An Insider's Guide on How to Get Into St. Paul's School

St. Paul's School (SPS) in Concord, New Hampshire, is consistently ranked among the most elite and selective boarding schools in the world. As a fully residential school with a strong Episcopal tradition and a commitment to holistic growth, SPS seeks students who will thrive in a tight-knit, demanding academic and communal environment.

With an acceptance rate typically hovering around 16%, St. Paul's is not merely seeking high-achieving students; it is looking for leaders, innovators, and kind community members ready to commit to the SPS 360 philosophy. This expert guide details the strategy required to successfully navigate the competitive admissions process and understand how to get into St. Paul's School.

Step 1: Meet the High Academic and Testing Threshold

Many families ask how to get get into St. Paul's School. Your application will be assessed against a pool of applicants who are almost universally excellent. To be competitive, your student's academic profile must be flawless.

Academic Excellence

St. Paul’s academic program is rigorous, with an average class size of just 10 students. The foundation of your application must be a consistent record of "A" grades (or equivalent Honors/High Honors) in the most demanding courses available at your student’s current school for the last two to three years.

• Rigor: Admissions officers look for students who have actively sought out challenge, particularly in core subjects like Math, English, and Science.

• Transcripts: Transcripts must reflect an upward or consistent trajectory of academic mastery, proving your student is ready for a college-preparatory curriculum.

Standardized Testing Requirements

Unlike some peer institutions, St. Paul's requires standardized testing for all applicants. The scores serve as an objective benchmark against the highly competitive national and international applicant pool.

Standardized Test	Competitive Score Range	Notes for Applicants
SSAT Percentile	85th to 95th percentile (Middle 50%)	The average percentile of admitted students is historically around 89% for St. Paul's School. A score below the 85th percentile makes acceptance significantly more challenging.
Accepted Tests	SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, PreACT, ACT, or SAT.	St. Paul's accepts a variety of tests, allowing applicants flexibility, but the SSAT or ISEE is most common for 9th- and 10th-grade entry.
International Applicants	TOEFL (typically 100+), IELTS (typically 7.5+), or Duolingo English Test (125+).	These are required if English has not been the primary language of instruction for three or more years.

Step 2: Define Your "SPS 360" Community Contribution

St. Paul's is 100% residential, making the quality of community life paramount. The Admissions Committee seeks applicants who embody the spirit of SPS 360, which integrates social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth.

Showcase Depth, Not Just Activity

Like all elite schools, St. Paul's values deep commitment and leadership over a long list of fleeting activities. Admissions officers look for an applicant’s potential to enrich the residential life.

• Commitment: Highlight long-term involvement in 1-2 key areas: arts, athletics, or service. Did your student start a club? Mentor younger students? Achieve a high rank in a competitive sport?

• Talent Supplements: If your student has exceptional talent in sports, music, dance, or art, utilize the optional supplemental materials. These are crucial for the recruited athlete, the accomplished classical musician, or the dedicated visual artist to demonstrate a high-level contribution.

The Required Interview and Personal Narrative

The interview is mandatory and one of the most critical elements, as it determines the student’s "fit" and maturity for a fully residential community.

• Be Authentic: Admissions officers want to hear the student’s genuine voice. Be prepared to discuss specific courses, facilities, or community aspects that excite you and why SPS is the only place that can foster your unique interests.

• Show Character: St. Paul's emphasizes character. The interview is a chance to convey kindness, humor, resilience, and a desire to serve others—traits that ensure a positive contribution to dorm life and Saturday classes.

Step 3: Ensure Your Qualitative Documents Align

The application essays and recommendations must work together to tell a cohesive, compelling story that confirms your student is ready for life at SPS.

The Power of Recommendations

SPS requires recommendations from your current English Teacher, Math Teacher, Principal/Counselor, and a Personal Recommendation (plus an optional Special Interest Recommendation).

• Consistency is Key: The letters must affirm the image presented in the rest of the application. If your application highlights leadership, the counselor's letter should provide a concrete example of it.

• The Personal Recommendation: Choose an adult (non-family) who can speak to your student's character, integrity, and collaborative spirit outside of the classroom—perhaps a coach, religious leader, or community service supervisor.

Crafting the Essay and Candidate Statement

Avoid broad philosophical statements. Focus on specific anecdotes that showcase intellectual curiosity and emotional growth.

• Intellectual Vitality: Discuss a complex idea, a book, or a failed project that genuinely sparked your student's passion. Show how your student thinks, not just what they've achieved.

• Connection to Community: In the required essay or parent statement, express a clear understanding of the Episcopal tradition and the value of a fully residential experience, emphasizing community, reflection, and service.

Step 4: Follow the Strict Application Timeline

The SPS admissions timeline is non-negotiable. Applications are typically managed through the Gateway to Prep Schools portal.

Deadline Component	Date	Action Item
Application & Financial Aid	January 15	All required forms, essays, transcripts, and financial aid documents are due.
Standardized Testing	January 15	Scores must be submitted by this date. Testing should be scheduled well in advance (ideally by November/December).
Admissions Decisions	March 10	Decisions are posted online (often referred to as "Ten Schools Day").
Enrollment Contract	April 10	Deadline for admitted students to accept the offer of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average SSAT score for accepted students at St. Paul's School?

While there is a wide range of accepted scores, the average SSAT score is typically around the 89th percentile. A score in the 85th-95th percentile is considered competitive.

Does St. Paul's School offer financial aid?

Yes. St. Paul's is committed to affordability, with approximately 38% of students receiving need-based financial aid. They are need-blind for U.S. citizens and meet the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted families.

Can I apply for 11th or 12th grade?

SPS primarily enrolls students in the 9th grade (Third Form) and sometimes in the 10th grade (Fourth Form) to fill seats left by attrition. Applications for the 11th or 12th grade are extremely limited and reserved for students with truly exceptional and specific profiles.