I'm a rising senior at Deerfield Academy– Ask me any questions!

Hi everyone! I’m a rising 4-year senior who is currently attending Deerfield Academy. I also looked into Lawrenceville, Cate, Milton, among others. I know that a lot of prospective students and those looking into boarding schools have questions about student life, academics, and extracurriculars, so I’d love to help out

Hey @shmarkc, I’m thinking about applying next year. Are interviews important? Pls help thanks!

While they wouldn’t make or break your chances at a school, they’re an important way for admissions directors to know about you as a person– PM me if you have any other questions!

Hi @shmarc! I am a rising eighth grader applying to a bunch of prep schools, including Deerfield! Do you have any tips about testing? How much do SSAT scores affect your chances? I’m really worried because I’m not the greatest test taker. :((

Hey @Karebear25 ! Thanks for asking! I’d recommend buying a book early on– the Princeton Review is great! Tutoring might be difficult with social distancing, but I’ve heard of some students in prep schools offering free SSAT classes. For parts like the verbal section, Quizlet is a great resource. Summer is always a great time to not only prepare for tests, but also to start looking into schools! Look into school websites, and reach out to current students for more information! I hope this helps!

@Karebear25 @dirksmith000 you guys are applying too? Let’s help each other succeed!!!

Hey @dirksmith000 ! I’m not too active on snap, but you can always reach out to me at shmarkc2003@gmail.com or at Reddit at u/shmarkc!

@geraldxu @Karebear25 OMG YES! we can be the Harry, Ron, and Hermione squad at Deerfield!

Thanks so much!
I’ve also been looking for online SSAT tutoring opportunities especially with COVID going on, but a lot of the tutoring options I’ve seen so far cost way too much money. Do you have some recommendations for organizations offering free/affordable SSAT classes?

@Karebear25 there used to be an app to train for sections of the SSAT. We practiced analogies. Do learn pacing strategies for the reading comprehension section…do not waste time if your stuck. The reading section can be tricky - passages from modern novels, non-fiction, classic lit and (our year) we had the infamous Ye Olde English poem. There is an online virtual group class from Test Innovators. Not sure how expensive. Do sign up with the official SSAT site. Taking the online SSAT practice tests were helpful.

Hi @shmarkc I am looking into prep schools as well. Do you like Deerfield Academy? What’s your favorite part about boarding school? Thank you.

@student_gatsby and @School Librarian - to answer your questions you can PM me…I believe the top of mind things students like about Deerfield Academy are the following:

  • The community feel/vibe
  • Beautiful campus and setting
  • Traditions that serve to promote sense of community (there are many)!
  • Size of school (not too small and not too big)
  • Small class sizes & teacher/student ratio
  • Athletics and facilities
  • Flexibility of being able to do sports & performing arts *Proximity to nature, river, mountains - outdoor life *Golf team

The school is really beautiful - the campus is the hallmark of the historic village and has been featured in movies/TV. It is really stepping into another time/place so you feel the history all around campus. There is access to outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, biking) that is not often mentioned on CC. Even though it has a competitive vibe, most students know everyone and are friendly. The sit down meals several times per week help to build the community. Be aware that there is tough grading and grade deflation. This school is not for everyone.

Hey Shmarkc, I have two questions as an applying students, how would you describe the rigorousness of the academics? and How are the dorms?

@shmarkc sorry I didn’t tag u earlier, my above comment was meant as questions for u.