My kiddo is at Deerfield. Her brother is applying this year as a repeat 9th grader. Her advisor said they will be admitting fewer upper grade students because they don’t want classes getting too big. She entered as a repeat 11th grader this year, there were approximately 20ish new Juniors. 10th grade had approximately 40 new students. If you repeat 10th you will have a greater chance at all schools.
Deerfield does not ask for personal recommendations.