Application Preparation
Prepare for the pieces GDS reads
The file combines a required admissions test, report cards, teacher recommendations, graded writing samples and a family interview with a tour.
Checked against GDS's published admissions pages on November 5, 2026.
Testing
Testing.
- Testing rule
- Standardized testing is required to apply. Applicants can submit the HSPT, SSAT or ISEE.
- Older applicants
- Applicants to Grades 10 to 12 can submit a PSAT, SAT or ACT in place of the SSAT or ISEE.
- School-administered tests
- GDS accepts certain school-administered tests, such as ERBs, MAP, SOL, Stanford, IOWA, CTPs, PARCC and CAPE, in place of the SSAT or ISEE.
- 01
Pick one accepted test early and take a full timed practice test before building a study plan.
- 02
Leave room for a second sitting, and confirm that scores reach GDS by the January 13, 2027 supplementary deadline.
Essays
Writing samples and the written file.
- Supplementary materials
- Supplementary materials are transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized testing and graded writing samples.
- The parts
- GDS requires the application, report cards, teacher recommendations and standardized testing for each applicant.
- 01
GDS asks for graded writing samples from the current school. Ask your student which recent graded pieces show their thinking best.
- 02
The pages we reviewed list no High School essay or parent statement. Open the Ravenna portal to confirm what your application asks for.
- 03
Give teachers the supplementary deadline early, since they submit recommendations and transcripts directly.
Interview
An interview that feels like a conversation.
- Requirement
- The first required step is to register for an interview that includes both the applicant and parents or guardians.
- Format
- GDS offers virtual and in-person interviews. At the High School, the interview includes the prospective student and a tour.
- Scheduling
- Interviews are offered on weekdays from mid-September to January. Families do not need to submit the application before the interview. Interview spaces fill quickly.
- 01
Have two or three stories ready that show how your student thinks.
- 02
Practice explaining an interest out loud, without notes.
- 03
Prepare real questions about daily life, advisory and Open Campus.
Preparation plan
A plan that works backward from the deadline.
Adjust the pace to your student's schedule. The order matters more than the exact days.
First
Book the family interview
Interviews run on weekdays from mid-September to January, and spaces fill quickly. You can interview before you submit the application.
Early
Choose and book a test
GDS accepts the HSPT, SSAT or ISEE. Plan the sitting so scores arrive by January 13, 2027.
Next
Ask for recommendations and transcripts
Teachers and the current school submit materials directly, so give them notice and the January 13 date.
By January 6
Submit the application and the aid application
The Ravenna application and the separate Clarity aid application are both due January 6, 2027 for new families.
After submitting
Watch for February 26
Decisions and aid awards are released at 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2027 in Ravenna. Emails are not sent, so log in.