Lawrenceville School review by Princeton University student.
The school's academic program is unparalleled and centers around the Harkness method which consists of students sitting around a "Harkness Table" in discussion-based classes. Class size averages 10-15 students which facilitates a discussion-based curriculum which wholly engages each student in the class. In such a way, the students become accustomed to not merely absorbing information through lecture, but are able to retain it by having to defend the material up for discussion from the professors' questions which are meant to constantly challenge the students' retention. Students are collegial and are more than willing to help one another after class or during study hall. There is certainly no competition which could be termed destructive or which undermines the academic experience. Furthermore, the faculty are approachable during class discussion and certainly after class for any questions a student may have. 'Consultation' periods reserved for one-on-one interaction with faculty and for the students to have any questions answered are available during every academic day. The method which Lawrenceville follows in its academic certainly will prepare me when I attend courses at Princeton University which will prominently feature direct discussion between students.
My experience in the college counseling process at Lawrenceville was superb. We start the process.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Lawrenceville School as experienced by former pupil and Princeton University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
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They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
The admissions process to Lawrenceville is very similar to a college admissions process. The application.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Lawrenceville School by former pupil and Princeton University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
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For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Student house at Lawrenceville revolves around the house system through which all social activities are arranged. Since Lawrenceville is a boarding school, the houses also act as dormitories. However, day students are also assigned to a house and become fully integrated into the house and participate in house activities which include banquets, dances, etc. Each house has a housemaster, assistant housemaster and advisers who are members of the faculty. Additionally, day student parents often volunteer to be "houseparents" and help coordinate the social calendar of the house. Dining at school occurs in the Irwin Dining Center which is a state.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Lawrenceville School as experienced by former pupil and Princeton University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review