How to Get Into Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Key Dates and Information
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Application deadline: January 10, 2027
- Financial aid deadline: January 10, 2027
- Admissions tests and evaluations deadline: January 10, 2027
- Lower School:
- Beginners and kindergarten: in-person class activity (hosted at Lower School Campus)
- Grades 1–5: in-person class activity (hosted at Lower School Campus)
- Grade 6: ISEE or SSAT
- Middle School:
- Grades 7–8: ISEE or SSAT
- Upper School:
- Grades 9–11: ISEE or SSAT
- Grades 10–11 may also submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores, according to BB&N’s admissions FAQ.
- Lower School:
- Admissions interview: Schedule through the Veracross admissions portal after submitting the inquiry form. Families are encouraged to book early, as appointment slots fill quickly.
- Admissions decision: March 10, 2027
Introduction
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N), one of the most sought-after schools in the Boston area, is a coeducational day school for grades pre-k through 12. In addition to offering outstanding academics, BB&N gives students an array of opportunities in the arts, athletics, and community service.
There are many things to consider when applying to an excellent school like BB&N, so Test Innovators has created this guide to help you through the admissions process.
We also recommend participating in our Admissions Prep Course to learn more about preparing for the admissions interview, writing strong essays, and understanding what schools like BB&N look for in applicants.
Application
Buckingham Browne & Nichols accepts applications through Veracross.
BB&N’s Lower School entry point grades are Beginners (Pre-K), kindergarten, and grade 6. Students are welcome to apply to other grades and will be contacted if a spot becomes available.
BB&N accepts Middle School and Upper School applications for grades 7–11.
Students applying to Buckingham Browne & Nichols must complete the following steps:
- Fill out the online inquiry form
- Complete the inquiry form on BB&N’s website to gain access to the Veracross admissions portal.
- After submitting the inquiry form, families can access the admissions portal to review application requirements and schedule an interview and campus tour.
- Schedule an interview
- Lower School applicants are able to schedule an interview for entry point grades only (Beginners, kindergarten, and grade 6).
- Interviews and campus tours are scheduled through BB&N’s admissions portal.
- Families are encouraged to book their appointments early, as available slots may fill quickly.
- Complete the admissions evaluation
- Beginners and kindergarten: in-person group class activity hosted at the Lower School Campus.
- Grades 1–5: in-person group class activity hosted at the Lower School Campus.
- Applicants to Beginners through grade 5 are asked to participate in an in-person classroom activity with a group of peer applicants. Registration details and available dates are provided through the Veracross admissions portal.
- Grade 6 applicants must submit the required standardized test scores.
- Take an admissions test and send scores by January 10th
- Grades 6–9: SSAT or ISEE scores required.
- Grades 10–11: SSAT or ISEE required; BB&N’s admissions FAQ also lists the PSAT, SAT, and ACT as accepted options for these grades.
- Complete the online application through Veracross by January 10th
- Lower School
- Send transcripts/progress reports from the current and previous year.
- Complete the parent statement.
- Submit letter(s) of recommendation.
- Required recommendation: current teacher.
- Optional recommendation: last year’s teacher.
- Upload supplemental information, such as student artwork, videos, or awards (optional).
- Middle School
- Send transcripts/progress reports from the current and previous year.
- Complete the parent statement.
- Complete the student essays.
- Submit letters of recommendation.
- Required recommendations:
- School administrator/guidance counselor
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- Optional recommendations: additional teacher, personal recommendation, or information highlighting a special interest in arts or athletics.
- Required recommendations:
- Upload supplemental information, such as artwork, videos, or awards (optional).
- Upper School
- Send transcripts/progress reports from the current and previous year.
- Complete the parent statement.
- Complete the student essays.
- Submit letters of recommendation.
- Required recommendations:
- School administrator/guidance counselor
- Current English teacher
- Current math teacher
- Optional recommendations: additional teacher, personal recommendation, or information highlighting a special interest in arts or athletics.
- Required recommendations:
- Upload supplemental information, such as artwork, videos, or awards (optional).
