- 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
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Let us show you what’s happening on campus. Attend an Open House or schedule a campus tour, meet our students and faculty, and ask questions. We are confident that at the end of this process you will understand all that sets Dexter Southfield apart.
- 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."
—Julia Lothrop, 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
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
- Summer 2020 Academic Information
College Counseling
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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?
Students are assigned a college counselor in Class 9. The College Counseling Office meets with students in Classes 9 and 10 to discuss early college planning and standardized testing. In Class 11, students 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
COVID-19 Updates and College Planning Resources
New England Area Regional Representatives Member Institutions College Fair
Tuesday, July 7 - Wednesday, July 8
View Participating Colleges and Register for Sessions
Decoding the System: Understanding the College Process
Panelists: Syracuse University, Ohio Wesleyan University, and the University of Chicago
Wednesday, July 29
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register
Application 101: How to Shine Through Your Application
Presented by Ohio Wesleyan University
Wednesday, August 12
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register
Summer 2020 Online Test Prep Offered by Summit Educational Group
Note: Financial aid is available for the test prep courses below. Please call Summit directly and ask for Lauren Campbell to inquire at 617-581-6249.
SAT Online Prep Course (6 sessions, Runs July 21- August 25)
Register by Friday, July 10
Learn more and register
SAT Online Prep Refresher (3 sessions, Runs August 8, 15, and 22)
Register by Friday, July 31
Learn more and register
ACT Online Prep Course (6 sessions, Runs August 5-September 9)
Register by Friday, July 24
Learn more and register
ACT Online Prep Refresher Course (3 sessions, Runs August 15, 22, and 29)
Register by Friday, August 7
Learn more and register
Recorded Webinars:
Dexter Southfield College Counseling Town Hall for Class 11 Students and Parents
(May 13, 2020)
Dexter Southfield College Counseling Town Hall for Class 11 Parents (April 7, 2020)
Straight-Talk with College Admission Leaders, Hosted by the Derryfield School
Babson College, Bucknell University, Elon University (April 16, 2020)
University of Notre Dame, Washington University in St. Louis, Swarthmore College (April 23, 2020)
Bowdoin College, Colorado College, University of South Carolina (April 30, 2020)
Tulane University, Hamilton College and University of Oregon (May 7, 2020)
Davidson College, UCLA, and Ohio State University (May 14, 2020)
Williams College, Syracuse University, and Lafayette College (May 21, 2020)
Virtual College Visits:
Virtual College Tours
CampusTours
eCampusTours
Campus Reel
YouVisit
YOUniversityTV
Campus Visit Updates:
Coronavirus Impact on Campus Visits
Testing:
AP Program: Updates for AP Students and Schools Affected by Coronavirus
SAT: Coronavirus Updates
ACT: COVID-19 Updates
Test Optional Colleges
Testing Recommendations (Summit Educational Group)
Free Online Test Prep:
AP Review Sessions
ACT Academy
SAT & ACT Practice Tests (Summit Educational Group)
SAT Practice (Khan Academy)
SAT Subject Test Practice Questions (College Board)
Athletic Recruiting:
NCAA COVID-19 Updates
Responses from Colleges:
Brown University: High School Juniors Applying to Brown
Wesleyan University: Admission Update
Emory University: An Open Letter to Juniors and Sophomores
Northwestern University: Some Reassurance Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tulane University: Coping in the Time of Corona
Harvard College: Special Message for High School Juniors Applying to Harvard
Georgia Tech: Change is the Only Constant
University of Chicago: A Letter to Prospective Students
Helpful Literature:
"We Get it!" College Admission Deans Speak Out (Forbes)
"We Get it!" College Admission Deans Speak Out - Part 2 (Forbes)
"We Get it!" College Admission Deans Speak Out - Part 3 (Forbes)
Virtually Possible: Locking Down the College Search in a Global Pandemic (Forbes)
Coronavirus Drives Colleges to Test Optional (Inside Higher Ed)
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Class 11 Questionnaires
Class 11 Parent Questionnaire 2019-2020
College Planning Resources
2019-2020 College Counseling Checklist and Timeline (Classes 9-12)
Naviance
Naviance Overview
Common Application
What Demonstrated Interest Means in College Admissions
Understanding Likely, Possible, and Reach Schools
Building a College List
Early Decision vs. Early Action
College Navigator
Planning for College Visits
College Visit Checklist
4 Pro Tips for a Great Campus Visit Experience
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
2019-2020 Common Application Essay Prompts
Sample Resume
Local Community Service Opportunities
Standardized Testing
Standardized Test Preparation
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 (College Board)
Taking the PSAT with Accommodations
SAT (College Board)
SAT Test Dates and Deadlines
SAT Fees
Register for the SAT
Taking the SAT with Accommodations
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 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
Taking the ACT with Accommodations
View Scores and Send Scores to Colleges
AP (Advanced Placement) Exams
AP Exam Dates and Fees
AP Exam Day Checklist
Taking AP Exams with Accommodations
Free Online Standardized Test Prep Resources
PSAT Practice
SAT Practice Tests
SAT Practice (Khan Academy)
SAT & ACT Practice Tests (Summit Educational Group)
SAT Subject Test Practice Questions
ACT Academy
AP Exam Practice Questions
Standardized Test Prep
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)
Inspirica (Wellesley)
Kaplan (Various locations in MA)
Livius (Lexington, Newton, Wellesley, Andover)
The Princeton Review (Various locations in MA)
Quintessential Tutoring (Millis) Dr. Russell Jassie (617) 875-1969
Signet Education (Cambridge)
Summit Educational Group (Newton)
Upcoming Events and Programming
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.
