Seems like the reputation of this school has really improved over the last 10-15 years. My son and I had a visit recently and were extremely impressed. My son has some schools that are known to be “more competitive” on his list. We have visited several of those as well.(Deerfield, Taft, Loomis, St. Paul’s) Berkshire is the only school that my son is still talking about. Absolutely loved it. Does anyone have any detailed info or feedback on Berkshire and where it stands TODAY in the world of NE Preps?
I felt the same way last year. We loved their revisit day. Some friends of friends had recommended Berkshire against NMH and Mercersburg, our other options past spring. DS chose NMH and is happy there but we would have been happy too if he chose Berkshire.
its a big decision and one that I feel my son will ultimately have to take ownership of. I think I will have to put my attention to rankings etc., aside and allow him to find his fit. Btw, have heard many great things about NMH.
My son started at Berkshire in September. He chose Berkshire over a couple of the schools that you listed. He is absolutely loving the school! He is getting a lot more homework than he did at his public high school but enjoying it. He is fully engaged in all his classes, loves his teachers and fellow classmates. Unlike his previous high school, he says the school is not cliquey and the kids are all really nice. His dad and I are thrilled with the school and his experience so far! He calls his decision to attend Berkshire the best decision of his life. Berkshire is a “hot” school right now for all the right reasons…great academics, committed faculty, strong athletics/arts, great student body and an unbelievably beautiful location/facilities.
Berkshire is (on paper) my “dream school” for many reasons. I say dream school jokingly because 1) it makes no sense to have a dream school . .love the school that loves you and 2) It is to be my son’s school not mine! We haven’t visited yet. We plan to come initially to watch a game (maybe hockey) or maybe a performance as he is in 7th grade this year and it is too early to interview. I would love to learn more (busyNYmom) as we get further along in the process. I am happy for your son. Chipin, are you looking at Suffield?
That’s great to hear. BS is on top of my son’s list right now. After decisions and financial aid are determined, he will have to choose. Waiting until March will be tough.
Hi just wondering what chances my daughter has for getting into Berkshire if she is a straight A, A- student, motivated, and high level athlete. They seemed to like her a lot during the interview and were impressed with what she had to offer. One of the coaches is coming to see one of her games soon, and has shown interest in her. She is taking the ssats soon and is very comfortable with the material.
Thank you.
@pinkpanther344: That’s the $64,000 question (in many cases, literally) for all prospective applicants and their parents, right?
The thing is, no one but an AO at Berkshire can really tell you definitively. The chances threads on here are about as useful as flipping a coin. So many factors go into the decisions, including in most cases whether you will need financial aid.
That said, I think if your daughter is good enough to have a coach travel to see her play, that’s a pretty good sign that he/she is interested. How much pull that person has with admissions is another questions.
Based on your description, my younger girl was similar to your daughter and went 3 for 4 in her BS app cycle a few years ago. I think matching a kid carefully with a school in terms of fit and also in what the school needs from an athletic POV in any given year can give applicants a bit more confidence than the average applicant.
Best of luck.
Berkshire seems to be looking for nice, academically motivated kids who are ready to fully engage in life at the school. The school offers high level athletics so I am sure coaches are looking for talented athletes that would fit within the school culture. Having a coach come watch your daughter is a good sign. She sounds like a great applicant. Good luck!
Hello! I was accepted into Berkshire and was wondering if any students or parents had a perspective on the school. I’m choosing between Berkshire and Loomis and was wondering if anyone knew anything about Loomis
Congrats on your acceptances! I’ve commented elsewhere about Loomis. We have friends with two children at Berkshire. Extremely happy. What’s not to love??!!
I can’t comment in depth about Berkshire, but think there are some differences between the two, and those might help you make a decision based on what your individual passions and dreams might be. Talk with the other kids. Do you see yourself fitting in? See if you can pick up on the “vibe” of each school. Talk with department heads and coaches in your areas of interest.
Best wishes with you decision. I’m confident you will be happy either way.
PLD
I dreamt last week that I was eating in the Berkshire dining hall. I’ve never even visited the school, but if my dream self is correct, the food is good and the space is clean.
In all seriousness, it’s a fantastic school! 
I was accepted to Berkshire, chose not to attend, and it’s still the only school I ever have second thoughts about. Not that I’m not happy where I am - I am in fact loving it, but I always wonder how life would have been different had I chose to attend Berkshire. I also got that nice, warm feeling about the school - all the kids seemed really nice and happy to be there, and the campus is just amazing.
It’s a tough choice, go with the gut feeling. Personally, I love Berkshire, St. Paul’s, and Deerfield, so this would be difficult for me.
DS wears his Berkshire T-shirt a lot (very nice one) when not at school, and I have a lot of pictures of him in that shirt. People may assume DS goes to Berkshire.