How to Get Into Deerfield Academy: What You Need To Know

Why Families Choose Deerfield

Deerfield Academy, established in 1797, is one of the oldest secondary schools in the United States. Located in Deerfield, Massachusetts, the academy has a rich history intertwined with the development of American education. It is recognized as one of the leading private high schools in the United States. 

Boarding School Review highlights Deerfield Academy’s strong academic performance, noting an average SAT score of 1400 out of 1600 and an average ACT score of 31 out of 36. In a global context, Deerfield Academy is placed within the top 10 to 20 range among the world’s top 100 boarding schools based on metrics such as matriculation to Ivy League universities and other prestigious institutions.

How Hard is it To Get Into Deerfield Academy?

Deerfield Academy is one of the most competitive private boarding schools in the United States, with an acceptance rate of approximately 13%. This makes it highly selective, meaning only a small percentage of applicants are admitted yearly.

Deerfield admits students who are not only academically gifted but also well-rounded, engaged in their communities, and ambitious. Successful applicants often have a track record of leadership, excellence in extracurriculars, and strong personal character. Because of its low acceptance rate, students need to excel in multiple areas to stand out. Strong preparation, early application submissions, and a compelling narrative can increase the chances of admission.

Deerfield Academy primarily admits students to the 9th and 10th grades, though it also accepts a limited number of 11th-grade and postgraduate applicants. Admission to 9th and 10th Grade is based on several key factors, including academic transcripts from the past 2-3 years, standardized test scores, and optional but recommended SSAT or ISEE scores. International students must submit TOEFL scores.

Applicants also need to submit personal essays and short answers as part of the application, along with letters of recommendation from their English teacher, math teacher, and school counselor or principal. An extracurricular activities list that highlights leadership, athletics, arts, and service is also important. Additionally, an interview, either in person or virtual, is required. 

For upper school applicants, the same requirements apply, but the competition is fiercer due to the limited number of spots. Admission is granted only under exceptional circumstances, typically to students with exceptional academic records and a strong rationale for transferring.

Applying early, scheduling an interview in advance, and submitting strong academic and extracurricular credentials will improve the chances of admission.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Deerfield Academy admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring that prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

The Deerfield Academy Admissions Process

Creating an account on Gateway to Prep Schools is the first step in the Deerfield application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from Deerfield, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Gateway to Prep Schools
2. Complete the parent and student statement
3. Upload school transcripts
4. Delegate counselor, principal, and teacher recommendations
5. Submit standardized test scores (optional)
6. Schedule and complete an interview
7. Submit the application fee and supplemental materials

Application Deadline:

• January 15 – Final deadline to submit all materials.

• March 10 – Decision release date.

For more details and to begin your application, visit Deerfield Academy Admissions.

Deerfield Academy Admission Requirements

Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of middle and upper school applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Gateway to Prep Schools. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information. The last question asks about your family’s goals and willingness to participate in activities that promote the values and mission of Deerfield Academy.

How to write a parent statement

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Deerfield. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Teacher Recommendations/Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters from current math and English teachers, as well as from the principal or counselor, are necessary for applicants in middle school through upper school. The forms can be found on Gateway to Prep Schools and will be sent to the admissions committee online.

How to get strong recommendation letters

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Transcript

Transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one must be submitted by applicants from middle and upper schools. You can download the confidentiality and release forms from Gateway to Prep Schools and send them to your child’s present school. 

How to improve grades 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Deerfield’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Personal Statement

There are questions on Gateway to Prep Schools that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Deerfield. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Deerfield. 

Crafting a compelling personal statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Deerfield have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Graded Writing Sample

Apart from the short answer and personal essay, Deerfield requires a Graded Writing Sample which upper-school students are expected to submit. The purpose of the graded essay is to show the applicant’s writing skills in a real classroom setting. Including teacher feedback allows the admissions committee to assess the student’s strengths and areas of improvement.

Writing Sample Tips

To help your child with these writing samples, we offer Proctored Writing Sample (PWS) preparation. Our admissions consultants have a list of common essay prompts that your child can practice on and get trained to organize their ideas and put them into writing. 

Standardized Test Scores

Applicants to ninth and tenth grades are required to submit standardized test scores, such as the SSAT, PSAT, or ISEE, taken between January 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in Deerfield’s rigorous admissions process with the use of these exams.

