Why “We” Chose Deerfield
Why did I choose Deerfield? I chose Deerfield for some of the same reasons as our incoming students. To quote them: “I decided on Deerfield because of what I’ve heard from . . . the students who have attended. Every person I know who has gone [there] has loved it.” “ I could sense that all of the students truly wanted to be on campus and that all had incredible school spirit.” “ Deerfield is a beautiful school and has an amazing spectrum of possibilities . . . the traditions, the secluded and beautiful campus and lastly and most importantly for me, the happiness everyone shares for being part of the community.” “ I chose Deerfield because it has the best combination of rigorous academics, strong arts and athletics programs, and other important ‘intangibles’ . . .”
6
Fall 2013
I have encountered a wonderful tradition here at Deerfield. Newly-enrolled students are invited to submit pieces of writing to the Admission Office in which they respond to the question “Why I chose Deerfield.” What a wonderful way for me, as incoming Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, to become acquainted with this class and the school, and it seems fitting that I, too, would answer this question. First of all, though, the Academy’s admission picture remains strong. By all metrics Deerfield is healthy and successful, and certainly this is true in relation to admission numbers. This year the Admission Office reviewed over 2200 applications for just 225 available spots, leading to an admit rate of 17 percent. These applications came from nearly every state in the US and from many other countries. Among these applications were significant numbers of students who are connected to the school via a family member—another indication of institutional health since it reflects the loyalty of our alumni body. By the enrollment deadline we had yielded nearly 70 percent of those students to whom we made admission offers—a strong showing given the many choices these admitted students had, in addition to the high cost of an independent school education. Simply put, students are clamoring to come to Deerfield.
To what do I attribute Deerfield’s continuing strength in the market? It’s my sense that there are at least three factors at play: First, the high rate of satisfaction among our alumni and parents. Our graduates and their families act as important school ambassadors—both formally and informally—and we reap the benefits year after year. Second, our admission success is attributable in part to Deerfield’s ability to articulate our vision for the future. While our long-established reputation “opens the door,” it’s our ability to explain why Deerfield matters . . . that reassures prospective families about the Academy’s relevance in the world, and therefore the opportunity it offers their children. Furthermore, it’s Deerfield’s demonstrated commitment to recognizing and maximizing the potential of every child that ultimately compels families to enroll. Finally, I think that Deerfield’s strong admission profile reflects the strength and attention of the Admission Office itself. Pat Gimbel and her team, now my team, have worked tirelessly and strategically to build the Class of 2017, just as they have built every class, year after year. I congratulate all of them for their impressive work. So why did I choose Deerfield? In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ll share that my first exposure to Deerfield Academy was in the late ’70s when I took a long bus ride from Ethel Walker’s to attend a Saturday night dance. The ride north seemed eternal, and the dance was simultaneously dreadful and fabulous (in the way only a teenager can experience), but the return ride was surprisingly short—the bus filled with laughter and longing all the way home . . . Since then, whether from the perspective as Admission Director at Northfield Mount Hermon (where two of my best hires were Deerfield graduates), or more recently as Associate Head for Communications, Enrollment, and Planning at Concord Academy, I have been aware of Deerfield’s tradition, known of its great reputation and influence in the educational world, and sensed its strong community. As the new Dean of Admission and Financial Aid I look forward to learning from and working with school leaders, to honoring Deerfield’s history and tradition while helping the school realize its vision for the future, and to becoming part of this vibrant community. To quote one last student with whom I most identified: “I want to challenge myself at the highest level . . . I also want to contribute to the Deerfield community.” I am delighted to be here and I look forward to meeting many of you in the months ahead. —PJS ••
Brent M. Hale
Pamela J. Safford Joins the Admission Office