“I think it was the tour that I had that did it for me. I saw the campus and the people and how things worked. And we went past math, history, and English classes, but we didn’t go in. It was after the tour that I did my research, and found out more about Harkness and how it works and what makes Exeter as special as it is.
“After I was accepted, I came back. A prep (freshman) took me around and it was a Saturday schedule. We went to Harkness classes and I actually participated. I didn’t say much, but I did participate. If you ask me, the most unique thing about Exeter is Harkness—the fact that everything is taught seminar style, including math and science. It’s really unorthodox.
“Harkness is good for people who want to share their ideas. But it’s good even for people who are a bit shy—it’s a way of developing your speaking skills. Everyone adjusts well here.
“Harkness extends outside of class. At night, in the dorm, everyone is hanging out in the common room, and sometimes the talk is about useless things, but sometimes it’s about history or philosophy. It affects you in a way that is very special.
“My favorite tradition at Exeter is a dorm tradition. It’s called Senior Words of Wisdom and it’s the last night before everyone leaves. At 2 a.m. we march to the football stadium—it’s by the river. We sit on bleachers in the darkness and silence, and the dorm head holds a candle. Each graduating senior comes up and holds the candle and reflects on the past four years, memories, ideas, things that were learned, and they just do that until everyone gets a chance.”
– Mark, senior
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