How to prepare for standardized tests

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child via a customized test preparation strategy, from recognizing their strengths to addressing areas they find challenging, based on our years of expertise working with families applying to Deerfield. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. View our services for test prep here.

Admissions Interviews

A virtual student interview is required of applicants to Deerfield’s Upper School and will be scheduled appropriately. You have the opportunity to speak with the Deerfield admissions team directly during the interview and explain why you are applying.

All applicants’ parents or guardians are also invited to participate in a 30-minute virtual discussion. While the primary focus is on the student, parents are often invited to participate in a separate conversation with an admissions officer during the same visit or virtual session. You will have the opportunity to learn more about Deerfield and meet faculty and admissions staff. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to ask questions in order to learn more about the academic framework and school culture.

How to prepare for admissions interviews

Both of these activities are indirect and non-formal interviews where you and your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how you carry yourselves during those occasions. They will determine if your family will be a good fit for the school community. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Deerfield Academy, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce you to common interview questions and how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Campus Tours and Open Houses

Deerfield Academy offers several opportunities for prospective students and their families to explore the campus and learn more about the school’s programs. These include scheduled open house events and campus tours.

Open House Events

Deerfield hosts Open House events to provide an immersive experience of the campus and community. For instance, the Winter Visit Day is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.his event allows families to experience a typical Saturday at Deerfield at their leisure.

Campus Tours

Deerfield offers guided campus tours throughout the year for those unable to attend the Open House. To schedule a tour, please contact the Admission Office at 413-774-1400 or via email at admission@deerfield.edu. It’s advisable to arrange your visit in advance, as slots can fill up quickly.

How to register

To register for a campus tour or open house at Deerfield Academy, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the Admission Events Page. Navigate to Deerfield Academy’s Admission Events page to view available visit options.
2. Select Your Desired Event. Choose from available campus tours, interviews, or open house events.
3. Complete the Registration Form. Fill out the online registration form with the required information to schedule your visit.

An interview is a crucial part of Deerfield’s holistic application process. It’s recommended to schedule your interview early, as slots become limited in December and January.

Visiting Eligibility

• 7th Graders: can visit campus from April through August, with appointments traditionally offered on weekdays.
• 8th Graders and Above: tour and interview appointments are available over the summer for those applying for the upcoming fall.
• During the Academic Year: appointments are reserved for application-eligible students only.

Virtual Tours and Information Sessions

Deerfield Academy offers virtual panel sessions to help prospective students and families learn more about the school. These sessions cover various aspects of student life, academics, and the admissions process. These are the upcoming virtual events:

Discover Student Life

Date & Time: October 24, 2024, at 7:00 PM EDT 

An informal Zoom webinar hosted by Associate Directors of Admission, featuring representatives from the Student Life and Residential Life teams, as well as current students. Topics include campus support structures, weekend activities, and dorm life. 

Parent League of New York Virtual Fair

Date & Time: October 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM EDT

Panel discussion followed by 20-minute live sessions hosted by each participating school, including Deerfield Academy. These sessions feature videos, slideshows, Q&A, and more.

How to Register:

• Visit the Admission Events Page. Go to Deerfield Academy’s Admission Events page to view upcoming virtual events.
• Select the Desired Event. Click on the event you’re interested in to access more details and the registration link.
• Complete the Registration Form. Fill out the required information to secure your spot in the virtual session.

Additional Resources:

• 360-Degree Virtual Campus Tour. Explore Deerfield Academy’s campus remotely through their 360-degree virtual tour. Participating in these virtual events and utilizing the online resources can provide valuable insights into Deerfield Academy’s community and offerings.

What is the Student Life Like at Deerfield

The Deerfield Academy offers a dynamic and supportive student life, allowing students to explore their interests and passions across all grade levels.

At Deerfield, students are encouraged to engage in activities that complement their academic pursuits. The school offers numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular programs catering to various interests. 

Deerfield Academy offers a vibrant and supportive student life, encouraging students to explore their interests and passions across all grade levels. The academy emphasizes a balanced experience that integrates academics, extracurricular activities, and community engagement.

