How to Get Into The Lawrenceville School : A Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process

How to Get Into The Lawrenceville School: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re aiming for admission to The Lawrenceville School, you’ve come to the right place. This prestigious boarding and day school in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is one of the nation’s most elite prep schools, consistently sending graduates to Ivy League and top-tier universities. However, securing a spot at Lawrenceville is no easy feat—the school boasts an acceptance rate lower than many top colleges.

With such competitive admissions, families must approach the process with a clear strategy, focusing on what truly matters. Below, we’ll break down Lawrenceville’s application process and share expert insights to help your child stand out

The Lawrenceville School Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Admission Inquiry & Campus Visit

The first step in the process is completing an inquiry form, which grants access to Lawrenceville’s admissions portal. Visiting the historic 700-acre campus—or attending a virtual tour—demonstrates interest and helps students understand the school’s culture. Lawrenceville values students who actively engage in their school selection process, so attending an admissions event or tour can strengthen an application.

2. Application & Financial Aid Forms

Once you have access to the Lawrenceville application, fill out personal details and submit the application fee. For those applying for financial aid, a separate application is required, available at lawrenceville.org/admission. Families who apply for financial aid may have their application fee waived.

3. Student Essays & Short Answers

Unlike some schools, Lawrenceville places a strong emphasis on student essays. These responses give admissions officers a deeper understanding of a student’s personality, interests, and potential contributions to the school. Strong essays should highlight intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a unique passion or “hook.”

4. Interview

All applicants must complete an interview with a member of Lawrenceville’s admissions team. This is a crucial opportunity for students to express their enthusiasm for the school, discuss their academic and extracurricular passions, and demonstrate their character. Practicing thoughtful responses can help applicants make a lasting impression.

5. Standardized Testing

For the 2025-26 admissions cycle, Lawrenceville requires applicants to submit SSAT or ISEE scores. Strong test scores are important but not the only factor—Lawrenceville takes a holistic approach, considering a student’s academic record, recommendations, and personal qualities.

6. Recommendations

Lawrenceville requires three letters of recommendation:

✔ One from a current English teacher

✔ One from a current Math teacher

✔ One from a school administrator or counselor

Strong recommendations should highlight the student’s intellectual engagement, leadership, and character. Encouraging teachers to provide specific examples of growth and achievement can make these letters more impactful.

7. Academic Transcripts & School Reports

Applicants must submit their academic records, which should reflect strong performance in core subjects. Lawrenceville looks for students who challenge themselves academically and demonstrate a love of learning.

How to Stand Out in the Lawrenceville Application Process

With such a competitive applicant pool, students need to showcase what makes them unique. Here’s how to strengthen an application:

✔ Develop a “Singular Hook” – Like elite colleges, Lawrenceville values students who bring a distinct passion or skill to the community—whether in STEM, the arts, athletics, or leadership. Students should identify an area where they excel and are deeply engaged.

✔ Emphasize Intellectual Curiosity – Lawrenceville’s Harkness Method, which encourages student-led discussion, means admissions officers seek students who love engaging in deep conversations and collaborative learning. Essays and interviews should reflect a strong desire to explore ideas.

✔ Engage in Meaningful Extracurriculars – Rather than spreading themselves too thin, students should focus on a few key activities where they have demonstrated leadership or achievement. Quality over quantity is key.

✔ Show Enthusiasm for Lawrenceville’s Unique Community – From its House System to its rigorous academics and athletic programs, Lawrenceville fosters a strong sense of tradition and camaraderie. Students should research and articulate why Lawrenceville is the right fit for them.

Final Thoughts

Getting into The Lawrenceville School is no easy task, but with strategic preparation, students can maximize their chances of admission. If your child is passionate, intellectually curious, and eager to contribute to an elite academic community, Lawrenceville may be the perfect fit.

Start early, craft an authentic and compelling application, and most importantly, let your child’s unique strengths shine.

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