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Alex ‘11
New Lower from Ithaca, NY
What do you like most about Andover?
My favorite part about Andover is the strong sense of community. Coming in as a new student I was surprised to see how quickly I felt integrated into the school. People here are friendly and welcoming and therefore, I feel comfortable talking with anyone: students, teachers, house counselors and coaches. To me, the best thing about PA is the ability to talk with people and develop bonds with such a diverse student body. The community's welcoming nature shapes the school into a friendly environment where everyone is accepted. I hope you make the decision to come to PA next year and help shape the school into the great place that it is!
Ambika ‘11
New Lower from Darien, CT
What do you like most about Andover?
What I love most about Andover is how easy it is to make friends. Cliques are basically non-existent here, and unlike other high schools, there is no segregation between the grades. Students here are relaxed and easy-going, and they are always eager to meet new people. I remember when I came here in September, my first friends were seniors—a concept that would have been unheard of back home. I have many friends who are really different from each other, because PA students aren't judgmental and they don't allow differences to divide us. It's an amazing atmosphere that I have thoroughly enjoyed up to this point.
Anthony ‘12
Junior from Woburn, MA
Why did you choose Andover?
All throughout middle school it was a dream of mine to attend PA. I remember hearing someone say that he thought it was a school for "presidents and princesses" when he was young, just as I did. After my Spring Visit day my thoughts on the school changed completely. I saw that the school was comprised of a special group people: very diverse, but all driven to succeed at everything they do. These were the people I had always wanted to be surrounded by, making Andover a perfect fit.
Now that I am here, what I like most about the school is the people. Everyone here is friendly and social, including everybody from the dining hall workers and our equipment manager, Blaine, to teachers and administrators. Everyone being so friendly makes the school feel like a "home away from home" and has helped with my transition to this large school go much smoother. I also love how approachable the teachers have been. They are always willing to help me out, even outside of class and conference period time. This makes it a lot easier to resolve any problems I have and here I feel like I am talking to a friend, more than a teacher.
Eliana ‘12
Junior from South Orange, NJ
Why did you choose Andover?
When I first applied to Andover, I was intimidated by its sheer size, but when I started getting to know the school, I realized that its size isn’t actually a bad thing. There are so many things to try at Andover that you aren’t labeled as a “theater person” or “jock.” You can be an actor and a wrestler, and you can also write for the Phillipian. All of the teachers support you in whatever you want to do, and there are always people there for you, despite the big size. The fact that I could try so many different things, and that branching out into the unknown is actually encouraged is what made me choose Andover. I knew that at PA, there would always be new things to try, new people to meet, and new adventures to have.
What do you like most about Andover now that you’re here?
I love the social life at Andover. First of all, people are so friendly, and its amazing how many cool new people I meet all the time. Second of all, there is always something fun to do, like laser tag in the Cage or a pre-release movie in Kemper, so it’s really hard to get bored. I love that the Student Activities Board always plans amazing events, but fun things can spontaneously pop up around campus. A group of people can decide to go ice-skating on a Sunday afternoon; people can have a Gossip Girl viewing party in their common room. Fun stuff is constantly happening, and it’s a great environment to live in.
Ryan ‘12
Junior day student from Reading, MA
Why did you choose Andover?
Phillips Academy is an amazing place! From the first day I heard about it, I wanted to attend, and by the time I had seen the beautiful campus, I knew it was right for me. Phillips seemed to have the academic challenge I wanted with the uniqueness of enthusiastic teachers and students. Everyone I had met through tours, etc., had mentioned that Phillips is a place where “it’s cool to be smart.” Students at Phillips are also very friendly! During the application process when my family or I ever got lost around campus, we would be aided by current students who were more than happy to help. It was my pleasure to be accepted to Phillips and get to be part of such a kind, caring, involved, excited group of students and faculty that have practically become my second family.
Elizabeth ‘12
Junior from Bogart, Georgia
Why did you choose Andover?