- Lower School
For more information on application requirements and deadlines, please visit Buckingham Browne & Nichols’ admissions page.
Admissions Interview
Interviews and campus tours at Buckingham Browne & Nichols are scheduled through the admissions portal after submitting the inquiry form. Families are encouraged to schedule their visit early, as available appointment slots fill up quickly. Lower School applicants can participate in an in-person classroom activity for Beginners (Pre-K) through grade 5. For more information about interview and visit requirements for individual grades, refer to BB&N’s admissions page and admissions events page.
The interview is a great opportunity for Buckingham Browne & Nichols to get to know you. It is important to prepare for the interview so you can stand out from the crowd of applicants. We recommend researching BB&N, so you can share why you would be excited to attend the school. Read about their mission and values and think about how you embody these principles. Look into their academic departments and consider which courses interest you. Check out their global education opportunities and initiatives. Explore BB&N’s arts and athletics offerings and think about how you would like to get involved as a student.
Additionally our Admissions Prep Course will help you gain confidence by preparing for common interview questions and teaching you how to highlight your strengths as an applicant.
Admissions Tests and Evaluations
Buckingham Browne & Nichols requires applicants to submit the following tests/evaluations:
- Beginners and kindergarten: in-person group class activity
- Grades 1–5: in-person group class activity
- Grades 6–11: SSAT or ISEE
Applicants to grades 10–11 may also submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores, according to BB&N’s admissions FAQs.
It is important to prepare for the SSAT or ISEE so you can achieve your best results. As an official SSAT practice partner and the only officially endorsed ISEE practice, Test Innovators is here to help.
We have full-length practice tests that provide detailed feedback, so you can target specific areas to improve. You can see how your practice test scores compare to target score data for Buckingham Browne & Nichols. Our practice helps you become familiar with the test, boost your confidence, and increase your performance.
Check out our SSAT Prep Guide and ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about these tests.
Want to get a top score?
Take a small-group class to learn key strategies and boost your knowledge!
Financial Aid Application
Buckingham Browne & Nichols strives to enroll talented students regardless of their economic backgrounds. Over 25% of students at BB&N receive need-based financial aid. The school provides need-based grants and is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students who qualify for assistance.
Families applying for financial aid must submit the following materials through the Clarity platform by January 10, 2027:
- Financial aid application through Clarity
- Required financial documentation, including tax returns and other supporting documents requested through the application.
Families who own a business may be asked to provide additional business financial documentation. Check the Clarity application for the specific documents required for your household.
To learn more about applying for financial aid at Buckingham Browne & Nichols, please refer to their financial aid application page.
Athletics
Buckingham Browne & Nichols offers the following Middle School athletic teams:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross country
- Fencing
- Field hockey
- Flag football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
And the following Upper School athletic teams:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross country
- Fencing
- Field hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Sailing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Strength and conditioning
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Please refer to Buckingham Browne & Nichols’ athletics page for more information.
Arts
The Upper School at Buckingham Browne & Nichols has a two-year arts requirement. They offer visual arts courses including ceramics, painting, and woodworking, as well as performing arts courses including dance, drama, film, and music. Students also have the opportunity to engage in visual and performing arts in the Lower School and Middle School, and Middle School students can participate in performance ensembles like chorus and jazz band. To learn more about art courses and opportunities at BB&N, visit their arts page.
Special Programs
Buckingham Browne & Nichols offers several unique opportunities for students to explore the world around them. These opportunities include Bivouac, a two-week outdoor experience for students in grade 9, senior spring projects, and semester abroad programs. See BB&N’s special programs page for more information about these opportunities.
Conclusion
Creating a competitive application for Buckingham Browne & Nichols is not easy, but Test Innovators is here to help. With our expertise and guidance, you can achieve your best results on your interview, admissions tests, and essays.
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Prep Course for Middle School or Upper School
- Learn more about preparing for the SSAT
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Originally published on July 27, 2022. Updated on September 3, 2024.