Residential Life:

• Ninth-Grade Village: All freshmen reside in the Ninth-Grade Village, fostering a close-knit community among new students. Each student typically shares a room with one or two roommates, promoting effective communication and collaboration.
• Sophomore Housing: Tenth graders are provided with single rooms in dormitories arranged in mirror or quad formations, facilitating interaction among peers. Senior proctors, selected through a rigorous process, serve as mentors and role models for younger students.
• Junior and Senior Housing: Upperclassmen live together in single-sex dorms, promoting leadership and community building. Peer Counselors, trained by the Health Center team, offer additional support to their peers.

Longstanding traditions and a strong sense of community enrich Deerfield’s campus life. Regular family-style meals, where students and faculty dine together, foster a culture of respect and curiosity. The academy’s pro-social approach encourages students to engage deeply with peers from diverse backgrounds, creating lasting friendships that endure beyond graduation. 

Deerfield Academy Curriculum Overview

Deerfield Academy offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning. Core academic programs include English, Mathematics, Science, History & Social Sciences, Foreign Languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish), Philosophy & Religious Studies, and Visual & Performing Arts. Students are encouraged to explore a diverse range of subjects while developing expertise in areas of interest. The curriculum includes hands-on lab experiences, research opportunities, and immersive language programs, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Graduation requirements include four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of lab sciences, history, and language (through the third-year level), and coursework in the arts and philosophy/religion. Deerfield fosters a balanced academic approach, preparing students for top universities while nurturing leadership, creativity, and global awareness. For more details, students can explore the Course Catalog and Department Course Maps.

Deerfield Academy Athletics

Deerfield Academy offers a comprehensive and dynamic athletics program, emphasizing both competitive excellence and personal growth. As a member of the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC), Deerfield competes at the Class A or Division I level across various interscholastic sports.

Deerfield students are able to participate in the following sports teams:

Deerfield Academy Arts and Music Programs

Deerfield Academy offers a comprehensive and dynamic arts program, encompassing both visual and performing arts, to foster creativity and artistic expression among its students. The Hess Center for the Arts is the central hub for these activities, providing state-of-the-art facilities for various artistic disciplines.

Visual Arts

The visual arts curriculum includes courses in studio art, photography, film and video, and architecture. Students engage in projects that blend art history with contemporary practices, encouraging personal expression and critical analysis. The program caters to both beginners and advanced students, with opportunities to showcase their work in on-campus galleries.

Performing Arts

Deerfield offers robust programs in music and theater. The music department boasts a world-class faculty and facilities comparable to top conservatories. Students can participate in various ensembles, take specialized courses, and benefit from guest artist residencies. The theater program provides courses and productions that allow students to explore acting, directing, and stagecraft, contributing significantly to campus life. Deerfield Academy’s arts programs are designed to inspire creativity, develop technical skills, and enrich the educational experience of every student. 

Clubs and organizations at Deerfield

Deerfield Academy offers a diverse array of clubs and organizations, providing students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and engage with the community. The academy encourages student initiative, allowing individuals to join existing groups or establish new ones that align with their passions, such as:

• Academy of Hope: non-denominational youth fellowship group providing a space for Christian students to connect and grow in their faith.
• Active Minds: dedicated to improving mental health awareness and facilitating conversations about stress and self-care within the Deerfield community.
• Albany Road: the school’s literary and arts magazine, offering a platform for student writers and artists to showcase their work.
• Animal Rights Club: focuses on educating peers about animal rights issues, organizing volunteer activities at local shelters, and fundraising for related causes. These clubs represent just a few of the many options available to students. The academy hosts an annual club fair each fall, allowing students to explore and join various organizations. Additionally, students are encouraged to propose and establish new clubs by submitting a proposal form to the Student Life Office. Participation in these clubs not only enriches the student experience but also fosters a sense of community, leadership, and personal growth. Whether through publishing, debate, service, or recreational activities, Deerfield Academy’s clubs and organizations play a vital role in campus life.

Deerfield Academy Famous Alumni

Deerfield Academy boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have excelled in various fields, including law, literature, and athletics. Notable figures include: 

• Robert Morgenthau (Class of 1937): Served as the Manhattan District Attorney for over three decades, becoming one of the most influential prosecutors in U.S. history.
• John Ashbery (Class of 1945): A renowned poet, Ashbery received numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976 for his collection “Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror.”
• Budd Schulberg (Class of 1932): An acclaimed screenwriter and novelist, Schulberg is best known for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for “On the Waterfront.”
• Allen Stack (Class of 1946): An accomplished swimmer, Stack won a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1948 London Olympics. 

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