There are a lot of these threads bopping around lately, so I figured it’s time I start my own! I’m currently home for Thanksgiving, so feel free to ask whatever questions you might have about Groton. 
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
As talented and knowledgeable as @stargirl3 is, she is not the only one with knowledge of Groton. Single-user “Ask Me Anything” posts are not allowed on College Confidential, as all too often, the original poster disappears, leaving other users in the lurch. Therefore, any student/parent/alum,/etc with knowledge, is welcome to answer questions.
Thanks so much for volunteering to answer questions!! Can you tell me the average number of hours of homework 9th grader or freshmen will do a night? Can you further explain the freshmen or 9th grade dorms? I heard they have 3/4 high walls? Do upper classmen have the same or a more normal dorm setup? Is there academic support available should a student need extra help in a class? Dress code for girls? Are there a lot of weekend activities? Do students leave on weekends or stay on campus?
@blue77skidoo It’s my understanding that 9th graders get most, if not all, of their work done during evening study hall from 8:00 to 9:45 and during their free periods (I think most have one). I wasn’t at Groton for freshman year, but this is what I’ve gleaned from my friends (two of my closest friends are third formers).
As far as dorms, all the lower schoolers (8th and 9th graders) are together in a big dorm complex. You open the door into a big common room, and the dorms are hallways leading off either the first or second floor. I’ve only been in the girls’ dorms, but they’re basically a long hallway with walls that look like they were put in as an afterthought. It reminds me of the kinds of projects kids do with designing a house in a cardboard box. There’s probably 1.5-2 feet of space between the top of the wall and the ceiling. Once you’re out of Brooks House, you have real walls in more traditional dorm settings!
There is definitely academic support available. I struggle with chemistry, and my teacher has office hours multiple times a week. My math teacher offers help when she’s on duty in the dorm. In general, teachers are widely available. I haven’t needed anything beyond their help, but I know the counseling office can hook you up with a peer tutor or get more help if need be. Coming to Groton, I found that the level of caring that made an exceptional teacher at my LPS is just expected here. The teachers really want kids to do well and to learn.
The dress code is very similar to what @whatever4ever described about Taft:
[quote]
The dress code for girl is more relaxed than it is for boys. I don’t know the dress code exactly, but basically no blue jeans or t-shirts. In early fall the girls typically wore shirtdresses and white converse, but now it’s getting colder so they typically wear riding boots, a thin jacket, loose blouse, and black jeans./quote Boys typically wear collared shirts and khaki-style shorts or pants (I’ve seen all the colors) with sneakers. We had a transgender author and activist come and speak this fall, and the dress code was changed to be gender-neutral. Now, in the student handbook, it says that sweaters and collared shirts are both appropriate tops, but I think collared shirts will prevail for boys.
Now, for girls, there’s a lot of variation. I typically wear colored jeans or cords with a nice shirt. Sweatshirts totally fit dress code, and they’re everywhere. Some girls like dresses and cardigans, some like black jeans and boots, a lot of us like Converse. I wear my running shoes to class. I’ve found that the dress code hasn’t been hard to follow.
Most students stick around for the weekends. Honestly, I don’t see the point of going home as the weekend only starts Saturday afternoon and you’re going to be spending all of Sunday doing homework regardless of where you are. There aren’t a lot of activities, per se, but there are enough. There are typically dinner trips Saturday night and brunch trips Sunday morning to places nearby (Chipotle, Dunkin’, Starbucks, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Moe’s, just to name a few). There’s open gym, sometimes open skate, community service opportunities, or trips off campus (recent ones have been haunted hayride and paintball). The weekends are a time to take it easy, and I enjoy staying on campus and getting ahead on my work, then going for a walk with a friend.
Information or insight from a current student is invaluable. Rather than some parent who had a child graduate from the school 15 years ago. Or a friend of a friend who went there 10 years ago.
Given your storied history in getting to Groton, @stargirl3, what would you say is the thing that surprised you most once you got there?
@GnarWhail That’s a good question, and it’s one I’ve thought about a lot. Honestly, I’m surprised at how close Groton is to what I imagined it would be. It’s challenging but usually not overwhelming. It’s small but not suffocating. It’s gorgeous, and the food is good (the dining hall staff are very accommodating and receptive), and the renovations are unbelievable. I’m free to sign out off campus whenever I please (as long as I’m not missing any commitments), not that there’s really anywhere to go.
I’ll update this if I think of anything.
^^ So you are surprised how “moderate” or how “just the right amount” it is, right? In other words, A but not too A, and B but not too B either… I can see you love the school. Good for you!
Hey, so I know I’m past the thanksgiving deadline, but I was still wondering something. I got a 82% on my SSATs overall and 84% for girls. I was wondering if you knew of anyone who goes to Groton or was accepted who got a similar or lesser score. (just to be clear I just want to know if there is anyone I’m not trying to get these people’s names ) In school I get straight A’s and I’m also a very competitive athlete (club soccer) if that helps because I know outside activities also have an effect. Oh, and also I know about SuperScoring the different tests together, so I will have a slightly higher score in the end. Thank you so much in advance, I know this is a kind of complicated question
Hi! I just wanted to say your other post about getting waitlisted to Groton and then reading this thread has really motivated me. I just feel really happy for you and hope you are having a great time at Groton! I am applying to other prep schools too and am crossing my fingers. Congrats! (although it has been a while)
to Lostinstereo: if you have straight A’s and you are a strong athlete you have a shot. I assume you have contacted the soccer coach?
@lostinstereo The last year I applied, my SSAT percentile was 83. It’s below average, but it won’t ruin everything. Good luck!
Thanks @stargirl3 ! Yes I have been in contact with the soccer coach @Center
I’m new here on CC but everyone sees and even i realizethat youre a sort of legend. What was your BS journey?
@26443586 Haha, thank you! I applied to Groton for 8th grade sorta on a limb back in 2013, and I was waitlisted. The next year, I applied to a bunch more schools and was rejected from 2 and waitlisted at 8 (including Groton). This past year, I applied for 10th grade to more schools and was rejected from 6, waitlisted at 6 (including Groton), and accepted to 2 (one with financial aid and one without). I was all set and ready to go to another school, but Groton took me off their waitlist this summer and I couldn’t say no to the opportunity. My first few months here have proven that I made the right decision, and that it was well worth the wait.
I’m really impressed that you stuck it out @stargirl3 and you are able to pursue your dreams. Brava!
@stargirl3 Just wondering, how were you able to accept to go to Groton during the summer? I thought schools had a final decision date of April 10/11
Stargirl3 was a waitlist success story!
Bumping this for the new application season! Ask away!
@stargirl3 last year I applied - and unfortunately was not able to visit and asked to schedule in interview in November. When they answered they gave a staunch no and said all interviews should have been requested by January. I know that this should not be my only impression of it, however they seemed a bit standoffish. As someone who goes there, is there a bit of a standoffish vibe on campus? Also, as with all BS’s, they have an extremely hard hw load; however, I’ve heard about the large academic rigor of Groton in specific, could you tell me more about it? Also, what is a typical day like for a sophomore, and how do they try to incorporate new 10th graders into the community? Thank you!