By far, the most unique and striking characteristic about Master's academics is its use of the Harkness method. With massive round tables, all students are granted an equally prominent position in the class room. This greatly facilitates class discussions and compels the student to get involved with the lessons. The design of the tables and rooms also provide a comfortable and effective lecture environment. Concurrently, the teaching staff are highly capable, dynamic, inspiring, on par with my current Ivy League professors. What I found particularly useful was how readily available teachers made themselves for extra-curricular support.

The athletics program at Masters was diverse and adaptable. The gym classes, which are mandatory if not taking a sport after school, were tailored to the interests of the students involved in each class. Sports varied from traditional basketball and volleyball, to fencing and even private tennis lessons when the class size was small enough that every student could be playing simultaneously.

The Arts at Masters are of the highest caliber. The expansive, somewhat luxurious studio area made illustrating, painting, and sculpting a true pleasure. The theater was well equipped and sufficiently funded to allow for complex and visually rich performances. Though I never personally participated in major theatrical and musical productions, as a patron of the arts I found them to be outstanding. The staff at Masters did an excellent job of instructing and directing their students, and the school community as a whole was incredibly supportive of the theater and music programs.

We were afforded significant choice is selecting our co-curricular activities. Aside from the great variety of options provided by the school, the administration was supportive of students who wished to develop their own program. I personally experienced this by establishing a new Ultimate Frisbee team. The school helped us get a coach, equipment, and field time.

Although I spent limited time in the dorms, and spent more time as a day student, I was happy with the accommodations and participated in the events. The student activities director organizes a host of entertaining events to make living at school feel more like home.

I found the dining experience to be quite favorable. The Dining hall is spacious, comfortable, all around a very pleasant place to be. During meal times, students are free to get their food whenever they choose and sit where and with whomever they choose. The food itself was quite good by cafeteria standards. There are a variety of dishes served, so meals never seem repetitive, the food service is responsive to student requests, and the desserts were excellent!

Masters is near he heart of downtown Dobbs Ferry, where I would often walk for food, particularly authentic Italian sandwiches at Cafe Latte. While Dobbs itself may not be particularly exhilarating, Masters is just a short walk and a half hour train ride away from New York City. Enough said.

What I liked most about Masters was the great diversity among its students. There is a significant international community, drawing students from around the globe. Aside from geographical diversity, however, is the tremendous socioeconomic diversity. The generous financial aide opportunities at Masters allowed for students from every walk of life to attend the school.