View an updated list of NCAA approved Dexter Southfield courses:
NCAA Core Courses
NCAA High School Code: 220262
Website Registration Checklist
Initial Eligibility Brochure
Division I Academic Requirements
Division II Academic Requirements
2019-2020 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 & Scholarships
2020 Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors
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
New England Board of Education: Tuition Break for MA Residents
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
Scholarships.com
College Board Scholarship Search
Fast Web
College Scholarships
Peterson's
Unigo
Cappex
Going Merry
Chegg
Upcoming College Rep Visits
College rep visits take place from September-November.
Students can access the college rep schedule on the Dexter Southfield US app (Calendar/College Visits). College rep visits are open to students in Classes 10-12. All college rep visits take place in the College Counseling Office in Sohier 1.
Class 12 students:
- Ask your teacher at least 1 day in advance if you may miss class. If you have a test or quiz that period you may not attend the visit.
- Sign up for the visit in Naviance at least 1 day in advance.
(Log into Naviance and find the “What’s New” section on the lower righthand side of the homepage. Click “Show More” to see a list of all of the colleges visiting this fall. Click “More Info” to get to the registration page for a particular college.)
Class 10-11 students:
- Students can only attend college rep visits during free blocks.
- To sign up for a college rep visit, please email Ms. Cunningham at lcunningham@dextersouthfield.org
For College Admissions Representatives
Dexter Southfield 2019-2020 School Profile
Dexter Southfield CEEB Code: 220262
School Address:
20 Newton Street, Brookline, Massachusetts, 02445
Locating the College Counseling Office:
Once on campus, when you enter the second right at the main gate, bear right to the Sohier Building where the College Counseling Office is located on the first floor.
Parking:
We have two parking spaces reserved for college reps in the Sohier Building Parking Lot near the handicap parking area.
Lindsey Cunningham
College Counseling Office Manager
617-751-3670
lcunningham@dextersouthfield.org
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!
Summer Opportunities for Upper School Students
We encourage all Upper School students to plan a summer experience that best aligns with their interests and academic goals. Whether students enroll in a pre-college program or athletic camp, land an internship, explore the arts, volunteer, research, work, or study abroad, we encourage students to do something interesting, productive, and educational. Pre-college programs are an excellent way for high school students to get a taste of college campus life. Students should seek out a new experience that they haven’t had before.
2020 Summer Opportunities for Upper School Students
Contact Us
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Ms. Emily J. Moore Director of College Counseling ejmoore@dextersouthfield.org 617-751-3489 |
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Mr. Brian LaRochelle Associate Director of College Counseling blarochelle@dextersouthfield.org 617-751-3619 |
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Mrs. Allison Ranz Associate Director of College Counseling aranz@dextersouthfield.org 617-751-3595 |
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Ms. Lindsey Cunningham |
For transcript requests, general questions, or to schedule a student or parent meeting with the College Counseling team, please contact Lindsey Cunningham at lcunningham@dextersouthfield.org or 617-751-3670.
Our Location: Sohier Building, First Floor (formerly the Main Office)
Our Mailing Address:
Dexter Southfield
College Counseling Office
20 Newton Street
Brookline, MA 02445
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Dexter Southfield School • 617-522-5544 • info@dextersouthfield.org Report an Absence • Admissions: 617-751-3600 20 Newton Street Brookline, Massachusetts 02445 Directions
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