- About
About
Our Mission: Dexter Southfield School helps boys and girls develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Students learn to lead with confidence, serve with compassion, and live by the motto, "Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow."
- Admissions
Admissions
We invite you to experience Dexter Southfield for yourself. Attend an Open House or schedule a campus tour, meet our students and faculty, and ask questions. Explore the website, and contact the Admissions Office to be placed on our mailing list and receive our admissions materials.
- Arts
Arts
"The art studio is a place where our students reflect on their world with an open mind and a fresh vision. They're using different kinds of tools to communicate their ideas as they learn to appreciate the significance of sharing their point of view with others through art."
—Claudia Goldie, Visual Arts Faculty Member
- Athletics
Athletics
At Dexter Southfield, we pride ourselves on the strength of student-teacher relationships, which is why most faculty members coach one or more seasons. It gives both students and teachers the opportunity to get to know one another on multiple levels. This relational model improves communication, mentoring and trust.
- Student Life
Student Life
Dexter Southfield teaches beyond the classroom, encouraging students to stretch physically and creatively. Arts and daily athletics exercise each student's body and mind in new and important ways and are core components of the Dexter Southfield experience.
- Support
Support
Invest in our students and the Dexter Southfield experience through giving.
- Academics
- Educating Boys and Girls
- STEM
- Public Speaking
- Lower School: Pre-K-Class 5
- Middle School Classes 6-8
- Upper School Classes 9-12
- Academic Support
- College Counseling
- Technology Program
- Virtual Library
- Summer Reading
College Counseling
Our Philosophy:
Dexter Southfield’s program of college counseling is designed to help each student find a suitable match in higher education to support his or her academic needs, goals, and interests. The college counseling office provides individualized counseling, guidance, and support throughout every step of the college search and application process.
We understand that the college search and application process can be both a challenging and exciting journey. We strive to educate students and families to ensure a full understanding of the comprehensive process and provide the adequate tools and resources to help successfully navigate the process. The office works closely with students’ advisors, teachers, and coaches to ensure that colleges and universities receive the fullest image of each student’s achievements and promise.
We assist students with:
• Self-reflection and self-evaluation• Research and exploration of post-Dexter Southfield options
• Standardized test planning
• Building a college list
• NCAA athletic recruiting
• Application strategy and deadline management
• College visit planning
• Interview preparation
• Essay and supplement writing
• Understanding and applying for financial aid
• Gap year and PG (Post-Graduate) year options
• Making a final enrollment decision
When do we start working with students?
The college counseling office meets with students in classes 9 and 10 to discuss early college planning and standardized testing. In class 11, students are assigned a college counselor and begin the process of researching colleges and universities, which constitutes a major milestone in a young person’s development toward adulthood. Therefore, while the office offers extensive communication, aid in organizing information, and direction in the changing environment of today’s higher education admissions, the primary responsibility for choosing a path after Dexter Southfield lies with the student.We encourage our students to self-advocate throughout the process. The student is the one who after graduation will join a new community of learners and apply what he or she has learned to make positive academic and social contributions. By attending to students’ needs during their time at Dexter Southfield, and by anticipating many of the challenges that lie before them, the college counseling office extends the broad and deep foundation laid by the School. From here, Dexter Southfield students continue to do their best today and better tomorrow.
