I would love to get in touch with some current Deerfield students, applicants, or alumni about what it is that you like about Deerfield. Also, I would love to learn more about what sets Deerfield apart from other boarding schools (PA/PEA). My interview is soon, and I would greatly appreciate any insight into Deerfield Academy. Thanks!
Read the course catalog found on the school website under academics. Have questions ready related to the course selections, especially the electives. This shows deep interest in the school from an academic standpoint (not just the athletics or social life) as well as your diligence and preparation.
Dear @springfield18 - feel free to DM me for more information but I will share some information from our perspective as parents.
First, lets start with your interview & tour (applicable to all schools):
*Do read up on the history & traditions of the school. It is located on the website (good advice for any school you are applying to).
*Do look at as much of the school’s website as you can (this goes for all schools) to learn about events, athletics, community service, guest speakers, history, study/trips abroad, academic areas you may be interested in, where faculty came from, awards, alumni news, and performing arts.
It was our experience that AO’s were more interested in speaking with the student and spent minimal time with the parents - we were brought back in to meet with the AO and our student - so no individual parent discussion. Some schools differ on this.
Schedule time for your campus tour. If there are any special classes or facilities you wish to see, ask before your tour or ask the tour guide.
If you have a special area of interest, academic focus, performing art, or sport that you want to learn more about, do request a student tour guide that can fit that bill in advance of your tour. Sometime this can be arranged and sometimes not....but ask in advance.
If you want to learn more about a program or speak to a coach, call in advance or email in advance to see if this can be arranged.
Come prepared with questions to ask of your tour guide about the school, their life on campus, how they adjusted to life @ BS, advice, etc. At most schools, tour guides are asked to submit a card with their impressions. Do not be one of those kids who says nothing, yet mom/dad/adult does all the talking! Please do not take selfies with the tour guide and post them online - bad idea.
Do compliment the school and say something positive about what you saw on the tour - reflect back to the interviewer something @ the school that resonated with you. Let them know you are serious about wanting to attend the school by sharing what you have learned and how that fits with your objectives for going to BS.
Be prepared to answer a current events question or a question about your view of some hot topic.
This was NOT our experience at DA, but do be prepared for other schools to ask you @ what other schools you are applying to and (as another BS did) rank them in order. You can skirt around this by saying something like “Look, this is what I am looking for in a school”...then get specific with at least 3 things (could be concrete, values-oriented, or a combo).
Deerfield values it’s strong sense of community. Most students are well rounded and outgoing. They value what you have to contribute. They are looking to build a class & community. What can you add? It’s not just about how clever you are, what sports do, or what your GPA/SSAT stats show - they want students who will be active members of their community.
If you are a kid who prefers isolation and video gaming, when honing your narrow focus on one subject or solely concentrating in one area of study, then IMHO Deerfield is not going to be a good fit. Why? For starters, Deerfield is proud of its “sit down” meal tradition. There are sit downs @ 7 times per week (including almost all Sundays). At these assigned tables there are usually 1 or 2 teachers, along with students from different grades. Don’t fret - the table assignment changes about once a month. Most students really like this tradition. I think this is one reason why you see a lot of friendliness and collaboration. You don’t see the dining hall separated by cliques sitting at the same tables each day. Also, at Deerfield, students take turns participating/helping at the sit downs. You take turns waiting/clearing tables.
There is also community service opportunities at school . This doesn’t mean that shy kids can’t thrive - it actually is a system for shy students to feel more confident about conversing and making connections with kids from all walks of life. You will have more fun at Deerfield if you get involved on multiple levels - involved in athletics (any level), community service, performing arts, music, clubs, student government, etc. A friend of kiddo’s says “you have to buy into your boarding school”.
Dear @Maxington - I just sent you more information but you can DM me also.
Here are more things you should know:
Beautiful (really) rural campus, but @ 15 minutes to Amherst - so close enough for shopping and chain restaurants, as well as smaller venues in Amherst. Good size school that is @ 550 students with some PG’s (not too many). Friendly, sporty, students like the outdoors, strong study abroad & travel opportunities. Rich in traditions and community events. Deerfield seems like its own “brand”, not only a boarding school....like the quintessential boarding school in the New England countryside. About 2.5 hours from Boston and about 1 hour north of the Hartford Airport. About 1 hour or less to good skiing up in NH, VT, MA.
Located in a historic New England village - that is also a museum in itself.
Deerfield Inn on campus - considered “on campus” so students can eat there and get take out. Nice for parents who want to stay close, dine, etc. Good food!
Girls now have to wear blazers/jackets to class, as well as boys, and when formal attire is required (most sit downs)
No Saturday classes (yay)!
Friendly vibe (our experience).
Probably more “preppy” than other schools.
Single dorm room after Freshman year.
Best new athletic center probably of any boarding school - new indoor field
Most students are boarding - relatively few day students
Great science facilities with opportunities in Robotics, electric car design, multiple STEM specialties
Dance Company., plus plenty of opportunities to perform even if you are not in the dance company.
Strong musical performing opportunities.
They have multiple levels of sports teams - so if you are new to a sport, or want to try a sport, it’s an option.
Teachers who seem to be really invested in the community.
Most students seem to know everyone or know who everyone is by the end of Freshman year.
Thanks for the positive note @one1ofeach! Yes, the indoor field comes in handy during the long winter months in New England…plus its used for multiple sports and much fun…my personal favorite (hmm) is the indoor golf simulator!
I had my interview recently and thanks so much to everyone. Truly every comment helped me understand the Deerfield culture and the opportunities better. I think the interview went great, and I am interviewing at Phillips Exeter Academy next if you want to check out my new thread and give some more great insight. Thanks again!