Deerfield Academy review by Cornell University student.
Deerfield has an incredibly strong math and science program. Such that material from a chemistry class I took in 10th grade got me an A in a University chemistry class almost on its own. The class wasn't even AP. Humanities and arts are also very strong. Students must take English 4 years in a row and most will agree that the quality of teachers are better than are found in top Universities. The class style is very structured, and this is the only thing that hurt me in college. Being forced to work at such a high level kind of made me rest on my laurels went sent to college. The transition was so easy and the material in classes was relatively easy as well. Unlike many prep schools whose philosophy is "sink or swim," Deerfield teachers believed that every kid should have and could have the opportunity to succeed. That being said, there is a 2nd strike rule enforced. The classes were split up between lecture based learning and discussion. Math classes tended to be lecture based, whereas English classes tended to be discussion based, but there were definitely exceptions. Compared to my old school, there were definitely more discussion based classes. Class sizes averaged 12 people, although they are as small as 1 to 3 people and as large as 28. Faculty live on campus, or close to campus, and are extremely accessible. They aim to give you a rigorous 5 hours of work a day. Advanced tutorial classes teach at levels far above the AP level.
Deerfield primarily helped me get into school by its great reputation, the things I learned.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Deerfield Academy as experienced by former pupil and Cornell University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
SSATs should be taken. I scored in the high 90th percentile, and very competitive.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Deerfield Academy by former pupil and Cornell University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
The dorms are amazing. The rooms are decently sized, and the majority of rooms are singles. You actually have to request to get a double. I lived in singles for my whole time there. The food is ridiculously good, and I still miss it. It will make any college's food seem poor. The dining hall staff is very nice and very good at what they do. The neighborhood is very safe, as Historic Deerfield is a very small town. Socials and dances are regularly held, although I'm sure most students will find them.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Deerfield Academy as experienced by former pupil and Cornell University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review