I am applying to Groton, and it seems really cool but I want find out a little bit more about it.
How rigorous are the academics?
Are the sports teams hard to get on to?
How often do they get to go off campus?
What are the typical classes like?
If I am correct, @stargirl3 is currently at Groton, and knows quite a bit about the school. I’m applying this year as well, so best of luck!
Hi there! Here are my answers, but keep in mind that I’m one kid at a school of 380.
The academics are challenging but manageable. STEM classes are leveled (regular / honors / AP / beyond AP), but you’ll be in humanities based on your grade. Teachers are readily available for office hours. Like anywhere else, some teachers are harder than others.
I don’t know much about sports. We’re not the greatest, but you can’t just slide onto varsity.
There are trips off campus every weekend to the movie theater, mall, local restaurants, things like that. The only place people walk to is CVS, and that’s a 3-mile round trip without sidewalks. There’s a rail trail nearby which is great for biking and walking, but we generally live in a bubble.
Humanities classes are discussion-based. You might sit in rows in a STEM class, but it’s pretty conversational; I raise my hand maybe a third of the time I speak. The average class size is 12 or 13; I took an elective with 2, and my biggest class had 16 kids with 2 teachers. Class periods are short (usually 45 minutes, sometimes 75), but we don’t waste much time at the beginning, and passing times are long enough to get to class on time without having to pack up before the bell (unless you’re taking a theater class, in which case, all bets are off).
I’m happy to answer specific questions on here or via PM. Good luck!
@stargirl3 I have a few more questions. What do you think was your top reasons you got accepted into Groton? SSAT? Essays? Interview?
Persistence!!!
@CaliMex are you attending any boarding schools currently?
Also I got a 95 % on the SSAT :99% math 97% verbal but 67% reading. Do they look down upon that?
Nobody is an AO, so nobody can answer this question.
@CaliMex is probably right about persistence. Stargirl went a few admissions rounds before being able to grab the brass ring. But in the end she got in because she was exactly what Groton needed/wanted at that time.
Lots of persistence, even more luck.
Nope. Maybe right place at right time, but you did it on your own without luck. 
@stargirl3
Do I have a chance at getting in with my SSAT score?
@GrotonKid123 Your SSAT score won’t keep you out, but it won’t get you in either. There are a bajillion factors at play.
My interview went really well, the interviewer sent me personalized cards, and even told to talk to the soccer coach to help out. My essays are pretty good as well.
As an FYI, read absolutely nothing into this.
What types of kids are accepted into Groton each year?