Discovering Greatness: Experience Exeter

Starting next Monday, prospective Exonians from all over the globe will be descending on campus to spend a day with students and get a taste of what Exeter is really like during the annual “Experience Exeter.” Although almost every boarding school hosts a similar function each year, many have debated whether the “experience” has any real effect or if the day gives these prospective students a true glimpse of what life is like. In my opinion, Experience Exeter is a powerful, hands-on approach to deciding which school to attend that neither a tour nor pamphlet can offer.Choosing to attend a boarding school is a significant decision that, for most people, requires a great deal of thought. When it came down to Andover and Exeter for me, I was at a loss; both schools provided amazing campuses, fantastic courses, impressive sports and arts programs and plenty of extracurricular activities. It was not until revisit day, when I found that, to me, Exonians were more interesting and good-natured, and Exeter became the obvious choice. The warmth of the students was not something I could learn from a tour guide, admissions video, or brochure, because every school claims to have a compassionate student body. Only when I paid a real visit and got to know some students could I digest the characteristics of my would-be fellow classmates.Although every visiting students’ opinion of Exonians is dependent on their guide, throughout the day the guest takes part in a number of different activities that show the true spirit of the Exeter student body. It makes sense that, since so many people visit for Experience Exeter, every now and then they will be paired with an Exonian who is not enthused or happy to have a shadow. The attitude of the guide would seem to reflect poorly upon The Academy, and even though this might deter prospective students, the guest will also tour through lunch, Agora and Grill, and will be introduced to the friends of his or her Experience Exeter guide. After a day of this, even with the dullest chaperone, the visitor can experience a fulfilling day of what it is like to be at Exeter.Some see the day as filled with organized activities and required meetings rather than a genuine experience for prospective students. When visitors file off with their hosts and spend a day away from parents and family, however, it is a completely different experience. When they are around kids their own age rather than adult strangers, almost every high school student becomes someone different.When I revisited, I spent a day with a prep in Ewald, and it was one of the most informative experiences of my visiting-boarding-school days. Not only were classes fun and a time for seeing what Harkness is really about, but hanging around with my tour guide’s friends and relaxing in the dorm was equally enjoyable. As I sat in grill drinking an Odwalla and watching my shadower finish up some math homework, I realized that the boarding school life at Exeter was for me, and nothing else could have given me that epiphany.In the end, prospective students will likely be a great fit wherever they choose to spend their high school years; but if they never have a chance to connect with the students they could spend their next four years with at Exeter, they might never discover how great of a place it truly is.