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College Advising at Deerfield

Starting in the junior year, Deerfield has a systematic college counseling program to support students during the college application process—including standardized testing. We have information sessions, small group meetings, and workshops to help juniors begin the college applications process. Each junior is assigned a college advisor with whom they meet one-on-one. This advisor helps juniors make a list of prospective colleges, then continues meeting with students during senior fall as the college application process gets into full swing. Advisors help students narrow down their choices and compile effective applications. Students take an active role in this process, but college advisors are there to help, every step of the way.

Martha Lyman, Director of College Advising and Associate Head of School

Ms. Lyman earned her stripes in the Admissions Office at Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges where she spent ten years recruiting students, making admissions decisions, and directing the Financial Aid Office. For over 20 years she has advised students at Deerfield about the college process, in addition to teaching English, working in Mather, Scaife, and DeNunzio, serving as Deerfield's Round Square representative, and coordinating additional international opportunities for students and faculty. In her spare time you might find her walking in the hills of Western Massachusetts or hiking in the Himalayas.

Nick Albertson, College Advisor

Mr. Albertson is a veteran in the College Advising Office with 30 plus years of experience. In addition to offering advice to students about colleges, Mr. Albertson teaches United States History and coaches football and golf. He is a whiz when it comes to the New York Times crossword puzzle and loves a good Tony Auth cartoon!

Elizabeth Bishop, College Advisor

Ms. Bishop returned to Deerfield in 2002 to work in the College Advising Office. Her first stint at DA, however, was from 1991 to 1996 as the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid. She left that post to be at home fulltime with her two sons. As her sons have grown, Ms. Bishop has worked as a preschool teacher, part-time in the Smith College Advancement Office, and was a volunteer CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) representing foster care children's interests in family court.

Joyce McCarvill, Administrative Assistant

Ms. McCarvill began her school system career as registrar in a public high school in Vermont. She came to Deerfield Academy in 1998 as College Advising Assistant. She has yet to master the New York Times crossword puzzles, but she does a pretty good job at remembering the seniors! Her hobbies are reading, gardening, and traveling with her husband, and her favorite pastime is to spend time with family.

Ayodeji Perrin, College Advisor

Mr. Perrin graduated Deerfield in 1997 and received his bachelor’s in Political Science from Tufts University. He spent the four years prior to joining the College Advising Office coordinating the graduate programs in Political Science at Columbia University, while studying human rights and earning a master’s degree. At Deerfield, he offers electives in the Philosophy and Religion and History departments, coaches JV baseball, and resides on Field III.  Raised in Brooklyn, he is an ardent Knicks and Yankees fan.