“Cardinal Education helped our son find his voice for Harkness-style discussion long before he ever sat at that oval table. He walked into his Lawrenceville interview ready.”
The Lawrenceville School Admissions Guide
How to Get Into The Lawrenceville School.
The Lawrenceville School is one of the most selective boarding and day schools in the country — a coeducational 9th–12th grade institution in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, renowned for the Harkness Method and a legacy stretching back to 1810. Cardinal Education knows exactly what it takes to get in, at every entry point.
ABOUT THE LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL
The Lawrenceville School: A leading 9–12 boarding and day school in New Jersey
Founded in 1810 as Maidenhead Academy, The Lawrenceville School is one of the oldest boarding schools in the country. Set on a historic campus in Lawrence Township, New Jersey, Lawrenceville became coeducational in 1987 and today draws boarding and day students from across the country and abroad.
Lawrenceville is best known for the Harkness Method — a discussion-based approach where students and teachers sit around an oval table as equal participants, rather than sitting through lectures. Its House System places students in small residential communities led by faculty, reinforcing the school’s guiding pillars of House, Harkness, and Heart.
Admission is highly selective, with the school looking for students who will thrive in a rigorous, discussion-driven environment and contribute to House life. Ninth grade (Form II) is the primary entry point with the most available seats, while 10th and 11th grade (Form III and Form IV) admission is possible but limited.
~800
Total enrollment
Across boarding and day students in grades 9–12
1810
Founded
Originally established as Maidenhead Academy — now one of the nation’s oldest boarding schools
Form II
Primary entry grade
Ninth grade offers the widest and most competitive entry window
Form III & IV
Additional entry grades
10th and 11th grade transfer admission — a smaller, more selective path
ENTRY POINTS
Two Main Entry Points, Different Strategies.
Whether your child is applying as a 9th grade Form II student or transferring in at 10th or 11th grade, the approach — and what Lawrenceville is evaluating — shifts meaningfully. We tailor our strategy accordingly.
Form II — Ninth Grade, the Primary Entry Point
Lawrenceville Form II Admissions: The School’s Widest Entry Window
Ninth grade is where Lawrenceville admits its largest incoming class, making it the most accessible — though still highly selective — entry point. The school is evaluating academic readiness, intellectual curiosity, and fit with the Harkness discussion model. We help students show they’re ready to contribute, not just keep up.
SSAT or ISEE preparation and score strategy
Student essay and interview coaching
Transcript and recommendation positioning
Campus visit and interview-day preparation
Application timeline and strategy across boarding schools
Form III & IV — Tenth & Eleventh Grade Transfer
Lawrenceville Form III & IV Admissions: A Smaller, More Selective Path
Transferring into Lawrenceville at 10th or 11th grade means competing for a limited number of seats, often to fill space left by students who’ve departed. We help transfer applicants build a compelling, honest case for why Lawrenceville — and why now — while managing standardized testing that can include SAT or ACT scores alongside SSAT/ISEE.
SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, or ACT score strategy
Student essay and interview coaching
Transfer-specific narrative development
Transcript and recommendation positioning
Application timeline and sequencing
WHY CARDINAL EDUCATION
We Know What The Lawrenceville School Is Actually Looking For.
Lawrenceville sees far more qualified applicants than it can admit, with an acceptance rate around 18%. What separates the students who get in isn’t only test scores — it’s whether they can genuinely thrive in a Harkness classroom and contribute to House life.
Lawrenceville-specific positioning
Essay & interview coaching
Boarding school landscape expertise
Out-of-state & international support
Family Testimonials
What Families Say.
Admissions outcomes start with the right story
Essay clarity
Interview confidence
Family guidance
Ready to Begin?
Start Your Lawrenceville School Admissions Journey Today.
Schedule a consultation with Cardinal Education and learn how our Lawrenceville School admissions experts can help your child put their best foot forward.