<p>What does Deerfield look for in its applicants? What subjects does DA really look at in the application. What are some good things to bring up during your interview?</p>
<p>wealth
and sports
legitimately</p>
<p>What is that supposed to mean? More detail, please.</p>
<p>Please respond!</p>
<p>@lexie101816,
Seeing as I’m not a student at Deerfield I can’t answer that. But I think that Deerfield looks for more than money and sports. That’s St. Sebastian’s which does that, and I’m guessing not Deerfield Academy</p>
<p>Be sure to mention how much you like the school. Find some specific parts of the school that you like and mention it in your interview. Also dress nicely, there was a girl in the waiting room when I was being interviewed, and she wore jeans and a blouse, and was so nervous because she felt underdressed. I don’t think the interviewer would mind so much but it’s definitely good to have lots of confidence. Plus the students at Deerfield dress pretty formally so I would recommend being at least the same formalness or even more formal.</p>
<p>So playing sports helps alot? What about being interested in the clubs and EC they offer and the classes and stuff. In other words, does doing your research help? And what are the admission officers like?</p>
<p>From our experience last fall, I think DA is looking for unique, interesting students who are secure in their own skin. I dont think kissing up is the way to go. I dont think there is a formula. Be HONEST and be yourself.</p>
<p>Yes, do your research on the things that make you like that particular school.</p>
<p>Ok, thank you very much! I interviewed at Taft, and they said I interviewed very well.</p>
<p>Yes doing your research would help for any school. The interviewer I got ( I think he was head of the admissions office) was terribly nice and gave me lots of good advice. They’re very friendly, and the interview feels more like a friendly conversation between friends (or between a kid and a close adult) if all goes well. I’m sure sports help, but so do music and arts. Don’t force anything that you don’t do or aren’t passionate about, they’ll see through it. Try to understand that they’re just trying to see if you would thrive well at the school, they’re not looking for reasons to not accept you (well maybe, but don’t have that mindset!)</p>
<p>@lexie101816,
Wait, does Taft have summer interviews?</p>
<p>No, I told the director that I was interested in applying for the actual school year, and he set me up and appointment with the admissions department. But that was wayy before I got my results.</p>
<p>dont kiss up to the admissions officer
but money talks
seriously
also about half the class is a top athlete and slightly stupid in the classroom
but mostly they are looking for student athletes</p>
<p>@hadeswisher
i don’t think that’s true</p>
<p>Ignore @hadeswisher, utterly clueless</p>
<p>What do you think, Balto?</p>
<p>All else being equal among applicants, admissions will select candidates who can look the admissions officer in the eye, smile, and give them a firm handshake. A happy, friendly student is very important.</p>
<p>@hadeswisher,
I still doubt that Deerfield takes kids who are “slightly stupid” in the classroom. The average SSAT score of an accepted Deerfield applicant (according to BS review, which isn’t always the most accurate source of information) is 88%. Someone who is “slightly stupid” would not get that score. I’m not saying that SSAT is the only way to determine intelligence, but kids who are “slightly stupid” don’t score that. And you’re describing St. Sebastian’s. The only kids I know who have been admitted there are superb athletes who are “slightly stupid”. Deerfield is so selective that I doubt they just look for money and athleticism.</p>
<p>@ifax108, I was actually really happy to read the boardsingschoolreview.com isn’t always the most accurate source. What makes you think that?</p>
<p>As a parent of a rising 8th grader considering a few top-tier BS school for Fall 2011 (9th grade), I’ve been checking out a few CC threads here and there over the past few weeks.</p>
<p>We toured/interviewed at a few schools over the summer and I wanted to share this observation as a piggyback to thingslost’s advice:</p>
<p>I found it amazing that at two of the schools, I saw kids who were touring/interviewing wearing either ill-fitting cargo shorts (boys) or what I considered inappropriately short/overly casual shorts and a polo shirt (one girl).</p>
<p>I’m assuming that both the students and their parents were fully aware that they were touring/interviewing at some of the best, most competitive, most tradition-infused schools in the country. It is not an Abercrombie casting call.</p>
<p>With some slack cut for summer heat, I still think there were plenty of dress options for these candidates that would have projected a more polished and serious image. I am amazed the students’ parents let them present themselves this way to any school in which they had a real interest. In contrast, I saw one young man in a suit…which may have been overkill since it looked like it was his first time wearing it…but better to err on that side of the formality fence.</p>
<p>A final word to students: If your parents get on your case to buy/wear something “nicer” to your tour/interview, please listen to them. As I remind my own daughters, despite what you think, we do have your best interests in mind.</p>