How to Get Into Groton
Key Dates and Information
- Location: Groton, MA
- Grades: 8-12
- Application deadline: January 15, 2024
- Financial aid deadline: January 15, 2024
- Admissions tests:
- Grades 8-10: SSAT or ISEE required
- SSAT preferred
- Grade 11: SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, or ACT required
- SSAT preferred
- Deadline: January 2024 (earlier preferred)
- Grades 8-10: SSAT or ISEE required
Introduction
Groton is a highly regarded boarding and day school serving students in grades 8-12. It is one of the top college-prep schools in the Boston area, and offers students an array of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Putting together an application for a top-tier school like Groton may feel intimidating, but Test Innovators is here to help you every step of the way. This guide outlines the application process to Groton. We encourage you to use this guide in conjunction with our Admissions Assist Courses, which will help you understand what schools like Groton look for in applicants and learn how to showcase your best attributes in your interview and written materials.
Application
The Groton application process is the same for day and boarding applicants. Applicants must complete the following steps:
- Submit the online inquiry form
- Participate in a school tour
- Prospective students may participate in a self-guided tour or a student-led tour depending on availability
- Complete the admissions interview
- Most interviews will be in-person this fall
- An admissions counselor will meet first with the applicant and then with the parents/guardians
- Submit the candidate profile through Gateway to Prep Schools
- Take an admissions test and submit scores
- SSAT is preferred; ISEE is also accepted
- Students applying to fifth form (grade 11) may submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores instead
- Deadline: test must be taken no later than January 15, 2024 (earlier is preferred)
- Take an English-proficiency test (if applicable)
- Applicants who have not been at an English-speaking school for the last two years are required to take an English language test
- Duolingo, TOEFL, and IELTS accepted
- Request and submit recommendations through Gateway to Prep Schools
- Current English teacher (required)
- Current math teacher (required)
- Personal and/or special interest recommendation (one required, both optional)
- Send remaining application forms by January 15, 2024:
- Candidate statement and parent statement
- School/principal report
- Transcripts from current year and previous two years
- Graded writing sample and graded math sample
- Arts or athletics multimedia/portfolio (optional)
- Complete financial aid application by January 15, 2024 (if applicable)
For more information about applying to Groton, please visit their website.
Admissions Interview
The admissions interview at Groton is scheduled through the Admissions page on their website. It consists of a one-on-one interview between an admissions counselor and the applicant, followed by an interview with the parents/guardians. Interviews are in-person and last about 45 minutes.
The admissions interview is an exciting part of the application process because it gives you the opportunity to show the school who you are and why you would be a great addition to their campus.
It is important to prepare for the interview so you put your best foot forward. The Test Innovators Interview Prep Course includes activities and videos to help students and parents prepare for common interview questions and learn how to best present themselves.
We recommend researching Groton before your interview so you can share specific reasons for applying. Learn about Groton’s approaches to inclusion and sustainability. Take a look at their curriculum and explore classes in the various departments. If you are applying as a boarding student, see what it is like to live at Groton. Check out the trips offered through their global education program. Look into athletics, arts, and clubs and organizations at Groton and consider how you would like to get involved. If you are excited by opportunities at Groton, let your excitement show in your application and interview.
Admissions Tests
Applicants to Groton are required to submit either SSAT or ISEE scores. Groton prefers SSAT scores. Students applying to fifth form (grade 11) may submit PSAT, SAT or ACT scores. The deadline for testing is January 15, 2024, but November and December test dates are preferred.
As an official practice partner of the SSAT and the only official practice partner of the ISEE, Test Innovators can help you prepare for these important tests. Our platform offers full-length practice tests with detailed analysis that allows you to view your scores in the context of your target schools, including Groton. Additional practice exercises and strategy videos help you target the areas that need work, and a personalized Prep Plan recommends the best next steps for you, so you can achieve your testing goals.
Check out our SSAT Prep Guide and ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about the test, the preparation process, and key strategies for each section.
Financial Aid Application
Because Groton strives to enroll students regardless of their financial situation, applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid. Groton covers full tuition for families whose gross income is under $80,000. 40% of Groton students receive financial aid, and the average grant size is $32,371 for day school and $46,519 for boarding school.
Families applying for financial aid must complete the Clarity application by January 15, 2024.
Refer to Groton’s financial aid page for more information.
Boarding School
Boarding at Groton is available for all grades, and 85% of students board. Second formers (8th graders) and third formers (9th graders) live only with their respective grades and have a structured schedule with a strict lights-out time. Fourth, fifth, and sixth formers (10th, 11th, and 12th graders) live together in Upper School dorms. Sixth formers also have the option of serving as a dorm prefect for younger grades. Each dorm is led by a faculty member who lives in the dorm.
For more information about life as a boarding student, please visit their website.
Extracurricular Opportunities
Athletics
Groton has athletics teams in the following sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross country
- Field hockey
- Football
- Ice hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Squash
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & field
- Volleyball
Arts
Students at Groton can participate in art classes across several departments. Theater opportunities include musicals and student-written plays; music opportunities include choir, orchestra, and various other ensembles; visual arts opportunities include ceramics, woodworking, and photography; and dance opportunities include choreography, ballet, and jazz. Learn more about the arts at Groton and consider sharing how you would like to get involved during your interview and in your application.
Clubs and Organizations
Groton students can choose from a wide variety of clubs and activities, ranging from mock trial to backgammon club to the literary society. Students can also start their own clubs if what they are looking for does not already exist. Check out more clubs and organizations at Groton, and think about groups that appeal to you.
Conclusion
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Courses
- Learn more about preparing for the SSAT
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about Groton
Originally published on September 1, 2022. Updated on November 17, 2023.
