How to Apply
The Cardigan Admissions Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis. Decisions are based upon previous school records, the student’s application, teacher recommendations, aptitude testing, and a required interview.
Timeline
While Cardigan does accept, review, and make decisions on applications on a rolling basis, please note the following exceptions:
- International students should submit a completed application by December 15, 2024.
- Day students should submit a completed application by January 31, 2025.
- Students applying for financial aid should submit a completed application and all financial aid materials by January 31, 2025.
Step 1–Submit an Inquiry Form
If you have not yet submitted an inquiry form please click the link below to do so. We will send you and your son a welcome package that includes our 80-page viewbook and other information about any special academic or athletic interests he may have.
Step 2–Plan a Visit & Interview
Visits, campus tours, and interviews are scheduled Monday through Friday and most Saturdays when school is in session. Our Admissions Office staff is ready to help you schedule your visit in advance by phone at 603.523.3548 or email admissions@cardigan.org.
Step 3–Submit Completed Application Forms
Next, please submit all of the application forms, along with the required application fee ($50.00 for domestic applicants and $125.00 for international applicants). If you plan to apply through our Veracross Admissions Portal, please pay the application fee using the button below. If you are using an online application form (through Gateway to Prep Schools or Standard Application Online) you will pay the application fee as part of that process.
If you’re ready to begin the application process, please use our online application within the Veracross Admissions Portal. (If you have not yet submitted our Inquiry Form, please do so now as you will create a login to the Admissions Portal as part of that process.) It’s super easy, and once you create a profile, you can complete the forms at your own pace. Just log in and pick up where you left off!
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Application Checklist
A complete application includes the following:
- Interview with a Cardigan Admissions Officer. Interviews are normally conducted on campus. If a family is unable to travel to campus, we can also schedule a virtual interview. Please call 603.523.3548.
- Application Form
- Records Release Form: Please sign and submit this form to your child’s headmaster, principal, or guidance counselor and ask that the necessary records be sent to Cardigan including a current year grade report.
- Administrative Recommendation: When asking the school for records, please ask the headmaster, principal, or guidance counselor, or a person in a similar position who knows your child well, to submit this evaluation. An official transcript should accompany this form.
- Teacher Recommendations: We would like to have recommendations from your child’s teachers in English and mathematics.
- Parent/Guardian Statement
- Student Statement
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Standardized Testing
Applicants are encouraged to submit recent standardized testing scores from within the last 12 months. We prefer the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). We will also accept the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE), the TOEFL Jr., or the WISC-IV. International students may also take the Duolingo English Proficiency Test for their standardized testing requirement. We must receive an official score report. Cardigan Mountain School’s school code is 2080.
- Information regarding the SSAT can be found at: www.ssat.org
- Information regarding the ISEE can be found at: www.erblearn.org
- Information regarding the TOEFL Jr., can be found at: www.ets.org/toefl_junior
- For information about the WISC-IV, please contact a licensed psychologist.
- Information regarding the Duolingo English Proficiency Test can be found at: https://englishtest.duolingo.com
Cardigan Mountain School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, handicap, sexual orientation, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies or any other program governed by the School.