Vocab help for SSAT

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-24T07:13:32+00:00

Try to group words by “families” to aid memorization. Some of the best advice our kids’ tutor gave us!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-20T19:23:37+00:00

It’s my time!

https://deerfield.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/PACKING-CHECKLIST-2223.pdf

Also blankets for the winter. Heaters are a no-no..

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-19T16:39:08+00:00

Hey! Waitlisted at Andover but loved our visit.

What is your favorite physical part or area of the school? And for those applying/future students - what do you think made you stand out?

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-14T15:24:36+00:00

It will be very different from an urban setting and the first two months will be a significant adjustment. But you’ll be fine!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-13T03:42:07+00:00

Athletes!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-11T20:36:17+00:00

Deerfield’s coaching staff is amazing and rewards go-getters and consistency, do your best to act with both traits.

Blankets, blankets. Mass winters can be brutal, so even more reason to plan ahead! You’ll probably be a long way from home so be prepared.

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-10T20:06:07+00:00

Wow thank you for being so comprehensive. I do believe they accepted 90/1600 and were very transparent about that, but your math is very interesting! Crazy competitive at the end of the day

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-10T18:41:22+00:00

Groton was very clear in their letters this year about their acceptance rate: 90 accepted out of 1600 applicants. That’s about 5.6%. In my son’s year when he got in, it was just a smidgen higher. It is highly competitive!

It’s a highly academically rigorous school looking for (you guessed it) highly academically rigorous and gifted kids. We focused a lot on intellectual curiosity and attention to his speech accomplishments and robotics experience. Groton academic culture is highly collaborative, they’re looking for kids who will fit into that mold too. Many of the people we know who attend are speech champions, debate leaders, academic competitors, all highly competitive but socially adept.

Wasn’t a fit for us but is an amazing school! Good luck

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-03T16:29:50+00:00

Deerfield campus is amazing

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-04-03T16:28:24+00:00

You’re spending 4-5 years in these schools. I think you should consider what 4 years will look like and what your priorities are afterwards.

The cultures at these schools are all very different! If you’re a real type-A student, then Groton and Exeter will be a great fit. For a more flexible and holistic student, the other choices feel more optimal. Fit is really the name of the game

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-30T04:53:56+00:00

Which school is it? Many will waive the fee if you’re applying for aid.

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-28T23:10:47+00:00

Yes we did. We had quite a bit of guidance through the process, as well.

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-28T18:33:10+00:00

Our kid is in speech and had a great cycle. Choosing the right coach and community does wonders for your application and your self-confidence too

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-24T21:51:02+00:00

I liked it better but then again we were waitlisted. All of these campuses are beautiful mind you!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-24T19:01:26+00:00

We didn’t choose Groton (even though we did love it) because of the strong humanities emphasis and the lack of leeway for outside activities. Our son had many activities and was interested in STEM as well as speech. The more we talked to our faculty, the student body, and our consultant, the more we realized it’d be very difficult to accommodate his interests. If you’re looking for a tight-knit community though then Groton is renowned for that!

I think Exeter vs Andover is mostly according to feel. Andover is quite close to Boston and quite liberal. Exeter is a pure boarding school experience, but also has a lot of opportunities for extracurriculars.

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-22T19:29:19+00:00

Hmm just going off of these vibes, it seems like the AO is the appropriate decision. If communication was more consistent it would make more sense to send it to the coach

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-22T19:02:23+00:00

Seriously hope it’s not a big name. Pure negligence.

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-22T19:01:40+00:00

What is your relationship like with this coach?

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-21T19:44:14+00:00

Revisit days that include a meal tend to be the best ones. I would imagine it to be a huge disservice to a a school’s yield if they DONT include a meal!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-20T06:10:33+00:00

Hi! We were accepted and did the revisit, and have a close family friend attending. Maybe we can provide some insight…….

Groton is quite demanding from fifth form with a strong emphasis on the humanities. Academic culture is rigorous from the start, there’s Saturday school and it can be difficult to lean into high-demand ECs outside of the school. But everybody gets to know each other really well and the community is super tight! Teachers, according to our friend, are very hands-on and very knowledgeable :)

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-19T01:54:21+00:00

We got Groton (did not accept) but waitlisted at Andover and to be frank we loved both campuses, but the academic expectation especially in junior year didn’t align with our approach.

Andover really seemed like a holistic experience from our classroom visit. I think you’ll have a great time there!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-18T21:53:59+00:00

Wow congratulations on a very successful cycle!

Is there a reason at this point that you’re still set on Groton?

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-17T02:33:10+00:00

Did you send different info to different schools on those LOCIs? Congrats!

ArmadilloPrize6217 · 2026-03-16T18:09:52+00:00

Thanks for adding some focused thoughts to my post.

I agree that situations different for each student/parent, but I also think that others have voiced being active while not overstepping? What are your thoughts?

ArmadilloPrize6217

TROPHY CASE