College Matriculations
College Planning Resources
College Planning Resources
College Counseling Checklist and Timeline (Classes 9-12)
Naviance
Naviance Overview
Naviance Student Mobile App
Common Application
ACT College Planning
How to Demonstrate Interest in a College
Understanding Likely, Possible, and Reach Schools
Building a College List
Early Decision vs. Early Action
College Results Online
College Navigator
Planning for College Visits
College Visit Checklist
Get the Most Out of a Campus Visit
College Interviews: Practice Questions and Strategies
Helpful Literature
10 Things to Know About Getting Into Your Dream College
The College Search Process: Advice from a Participant Observer
What Colleges Want in an Applicant (Everything)
Rethinking College Admissions
Don’t Trust Your Friends’ Advice on Getting into College — and Other Tips from Admissions Experts
College-bound? It Pays to Visit First
Taming the Admissions Anxiety
Recommended Reading
Colleges That Change Lives By Loren Pope
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be By Frank Bruni
For Students
College Essay Final Revision Checklist
Pro Tips on Writing Your Personal Statement
Class 11 Student Questionnaire
2017-2018 Common Application Essay Prompts
Sample Resume
For Parents
Class 11 Parent Questionnaire
Class 11 Parents College Night (11/28/17): Part 1
Class 11 Parents College Night (11/28/17): Part 2
Standardized Testing
A testing plan will be discussed with each student during individual college counseling sessions beginning in the fall of class 11. Students are responsible for registering for standardized testing (with the exception of the PSAT) as well as sending their scores to colleges. The Dexter Southfield School code: 220262.
SAT vs. ACT
There are several colleges that no longer require SAT or ACT scores.
Test Optional Schools
Prospective College Athletes
Remember to list the NCAA Eligibility Center (code 9999) as a score recipient whenever you register for the SAT or ACT. You can send all of your test scores to the NCAA and they will choose the best scores from each test section to create your sum score.
PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
Class 11 took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2017.
PSAT 10
Class 10 took the PSAT 10 in April 2018.
PSAT
Taking the PSAT with Accommodations
PSAT Practice
College Board: SAT
SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
SAT Fees
Register for the SAT
Taking the SAT with Accommodations
SAT Practice Tests
SAT Test Day Checklist
View SAT Scores and Send Scores to Colleges
Interpreting SAT Scores
College Board Parent Email Reminders
College Board: SAT Subject Tests
Students enrolled in Honors or AP courses are strongly encouraged to register for the SAT Subject Test(s) in May or June for that respective subject. Class 9 and 10 students are encouraged to consult with their math and science teachers to determine if they qualify to take the test.
SAT Subject Test Requirements and Recommendations
SAT Subject Test Dates and Deadlines
Register for SAT Subject Test
Taking SAT Subject Test with Accommodations
SAT Subject Test Practice Questions
SAT Subject Test Day Checklist
Get Your SAT Subject Test Scores
Send SAT Subject Scores to Colleges
ACT
ACT Test Dates and Deadlines
ACT Fees
Register for the ACT
ACT Test Preparation
Taking the ACT with Accommodations
View Scores and Send Scores to Colleges
AP (Advanced Placement) Exams
AP Exam Dates and Fees
AP Exam Practice Questions
AP Exam Day Checklist
Taking AP Exams with Accommodations
2018 AP Exam Schedule
Monday, May 7 – AP Chemistry Exam (AM)
Tuesday, May 8 – AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam (AM); AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Exam (PM)
Wednesday, May 9 – AP English Literature and Composition Exam (AM)
Friday, May 11 - AP US History Exam (AM); AP Computer Science Principles Exam (PM)
Monday, May 14 – AP Biology Exam (AM)
Tuesday, May 15 – AP Calculus Exams (AM); AP French Language and Culture Exam (PM)
Wednesday, May 16 – AP English Language and Composition Exam (AM)
Thursday, May 17 – AP Statistics Exam (PM)
Friday, May 18 – AP European History (PM)
Standardized Test Preparation
Although not specifically endorsed by Dexter Southfield, the companies below are known to serve many Boston-area students who are applying to selective colleges and universities.
Academic Approach (Newton)
Chyten Educational Services (Andover, Lexington, Newton, Wellesley)
Inspirica Tutoring (Newton, Wellesley, Marblehead, Nantucket, Cape Cod, The Vineyard)
Kaplan (Various locations in MA)
The Princeton Review (Various locations in MA)
Quintessential Tutoring (Millis) Russell@qtutoring.com | (508) 794-1016
Summit Educational Group (Newton)
Important Dates and Events
Colleges That Change Lives Fair
Saturday, May 19, 2018, 10 a.m.
Boston Marriott Copley Place
110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Salons A-F
The fair is open to all upper school families and students. No registration required.
