Haverford School review by Yale University student.
I came to Haverford School for its academic reputation, and, for the most part, was not disappointed. The English department is the school's crown jewel, and for the most part, its teachers do not disappoint. They are very distinguished and have been teaching for decades, so there is much to learn from them, but also a pretty set paradigm of what they think is "correct" form for an English paper, and anyone looking to succeed in class ought to conform to the teacher's expectations as quickly as possible. The small art wing is appreciated by all who choose to spend time there (which is, in the context of Haverford's more sporty, self-consciously masculine student body, not that many people), although the school seems unable to keep ahold of any given multimedia teacher for longer than two years at a time. The science department is a mixed bag -- while all teachers there are knowledgeable and one or two are exceedingly kind and helpful, some are well past their prime as professors, and others are downright unfriendly and seem to view their job as a monumental chore. The math department is more or less Haverford's weakest link, featuring a cast of teachers who have wildly disparate personalities and teaching styles, but are all more or less unable to teach their classes to anyone who isn't extremely inclined to mathematics and chooses to learn everything from obsessive reading of the textbook (and occasionally, additional tutoring). One of the teachers was never trained to be a teacher at all, and only teaches math to supplement his incomes as disciplinary dean and lacrosse coach. If you're willing to coast by on a B average or less, Haverford is pretty easy. Grade inflation ensures that only the very worst of students ever fall into C or failing territory (Haverford does not give Ds), with a few exceptions of particularly difficult and unforgiving teachers. But, if you want to get in the A range, it's a pretty steep and competitive slope: the top 10 students in each grade are very territorial, and more than aware of the "race to college." So if that's what you want, get ready for a fight; if you want to just coast, Haverford can be pretty gentle.
You begin discussing college admissions as early as you'd like: I began sophomore year, because.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Haverford School as experienced by former pupil and Yale 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...
The SSATs (secondary school admissions tests) are a must, and will have an effect on.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Haverford School by former pupil and Yale 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 cafeteria, when I visited in 8th grade, was amazing, and actually one of the main reasons I wanted to attend Haverford. However, over the five years that followed, the food quality and selection declined rapidly, and I hear it's even worse now. Really is a shame. The gym is one of the largest and most impressive on the mainline: pool, squash and tennis courts, soccer and football fields, athletic track, wrestling room, basketball courts, rowing ERGs, weight room, etc etc. As for the area, the Mainline is one of the safest places to be, at least crimewise. That's hardly a concern.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Haverford School as experienced by former pupil and Yale University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review