<p>I wrote five essays yesterday and felt really efficient, but I could not get ANYWHERE with Deerfield ones. "What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?" Are we supposed to write about how we applied this advice? Or be hypothetical the whole time? As for the second one, it is just so vague. I'm not sure whether to write about my characteristics, or my plans for the future, or something else. </p>
<p>Side note: What to wear to interviews? I actually live really far from the schools and we will probably end up doing the interviews at a cafe somewhere. I'm being interviewed by regional representatives for two and Skype for one. I've purchased a navy blazer, but it seems a little mannish to me. So any tips or descriptions on what you wore would help a lot.</p>
<p>Here are a few ideas that might get you thinking:</p>
<p>Best piece of advice: There are a couple of ways you might approach this. If you have ever been given advice that resonated with you - from a friend, a teacher, a relative - talk about why it was important, and how it made a difference in your life. Or, if you received advice “indirectly” - maybe a quote, or a stanza in a poem, or a line from a book really moved you - you could talk about that, too. How did it impact your life - did it make you see something differently, or confirm a belief you already had, or spur you to action? No “right” answer here - it’s just a way to get a very personal glimpse of the “real you."</p>
<p>Advisor message: To start brainstorming, think about what role your advisor would play at Deerfield. This person will be someone you’re close to for all your years at school, will be in some ways a surrogate parent, and will truly care about you and helping you achieve your goals. Pretend you’re sitting down together, having a cup of coffee or tea, and having a long talk. What would you tell them? Do you have any hopes, dreams, plans, or are you still trying to figure that out? What are your interests? How do you think you’ll pursue them at Deerfield? What are you most excited about when you think about attending boarding school? What are you most concerned about? You get the idea - pretend you’re having a deep, meaningful conversation with someone you trust, who has only your best interests at heart. You don’t have to posture, or make yourself out to be something you’re not. Be your own wonderful self!</p>
<p>Hope that helps - best of luck to you!</p>
<p>As far as what to wear: Wear something nice, but not so formal that you feel uncomfortable. (You want to feel as comfortable and relaxed as you can!) Nice slacks, or a skirt with tights; a conservative shirt (no low neckline) with another layer - a sweater or cardigan, or the blazer would be fine too, if you’re comfortable wearing it. If you have long hair, wear it so it’s not falling in your face - that can be really distracting for an interviewer! Please don’t wear jeans, or sloppy tennis shoes, or a hoodie - this is an important meeting, and you don’t want to look like you just stopped by after hanging out with friends. Dress like you care - because I’m sure you do!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot. This really helped. And I have another question: are three schools too few to apply to? I’m applying to Deerfield, Taft, and Exeter. I’m worried that I should apply to a couple more so I have a better chance of getting into some. I don’t know if I’ll have enough time to write more applications, though.</p>
<p>It really depends on what your “fall back” position is. These are three very tough schools to get accepted to, even for someone with top grades, good recommendations and a well-rounded application. Many, many great applicants are turned down every year at these schools. If you are not accepted, do you have a good local option for school next year? You’re right, you’re somewhat late in the process to start new applications. It takes time to research schools, to try to find the ones that really are the best “fit” for you to thrive.</p>
<p>Our DC started the application process really late in 2010 (December!), and only applied to two very selective schools - and was waitlisted at one, and declined at the other. DC is applying again this year, and spent many months researching and looking at LOTS of options this time around. We also took the time to go and visit schools and interview at the schools (the year before we did not have the time). We visited 8 schools, and DC is applying to 4 this year. (And it turns out that DC isn’t even applying this year to the two schools from the last go-round; DC found other schools that moved up on the list, and those two moved off!)</p>
<p>I guess I would advise you to only apply to schools that you know you would LOVE to attend. It might be hard to figure that out in just a few days, but perhaps you’ve been looking at lots of schools, and already have an idea of a few schools that have a higher acceptance rate, that you think you would love attending. (And don’t be taken in by all the talk on these boards about HADES and GLADCHEMMS and all the other acronyms out there for the “best” schools. Three of the four schools that DC is applying to are rarely mentioned on this board, and I would be thrilled if DC has the chance to attend any one of these four!)</p>
<p>Once again - the very best to you!</p>
<p>Mountainhiker’s advice is excellent . . . I would just add two things:</p>
<p>(1) Focus on the applications in front of you and get them done before you start worrying about adding other schools. Then, once they’re in (I’m guessing Sunday around midnight?), go onto Boarding School Review and take a look for schools with a January 30/February 1 deadline. There are quite a few and many of them accept the SSAT online application . . . which means that with one application (and a few more interviews), you could apply to several more schools!</p>
<p>(2) Get off of CC and get back to writing!!! :)</p>