I chose Andover for the academics. I wanted to be challenged in a way that is fun and interesting. During my Spring Visit day, I attended a chemistry class, and I was impressed by the collaboration between the students when solving very difficult problems. In addition, the teacher was very energetic and truly loved what he was teaching. I knew almost instantly that this was the place I wanted to be, and I am so happy that I made the decision to come here.
Kenny ‘09
One-Year-Senior from Charlotte, NC
Why did you choose Andover?
My friends thought I was crazy when I told them I would be leaving sunny Charlotte to spend one year at Phillips Academy. I knew, however, that if I did not seize the opportunity, I would never get to. Next year I head off to college, so this was my one chance.
While Andover is known for its academic rigor, getting good grades is not the hardest part of coming here. Rather, it is choosing between a multitude of activities. While difficult, the choice is my favorite part of the school, and the reason I came for my senior year. Where else could I lead tours, plan the senior gift, try a new sport, star in a play with no previous acting experience, join any one of 104 student clubs, lifeguard, and build an electric car, all while meeting kids and teachers from all over the world? In six months I have done more new and interesting things than I did in three years at my old school. The variety and quality of activities is unparalleled, and the reason I would choose Andover over and over again in a heartbeat!
Marta ‘10
New Upper from Vilnius, Lithuania
Why did you choose Andover?
I chose to come to Andover for its excellence in attracting the most interesting and diverse individuals. No matter where you come from, you are treated equally, and people here really seem to take interest in you. There are so many students at this school but everybody seems to have found their own little niche and place at this school. Clubs range from Techmasters to Women's Forum; students hail from places like Moldova, Uganda and Trinidad. Andover puts the whole world on your doorstep and opens the door to countless opportunities.
Ryan ‘12
Junior from East Elmhurst, NY
What do you like most about Andover?
Dorm life is one of, if not the most, exciting parts of being at Andover. Being surrounded by a great group of guys that have such a wide range of personalities, is never boring. My dorm is like living in a really big house, and I’ve realized that boarding school is becoming a second home. After a long day of classes, sports, and extracurricular activities, going back to a place where you know you’re safe and you can enjoy yourself is such a relief. The dorm isn’t just where you do your homework, but where you live. With a bunch of friends in the rooms next to yours, every day is a journey, and I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else but them. Dormmates become friends, and friends become brothers.
Miranda ‘12
Junior from Boston, MA
Why did you choose Andover?
I had never even heard of Andover before I applied here. But once I was accepted and had my Spring Visit day, I realized that I didn't have to go and look at any other schools after Andover. Andover has so much spirit, stamina and encouragement all in this little community of about 1,000 students, and I love it all.
Morgan ‘09
Post-graduate from North Andover, MA
What do you like most about Andover?
The people! As soon as I came to campus on September 4th, I immediately felt at home. From the girls down the hall, to the teachers, to the Head of School, I have met truly interesting people, and have thoroughly enjoyed hearing each and every one of their stories. Quite simply, everyone really looks out for each other. I have found that the students are genuinely willing to go the extra mile, and that the camaraderie and school spirit is positively off the charts. This is something I absolutely love. With the academic rigor at PA, students depend on each other for success. Whether it is by volunteering to act in a friend’s film for video class, attending a study hall to tutor someone in need, or simply working late hours at the Phillipian so that the entire school community can keep abreast of current happenings, students make sure that no rock is left unturned.
Tananya ‘12
Junior from Bangkok, Thailand
What do you like most about Andover?
Now that I’m here at Andover, I have realized that there are so many things you can do. Every day is different; you meet new and interesting people all the time and there are countless opportunities to try new things. In only just the short period of time I have been here, I have done activities that I would have never had a chance to, or even thought of doing before, like learning to play the timpani in a student-run orchestra (even though I have no sense of rhythm), going sledding on trays behind Gelb Science Center (it was so much fun!) and even attending a workshop for improvisational acting. I’m so excited for the next three years at Andover, and I can’t wait to see what other fun activities I will get to experience!
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