Application Preparation
Prepare across every part of the application
Create a preparation cycle that strengthens evidence, reflection, communication, and academic readiness.
Checked against Choate's published admissions pages on October 6, 2026.
Testing
Testing.
- Testing policy
- Standardized testing is optional for admission to Choate.
- Grade 9
- For the current cycle, grade 9 applicants who submit scores may send SSAT or ISEE results taken on or after June 2026.
- Superscoring
- Choate superscores the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, and ACT, using the highest section scores across test dates.
- 01
Pick one test early and take a full timed practice test before building a study plan.
- 02
Leave room for a second sitting before the application deadline, if the school allows it.
Essays
Essays that sound like your student.
- Essays
- Part 2 of the Gateway application for Choate includes applicant essays.
- Parent statement
- Part 2 of the Gateway application for Choate includes a Parent/Guardian Statement.
- 01
Collect specific moments first: what happened, what your student decided, and what changed.
- 02
Draft for substance before style. Polish only after the reflection is clear.
- 03
Keep any parent statement in the parent's voice and focused on the student.
Interview
An interview that feels like a conversation.
- Requirement
- Choate says an admission interview is strongly encouraged and must be completed during the current application cycle.
- Format
- All Choate admission interviews take place online; in-person interviews are not offered.
- Length
- The interview appointment lasts 45 minutes, with the first 20 to 25 minutes spent one-on-one with the student.
- 01
Prepare two or three stories, not scripted answers.
- 02
Practice explaining an interest out loud, including what your student still wants to learn.
- 03
Bring one or two real questions about daily life at the school.
Preparation plan
A preparation plan that works backward from the deadline.
Adjust the pace to your student's schedule. The order matters more than the exact weeks.
Weeks 1-2
Map the application
List every part of the application and its due date from the school website, then decide who owns each piece.
Weeks 2-5
Draft the essays
Write honest first drafts in your student's own voice, then submit them for instructor feedback.
Weeks 3-6
Decide on testing
Testing is optional at Choate. Take one timed practice test first, then decide whether a score will help the application.
Weeks 5-8
Revise with feedback
Use the line-by-line notes to cut what is generic and strengthen what is specific.
Before the interview
Practice real conversation
Talk through interests, reading, and activities out loud so answers sound natural, not memorized.
Final two weeks
Check every piece
Proofread, confirm every requirement is complete, and submit before the deadline.