Admission FAQs

Admission FAQs

Families and students are often curious about similar issues as they begin to consider independent schools. We hope you find the answers you need. If not, please contact us.

What is Nobles looking for in an applicant?

As Nobles is an academically rigorous institution, we seek evidence of strong academic performance and achievement in school. It is also important that an applicant has pursued interests outside of their academic life to become more well-rounded. We care very deeply that an applicant is eager to join our school and become an active part of our school community; there is no one “mold” of a student that we are looking for. We strive to build a community that represents diversity in the broadest sense.

Is one piece of the application more important than another?

First and foremost, we want to be certain that an applicant has the academic ability to succeed here. Therefore, a student’s school performance and teachers’ recommendations are of the utmost importance. Beyond that, we rely on all pieces of the application to help us reach a final, informed decision regarding each candidate.

What is the interview/group activity session visit to Nobles like?

All applicants to our upper school (grades 9-11) are required to interview with a member of the admission staff. The interview is intended to be a casual and free-flowing conversation and will serve as an opportunity for you to learn more about Nobles as we get to know you and your interests. Applicants to our middle school are required to participate in a group activity session in lieu of an interview.  A member of the admission office will lead a small group of middle school applicants through some collaborative activities, which are designed to engage the students to work together on a variety of tasks that are fun for everyone (and there is no need to prepare anything in advance). For more information, please visit our apply page.

 

Can we visit the Nobles campus on our own?

We kindly ask that you refrain from unaccompanied tours of our campus. Please schedule your visit through your Ravenna account.

Given that an interview is a required part of Nobles application process, is it better to interview early in the admission cycle or later?

When you interview has absolutely no bearing on how your application is reviewed. Some have the misconception that an interviewer might better recall a candidate who interviewed closer to the application deadline than one who appeared earlier in the process, but that’s untrue. Our interviewers spend countless hours writing comments about each candidate so that the information is available to application reviewers regardless of when the interview took place. Interview slots do fill up quickly. In order to interview when it is most convenient for you, we recommend you schedule early in the season. To learn how to schedule your interview, please visit our apply page.

What about repeat applicants? Does it work against me in any way if I was previously denied admission to Nobles or placed on the wait list and then decide to apply again?

Every year we have a number of candidates that are repeat applicants. In the process of admission, we consider the qualifications of the student at the time of their current application. If you have applied to Nobles previously, we consider only the credentials of the current application. Having been a previous applicant doesn’t harm you or help you in our process.

What are the standardized testing requirements for a Nobles application?

The standardized testing requirements are different depending upon the grade level that you are applying to. If you are applying to either our seventh or eighth grade, we ask that you submit scores from the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination). If you are applying to the ninth, tenth or eleventh grade, we ask that you submit scores from the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). For our admission purposes, these tests should be taken in the fall or winter of the year in which you apply to Nobles. For more information about registering for the tests, please visit the test association websites. Students applying to the eleventh grade are also given the option to submit scores from the PSAT (Preliminary SAT).

Every application to Nobles is reviewed in its entirety by our application review committees no matter what the submitted test scores happen to be. It is true that we receive a number of applications every year from students with test scores in the top percentile ranges. Even though that is the case, please know that in every accepted class to Nobles, there are students with a range of submitted standardized test scores.

Where do Nobles students come from?

We currently have more than 95 different towns represented in our student body. This includes students who reside in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut.

Does Nobles assist international students with I-20 forms?

No, Nobles does not issue or process I-20 forms. Nobles is not a full boarding school and only offers the 5-day boarding option to 50 students total.

How many available spots are there in each incoming class?

Every year, exact space availability in individual grades changes depending upon the current enrollment at the school. On average, we have fifty-five spots available to fill for seventh grade, approximately five spaces (though this does vary widely from year to year) in eighth grade, sixty-five spaces in ninth grade, no more than ten spaces available in tenth grade and fewer than five spaces available in eleventh grade. Nobles does not enroll new students into twelfth grade.

Where do Nobles students go to college?

Nobles takes pride in finding the right college match for each graduating student.

Learn more about college counseling (including our matriculation list).

What is the Dress Code at Nobles?

All students and faculty should wear clothing that conveys and creates a readiness to teach and learn, and an understanding that how you dress will affect how you are perceived in any learning or work space. Students, faculty and staff are allowed choice with regards to dress, but must adhere to a few guidelines including no leggings, sweatpants or athletic tights (other than leggings or tights as layers under an appropriate skirt or dress), no athletic shorts during the academic day, no graphics and/or inappropriate images, etc.

How does financial aid work at Nobles and how do I apply?

Please visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page and the Financial Aid FAQs page to learn more.