FAQ

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What is Masters looking for in a prospective student?

  Our Admission Committee takes a holistic approach to admission. We consider all aspects of an applicant’s file including transcripts, teacher and administrator recommendations, a graded writing sample, and parent/guardian and student interviews.
  
  Masters is a community built on academic excellence, integrity and social concern. Whether a student is a budding mathematician, pre-professional musician or collegiate-bound athlete, Masters asks every student to be an active participant in all facets of school life.

• Do I need to complete my application before my interview?

  Yes, middle school, upper school day, and international upper school boarding applicants must submit an application prior to scheduling an interview. The application for day students is due December 10, 2024. The application for boarding students is due January 15, 2025.
  
  For domestic upper school boarding applicants, an inquiry must be submitted prior to scheduling an interview.
  
  A full outline of our application procedures can be found here.

• What should I expect from my interview?

  The interview is a key part of our application process. It is an opportunity to meet with a member of the Admission team to learn more about the School. More importantly, it is an opportunity for us to learn more about you! The interview is meant to be comfortable and engaging, not intimidating. 

• When is the best time to start the admission process?

  Students should start the admission process in the fall before the desired year of entry. For students applying for the 2025-2026 school year, the Admission Office will host a variety of events, including a Saturday Open House. These events are excellent opportunities to learn more about the School.

• When are applications due?

  For those applying to the middle or upper school day program, applications are due by December 10, 2024. Supporting materials (teacher and administrator recommendations, a graded writing sample, transcripts) are due by January 10, 2025. 
  
  For those applying to the five- or seven-day boarding program, the application deadline is January 15, 2025. Supporting materials (teacher and administrator recommendations, a graded writing sample, transcripts, and English proficiency testing, if applicable) are due by February 1, 2025.

• What are the most common entry points at Masters, and how many students do you typically admit?

  Grades 5, 6 and 9 are the most common and largest points of entry into Masters. Fifth grade is intentionally small, and we typically enroll 15 students. We add an additional 30 students in sixth grade. We expand our eighth grade from a usual 60 students to approximately 120 to 125 students in ninth grade. It’s important to note that this new cohort in ninth grade includes both day and boarding students.
  
  We often admit students in non-traditional entry points, as well.

• Do you accept new students into grade 12 or for a postgraduate (PG) year?

  We do not admit students into grade 12, nor do we have a PG program. 

• Will Masters accept applications after the stated deadline?

  If you are considering Masters after the stated deadline, please contact the Admission Office to find out if space is available.

• Where do most Masters students come from?

  Currently, Masters has students from 10 states, 26 countries and 120 local zip codes. Day students come from New York City, Westchester County, Connecticut and New Jersey. Boarding students come from a variety of locations, from local towns to countries as far away as China or New Zealand. 
  
  District busing from local towns; private busing from New York City, Southern Connecticut and Westchester County; and the Metro-North Commuter Railroad’s Hudson line, which stops at towns to the north and south of Dobbs Ferry, make Masters a convenient commute for many of our families.

• How much does it cost to apply to Masters?

  The current fee for domestic applicants is $75 and $150 for international applicants.

• Is it possible to obtain a waiver to cover the cost of the application fee?

  Yes, families seeking an application waiver can contact us at admission@mastersny.org.