter could help new students get into the group with the others, rather than returning students finding the new ones.”
New lower Chris Agard added, “I wish the administration gave us a list of school supplies so we do not have to buy them at the campus store, which I have been told is expensive.”
One factor arriving boarding students will not have to manage is cramped, difficult housing arrangements.
Despite struggles in previous years to house new students, “this year, we were able to house all accepted boarding students without too much trouble,” said Dean of Students Melissa Mischke. Mischke and Dean of Residential Life Arthur Cosgrove assessed the adequacy of emergency doubles over the summer, ensuring their safety and deeming a few previous singles as “emergency doubles.”
New lower Alexandra Aiello had her request for a dorm on the South side of campus fulfilled and felt confidently optimistic about her placement. “I was assigned to Dunbar, which I have so far heard good things about!” She also acknowledged the change having a roommate is likely to bring about. “Having a roommate will be different for me. I've never actually had to live with someone else in my room,” Aiello said.
But some still felt less optimistic. Post-graduate Ann-Marie Messuri voiced her mixed feelings regarding the room assignment she has been given. “I'm not too thrilled about it. I was hoping for a single, partially since I am a post-garduate. But I'm also looking forward to having a roommate at the same time. It'll give me a chance to get to know someone at the school, and I'll hopefully be closer to her than anyone else,” Messuri said.
For many, the move to Exeter involves an enormous environmental change. Prep Milena DeGuere is preparing for the switch from a much smaller school. “I come from a very small school, and my [eighth grade] graduating class only had 11 people so being able to meet all of the people from around the country and the world is thrilling,” DeGuere said. “I'm nervous, overwhelmed and excited.”
On top of the aforementioned social acclimatization, new students also need to focus on the more obvious physical adjustments and academic changes they will surely encounter as new Exonians.
“Packing up everything I need is hard since I'm pretty sure something will be forgotten,” prep Bridgette Han said. “At home, I'm so used to being able to know everything before it's even taught, yet I know that at Exeter everyone is highly gifted and intelligent. It's a little intimidating.”