What is Lawrenceville Looking For?
Lawrenceville is looking for dynamic students who have a love of learning, are of high character, want to engage their classmates, and are not afraid of taking intellectual risks. They are burgeoning leaders who actively seek to improve the world around them. Moreover, these well-rounded young people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They possess a high IQ and EQ. Successful applicants genuinely connect with their interviewers. They have a passion that is transferable to the school community. They are eager to take advantage of the school’s numerous academic, athletic, and co-curricular opportunities.
What is academic excellence in the eyes of Lawrenceville?
Lawrenceville applicants are active learners who passionately pursue knowledge. They have stellar academic achievement, upper-level testing results, and possess recommendations that illustrate how the applicant enriches the classroom. Grades and test scores quantifiably measure academic achievement. However, students who collaborate, question their assumptions and respect the opinions of those around them are on the path of academic excellence. These skills are developed and honed around the Harkness table. Lawrenceville values teaching students how to think, not what to think. At the same time, shared discovery trumps memorization, and each member of the class discussion takes responsibility for their classmates’ learning. Simultaneously, the instructor serves as a facilitator by encouraging students to delve deeper into the conversation or advance it to the next topic.
Academic Pathways At Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville offers a broad and rigorous curriculum that allows students to explore a variety of subjects and interests. With courses ranging from math and sciences to the arts and technology, students have the opportunity to pursue their passions and develop a strong foundation for future studies.
There’s no place like House
For over 200 years, Lawrenceville has prepared students for a changing world, while it has grown to be more diverse, inclusive, and adaptive to its students’ needs. There are 18 residential buildings referred to as houses. The House system is at the core of the residential life program, and it is unique to American boarding schools. It is a small community within the broader community where boarding and day students come together, bond, and build life-long friendships. When Lawrentians alumni meet out in the world, the question is not, "When did you graduate?" It’s "What House did you call home?" Every house is distinct with its flags, emblems, anthems, and traditional rivalries. Students can join a House sports team instead of joining an interscholastic team. A considerable amount of leadership roles derive from House related activities such as-- House council, prefectures, and honor representation. Lawrenceville values applicants who are:
Boarding and Residency Experience
The boarding experience at Lawrenceville fosters a sense of community and belonging. Faculty members serve as housemasters, providing guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic and personal lives. This close-knit environment encourages students to develop independence, responsibility, and lifelong friendships. The house system promotes leadership and involvement, offering students opportunities to engage in activities that build character and foster personal growth.
Lawrenceville offers many extracurricular activities that cater to a wide range of interests and talents. Students are encouraged to explore new activities, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful connections with their peers.
Extracurricular Opportunities at Lawrenceville
Extracurricular Highlights
Athletics
Lawrenceville’s athletic program includes a variety of sports, from traditional team sports like soccer and basketball to individual pursuits like tennis and fencing. There are also house sports to participate in, including intramural sports like ultimate frisbee, flag football, handball, and more. Lawrenceville also offers what it calls lifetime sports, such as ice skating, yoga, and golf, and outdoor programs like rock climbing and canoeing.
Arts
The arts program at Lawrenceville provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity and express themselves through the performing arts and visual arts. Students will enjoy co-curricular and classroom activities that help them develop communication skills. They also use practical studio work to hone what they learn.
Clubs and Organizations
Lawrenceville has a diverse range of clubs and organizations that allow students to pursue their interests. They also offer ways to learn outside of the traditional classroom and gain hands-on learning opportunities with the Harkness Travel Program, five research institutes, and environmental studies at The Big Red Farm.
Community Involvement and Social Responsibility
Lawrenceville prepares students for college and life through required community engagement, which includes:
- Lawrenceville Community Action Project (LCAP): Completed in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Examples include weekly term-long projects, serving as a camp counselor, or participating in a Harkness Travel Program Service Trip.
- MLK Day of Service: Annual participation in the school-wide Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
- 1-3 One-Time Events: Students must participate in 1-3 school, house, club, or team-sponsored events, depending on their year of entry.
Inquiry and Application
Prospective students should begin the application process by submitting an inquiry form and scheduling a campus visit. The application includes detailed personal information, academic records, test scores, and teacher recommendations. International students currently enrolled in school in Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, or China can schedule their interview using Vericant.
Admissions Testing Requirements
Standardized testing is a critical component of the Lawrenceville admissions process, providing a measure of academic readiness and potential.
Testing Overview
- You need to submit your SSAT, ISEE, or any state, county, or district standardized test scores that you have taken or plan to take for Second and Third form. For Fourth form, you’ll need to submit the results of your SSAT, PSAT, SAT, or ACT. Fifth form and Postgraduate candidates must submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT results.
- Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not primarily been instructed in English for the past four years must submit TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS scores.
In the middle of somewhere
Lawrenceville is 10 minutes from Princeton, NJ, 45 minutes from Philadelphia, PA, and an hour from New York, NY. Unlike its northern counterparts, it's easily accessible via--car, train, and plane. Its location and proximity to two of the larger cities in the US add to its rich diversity. By the numbers:
- 53% are students of color
- 18% are international
- 30 different states represented on campus
- 40 countries from around the world
How can you stand out to Lawrenceville?
- Applicants are encouraged to have a strong academic record paired with active participation in extracurricular activities, with opportunities to develop and excel in areas such as the arts, athletics, and academic pursuits. Lawrenceville values students who demonstrate both academic achievement and a commitment to personal growth through diverse experiences.
- When applying to Lawrenceville, prospective students should embrace the interview. It is an opportunity to tell your story, relate your passions, and demonstrate how you’ve led or enriched your community through service. Successful applicants genuinely connect with their interviewers.
- The admissions committee is seeking individuals whose passion for learning goes beyond the classroom and students who want to develop their voice and aspire to leave their mark on the school community.
- Each year, approximately 33% of the students receive financial aid.
Applicants selected for admission to Lawrenceville would have these academic credentials:
- An SSAT scores above 2250 with no individual section below a 650
- ERB or ISEE scores in the 90th percentile
- A stellar academic record with no grades below a B
- Glowing letters of recommendation from current English and math instructors and counselor or principal from his/her current school with “Respect accorded by faculty and students” receiving checks in the top two categories.
Examples of applicants with exceptional talents at Lawrenceville would be:
- Leader of a community service initiative
- A young entrepreneur
- Impact athlete on a sports team who is garnering college interest
- Talented actor, musician, artist, or dancer
Financial Aid at Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville is committed to making its education accessible to talented students from all backgrounds. The financial aid process is need-based, with awards tailored to meet each family's specific financial situation. Scholarship aid includes coverage for:
- Health insurance
- Laptop and cell phone
- Required academic materials
- Travel to and from campus
- Weekly stipend
Scholarship aid also covers many of the experiences Lawrenceville offers, including private music lessons, one Harkness travel experience, standardized test preparation for the ACT and SAT, athletic training tips, and house and team merchandise.
Take the next step
Ready to embark on your Lawrenceville journey? Contact us to schedule a consultation and let our expert team help you navigate the admissions process. We're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your unique strengths and aspirations lead you to success at The Lawrenceville School.