Westin Waltham Boston
70 3rd Ave, Waltham, MA
Register >>
Sheraton Needham Hotel
100 Cabot Street, Needham, MA
Representatives from Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University will conduct brief presentations about their respective institution and answer questions about college admissions. Learn what distinguishes one university from another, what competitive colleges look for in the selection process, and what your student can do to enhance his or her college application. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to complete the sign-in process and find a seat.
Register >>
Sheraton Needham Hotel
100 Cabot Street, Needham, MA
Join representatives from Dartmouth College, Northwestern University, Princeton University, University of California-Berkeley, and Vanderbilt University for an evening information program to learn about their competitive admissions processes.
Register >>
2018 AP Exam Schedule
Monday, May 7 – AP Chemistry Exam (AM)
Tuesday, May 8 – AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam (AM); AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Exam (PM)
Wednesday, May 9 – AP English Literature and Composition Exam (AM)
Friday, May 11 - AP US History Exam (AM)
Monday, May 14 – AP Biology Exam (AM)
Tuesday, May 15 – AP Calculus Exams (AM); AP French Language and Culture Exam (PM)
Wednesday, May 16 – AP English Language and Composition Exam (AM)
Thursday, May 17 – AP Statistics Exam (PM)
Friday, May 18 – AP European History (PM)
College Athletics
NCAA Eligibility Center
Students interested in playing sports at an NCAA Division I or II school need to register for a Certification Account by the end of their class 11 year.
Website Registration Checklist
Initial Eligibility Brochure
Division I Academic Requirements
Division II Academic Requirements
Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete
Probability of Going Pro
Additional NCAA Information
Sending Test Scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center
Remember to list the NCAA Eligibility Center (code 9999) as a score recipient whenever you register for the SAT or ACT. You can send all of your test scores to the NCAA and they will choose the best scores from each test section to create your sum score.
Financial Aid Resources
Applying for Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Federal Student Aid
CSS Profile
Colleges that Require the CSS Profile
Financial Aid Resources
College Board Financial Aid Checklist
MEFA Pathway College Cost Calculator
Types of Financial Aid
Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA)
Edvisors
Fin Aid
Loan Resources
Federal Direct Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Federal Perkins Loan
Massachusetts No Interest Loan
Private Alternative Student Loan Options: Compare Various Lenders (Tool available for select colleges)
Scholarship Resources
Finding and Applying for Scholarships
College Board Scholarship Search
Fast Web
College Scholarships
Peterson's
Unigo
Cappex
Upcoming College Visits
Check back often for updates to this document or visit the College Counseling Calendar:
For College Admissions Representatives
Dexter Southfield CEEB Code: 220262
Visiting Campus:
Thank you for your interest in visiting Dexter Southfield!
College admissions representatives are encouraged to book fall visits through RepVisits. After arriving at 20 Newton St., Brookline, MA, 02445, please follow signs to the Main Office and proceed to the Sohier Building where you may check in at the front desk.
Parking:
Once on campus, when you enter the second right at the main gate, bear right to access the main parking lot.
Preferred Local Hotels:
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline (Coolidge Corner)
40 Webster Street
Brookline, MA 02446
Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Brookline-Longwood Medical
111 Boylston Street
Brookline, MA 02445
We look forward to your visit!
Contact Us
Ths College Counseling Office is located in Clay Center 422.
Our Mailing Address:
Dexter Southfield
College Counseling Office
20 Newton Street
Brookline, MA 02445
Amy Christie, Director of College Counseling
achristie@dextersouthfield.org
617-751-3619
Emily J. Moore, Associate Director of College Counseling
ejmoore@dextersouthfield.org
617-751-3489
Lindsey Cunningham, College Counseling Office Manager lcunningham@dextersouthfield.org
617-751-3670
For general questions or to schedule a student or parent meeting with the College Counseling team, please email Lindsey Cunningham.
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Dexter Southfield School • 617-522-5544 • info@dextersouthfield.org Absence Reporting Line: 617-751-3400 • Admissions: 617-751-3600 20 Newton Street Brookline, Massachusetts 02445 Directions
Employment Opportunities • Public Telescope Nights • Summer Camps |
