<p>Thought I should try this in the parents section as I did not get a response on the other forums. Confused as to whether to apply for my d in 8th or 9th grade. She wants to go to Groton. She originally wanted to go in 9th so we were planning on that but now she wants to go in the 8th and I am not sure if she will be able to put her best foot forward this year rather than next year. Anyone know what the acceptence rate is at Groton in the 8th grade vs the 9th grade? Also if you get rejected in the 8th grade does that mean you have no shot at getting in in the 9th grade. The reason I ask is if you are not that prepared to apply in 8th would you just wait and only apply in 9th or try your luck in the 8th grade? Any suggestions would help. Not too many Groton people on these forums I guess... Thx for your help.</p>
<p>I think maybe you are over-thinking this. If you haven’t visited the school, that is really your first step. You might ask the admissions officer some of these questions during the interview process. I suspect they would be fairly direct. There is really little downside and just because you have an interview does not commit you to applying. It may be that you decide that it is getting too late to start this process (which involves a fair amount of work) this year anyway. You will want to apply when you think you can best show that your child is able to do the work, which will be one of the school’s biggest concerns. I’m not sure about the not this year/yes this year dynamic. This reallly shouldn’t be a snap decision and if there is a serious reservation it means that it may be premature to go away this year. If you want additional thoughts, please feel free to pm me, although I don’t check too often anymore.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t send my kids away for 8th grade as I was. Is d a day student?</p>
<p>D is applying for the 8th grade. Visted the school and was quite impressed. Decided to apply for the 8th grade as it is in my d’s top 2 choices. Thx for your comments and suggestions.</p>
<p>I attended Groton & began as a Second Former (8th grade) and loved it. I highly recommend starting in 8th grade. It gives you a huge opportunity to adjust (since those grades don’t count towards college) and get ahead. Also, the community environment is amazing. Pillow fights in the middle of the night & all sorts of fun “kid” antics. Also, alumni and Sixth formers read you bedtime stories and all sorts of fabulous traditions take place in 2nd form. If your daughter/son is interested then I say - Go for it.
I have no idea how stiff the competition is for 8th compared to 9th, but I do know that applicants who apply for Third Form (9th) who are desirable candidates, but not quite ready/up to par, are sometimes offered the opportunity be accepted as Second Formers (and repeat 8th grade). I think we had three - five such kids in my class.
Another thing to note: The class size doubles in Third Form and I often think it would have been harder (for me personally) coming in then. I wouldn’t trade 2nd form for anything!</p>
<p>Grantonalum - Thank you for your response. We did send in the Groton app and my D is quite anxious as she now really wants to go to Groton. Are you still in Groton or have you graduated? D worked really hard on the essays and the tests. I hope she gets in or it will be a sad day in our house on March 10th!!!</p>
<p>Sorry just saw that … GROTONALUM… Somehow read it as Grantonalum!! When were you there?</p>