How to Apply

List of 6 items.

• 1. Complete the Inquiry Form

  If you would like to schedule a visit or simply receive information about Groton, complete our online inquiry form.

• 2. Interviews and Information Sessions

  Due to the restrictions created by COVID-19, interviews and student led information sessions will be conducted online until our campus opens again for visits.
  
  

  Information sessions are an easy, informal way to learn more about Groton from current students. These online meetings have replaced the campus tours until we are able to host visitors on our campus again. Actually visiting the school is great, but hearing from a number of Groton students may be an even better way to get a sense of our community. We cap the number of families for each information session so if you make an appointment and then realize you cannot attend, please let us know.  We advise applicants to review our website before interviewing, but it is not necessary to attend an information session before interviewing. They can be informative later in the process too!
  
  An interview conducted by video chat feels more natural than you might think. Our admission counselors are quite accustomed to interviewing in this way. Typically we speak with students for twenty to thirty minutes before answering any questions that parents/guardians might have. 

   

  Before, or right after, you register for an interview or information session, you should complete our inquiry form. We will send you a confirmation for your appointment after you have completed both the registration and the inquiry form. We highly recommend that you explore our website, particularly our Virtual Visit page, before your interview.
  

   

  To register for an information session or to schedule an interview appointment, please click here.

  
  Please call the office at 978-448-7510 or email admission@groton.org with any questions.

• 3. Complete the Candidate Profile

  The Candidate Profile offers admission candidates a convenient way to provide biographical data to numerous schools with one form. You may access the Candidate Profile online through our website or by visiting the Gateway to Prep Schools www.gatewaytoprepschools.com, an online application system created by Groton School, Deerfield Academy, The Hotchkiss School, Phillips Academy and St. Paul's School.
  
  At Groton, we would prefer that you submit the Candidate Profile online.

• 4. Standardized Tests?

  Groton School is test optional. All applicants must provide a sample of recent work in mathematics (details to be announced shortly), but they need not submit results from a standardized test.
  
  If you want to provide standardized test results, the SSAT exam is preferred, though you may take the ISEE in place of the SSAT. For more information on testing dates and sites, visit www.ssat.org and www.erbtest.org. Be sure to list Groton's code (3598) when you register for the SSAT or 220930 for the ISEE. We can only accept scores directly from the testing services. The November or December test dates are preferable; the January date is acceptable. Students applying for Fifth Form may submit test results from the PSAT, SAT, or ACT. 
  
  If you have not been studying in an English speaking school for the last two years, you should also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) during the same time period. Groton's TOEFL code is 8224. We also accept the IELTS and Duolingo test for English language proficiency.

• 5. Recommendations

  To access the Gateway recommendation system you must submit the Candidate Profile. Completing recommendations online through the Gateway system is a simple and secure process for you and your teachers. Your first step is to ask people if they will recommend you. If they agree, ask them for their email addresses. You will then enter those addresses in the recommendation section of the Gateway application so your recommenders will receive the forms via email. We advise recommenders to print copies of their recommendations before submission. These copies may be accepted by schools outside the Gateway consortium because the Gateway recommendation forms ask the same questions as recommendation forms used by boarding schools across the country.
  
  For entry in 2021, the English Recommendation and Math Recommendation may be completed by either the current or previous year's teacher. 

• 6. Complete the Application

  To complete an application, you must submit all forms to the admission office by January 15, 2021. A complete application includes the following online forms:
  

  • Candidate Profile - should be returned with the application fee to initiate the application process.
  • Candidate Statement
  • Parent Statement
  • School Report
  • Transcript - No application can be considered complete without a transcript which includes grades from the first marking period of the current school year and grades from the past two school years.
  • Current English Teacher Recommendation
  • Current Math Teacher Recommendation
  • Personal Recommendation - The Special Interest Recommendation may be used in place of, or in addition to, the Personal Recommendation.
  • Special Interest Recommendation - The Personal Recommendation may be used in place of, or in addition to, the Special Interest Recommendation.
  • Graded Writing Sample - We prefer non-fiction papers written during the current school year.  Papers should be written in English.
  • Graded Math Sample - Provide a recent graded mathematic assessment (test or project) and explain your approach to the most challenging problem. 
  • Test Score Report (optional)
  • Arts or Athletics Multimedia (voluntary) - You may provide links to athletic or musical performances, artwork, or any other supplemental information through the Additional Information section of the Candidate Profile online. We do not accept original artwork, CDs or DVDs. Do not delay the submission of your Candidate Profile because you are waiting for multimedia to be prepared. In the additional information section, please indicate that a link will be provided later. Email us your link at admission@groton.org. You must write your name and the words "SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION" in the title of your email.
  • Parent Financial Statement - (For Financial Aid applicants only. Deadline: January 15, 2021).

  The School reserves the right to request additional information, including complete files from schools attended. 
  If your financial circumstances make it difficult to pay the application fee, please call us at 978-448-7510.