How to Get Into Noble and Greenough School
Key Dates and Information
- Application deadline: January 15, 2027
- Financial aid deadline:
- January 15, 2027: Clarity application
- Admissions tests (required):
- Grades 7-8: ISEE
- Grades 9-11: SSAT
- Grades 10-11: Official PSAT scores may be submitted instead of SSAT scores
- Admissions interview (required):
- Zoom interview with a member of the admissions staff
- An on-campus visit is also required unless it is impossible for the family to travel to Dedham
- Decision release date: March 10, 2027
- Enrollment decision deadline for accepted students: April 10, 2027
Introduction
Noble and Greenough School, often referred to as Nobles, is one of the best independent schools in the nation and is frequently one of the top ten most sought-after schools. Applying to prominent schools can be daunting, so we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the admissions process to Nobles.
We encourage you to use this guide in conjunction with our Admissions Assist courses, which will help you prepare for the interview, write compelling personal statements, and gain a better understanding of how independent schools evaluate candidates.
Application
Prospective students should submit the following materials before January 15, 2027. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials should be submitted through Ravenna, the online application portal.
- Nobles Core Application Form
- Application fee:
- $60 for domestic students
- $100 for international students
- Fee waivers are available to families who qualify. Please contact the Nobles admissions team for more information.
- Pre-visit questionnaire
- Complete any required pre-visit materials through Ravenna before your scheduled visit or interview
- Parent/guardian statement and short answer questions
- Prompts are provided in Ravenna
- Student statement and short answer questions
- Prompts are provided in Ravenna. Students should complete their statements independently
- Extracurricular activities and interests form
- School administrator or counselor report
- Transcripts/report cards from the current school year (2026-2027) and previous school year (2025-2026)
- Current-year academic records should be submitted as they become available
- Transcripts and school records should be submitted directly by the student’s current school
- Letters of recommendation
- Request teacher recommendations and school reports through Ravenna.
- Check the current application checklist for the required teacher evaluations and any additional recommendations
- Admissions Test scores
- ISEE scores are required for applicants to grades 7-8 and should be sent directly to Nobles from ERB
- SSAT scores are required for applicants to grades 9-11 and should be sent directly to Nobles from EMA
- Students applying to grades 10 or 11 may submit official PSAT scores instead of SSAT scores
- Students should select Nobles as a score recipient when registering for the test to help ensure that scores arrive on time
- Digital submissions highlighting talents or achievements (optional)
- Examples include visual arts portfolios, musical recordings, performance videos, and sports highlights
- Follow the submission instructions provided by the appropriate department through Ravenna
Admissions Interview and Campus Tour
Interviews are required for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. All applicants must complete a Zoom interview with a member of the admissions staff. Appointments can fill up quickly, so applicants should schedule their interview through Ravenna as soon as possible.
In addition to the Zoom interview, applicants are required to visit campus unless it is impossible for the family to travel to Dedham. Families can fulfill the visit requirement by attending one of Nobles’ open houses or joining an information session and student-led campus tour. Applicants should sign in to their Ravenna account and select “Apply” for instructions on scheduling their interview and campus visit.
Interviewing is an essential part of the admissions process for both the school and the family. It gives the school the opportunity to get to know students beyond their applications, and it gives families the chance to make sure the school is a good match for them. It’s important for students to prepare for their interviews. The Test Innovators Interview Prep course will help students develop their interviewing skills, prepare common interview questions, and learn how to present themselves as strong candidates.
Please visit the Noble and Greenough admissions page for the most up-to-date interview information and deadlines.
Admissions Events
Prospective students and families can register for a number of in-person and virtual admissions events through Ravenna, including in-person campus tours, open houses, virtual information sessions, and a virtual fair with other top independent schools in the Boston area. Attending these events is a great way to learn more about the school and demonstrate your interest.
Please visit the Nobles and Greenough admissions events page to learn more about upcoming events.
Admissions Tests
Nobles requires all candidates to submit standardized test scores from the fall or winter of the application year. Score reports should be sent directly to Nobles from the official testing body. Students taking the test in January should select Nobles as a score recipient before test day to help ensure that scores arrive in time.
Nobles accepts the following tests by grade level:
- ISEE: students applying to grades 7 or 8
- Check out our ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about the ISEE.
- Learn more about how to send your ISEE report to schools.
- SSAT: students applying to grades 9-11
- Students applying to grades 10 or 11 may submit official PSAT scores instead of SSAT scores.
- Check out our SSAT Prep Guide to learn more about the SSAT.
- Learn more about how to send your SSAT report to schools.
Want to get a top score?
Take a small-group class to learn key strategies and boost your knowledge!
Financial Aid Application
Each year, Nobles provides need-based financial assistance to families who qualify. For the 2026-2027 school year, Nobles has distributed more than $9.1 million in financial aid, and the average grant is $53,266. Financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, and Nobles is committed to meeting 100% of each family’s demonstrated need. All prospective students are eligible to apply for aid.
Applicants must complete the Clarity application online by January 15, 2027.
Please visit the Noble and Greenough tuition and financial aid page for the most up-to-date information about the financial aid application and deadlines.
Day vs Boarding
Nobles offers a 5-day boarding program to a total of 48 upper school students. These students live on campus 5 days a week and return home on the weekends.
Upper school candidates will indicate whether they would like to be considered for the day or the boarding program on their application. Boarding space is limited, so those students who are interested in boarding can indicate that they would also like to be considered for the day school if boarding space is not available.
For more information on boarding, please visit the Nobles student life and boarding page.
Arts, Athletics, & Community Engagement
Arts
Nobles offers extensive opportunities for students to explore the visual and performing arts, share their talents, and try new activities both in the classroom and after school. Please visit the Arts at Noble & Greenough page for more information about arts coursework, performance opportunities, and the yearly Artist-in-Residence Program.
Athletics
Candidates who are interested in competing with Nobles’ athletic teams can submit the inquiry form to receive information from the athletic department.
Nobles offers the following athletic programs:
- Alpine skiing
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross country
- Field hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Pickleball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
For more information about the athletic program, teams, and facilities, please visit the Nobles Athletics page.
Experiential and Community Engaged Learning (EXCEL)
Community service and experiential learning are integral parts of student life at Nobles and Greenough. All upper school students are required to complete at least 80 hours of community service before graduation. Two-thirds of graduates exceed this amount.
The school offers many opportunities for students to engage with local and global communities. For more information, please visit the EXCEL program page.
Conclusion
Applying to selective schools like Noble and Greenough can be a challenging task. However, proper preparation can help you achieve higher test scores, write excellent application essays, and ace the interview. Test Innovators is here to help you with every step of the journey.
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Courses
- Start preparing for the SSAT
- Start preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about Noble and Greenough School
Originally published on January 10, 2022. Updated on September 10, 2024.
