Upper School Admissions Process

Your Application, Step by Step

Applying to Upper School should feel manageable. Your parent portal will guide you through each required item and allow you to track your progress throughout the process. Students applying to Grades 9–12 through Regular Decision or Early Action (Grade 9) should complete the steps below.

Already submitted an inquiry? Use your existing parent portal login so your information remains connected and you do not create a duplicate account.

Start or Continue Your Application

Regular Decision
Regular Decision applications for Grades 5–12 open October 1, 2026.

Applications open: October 1
Application deadline: December 15
Financial aid deadline: December 15
Decision date: January 21

Early Action

A non-binding option for Grade 9 applicants who are ready to make Nichols a priority in their school search.

Applications open: September 14
Application deadline: December 1
Decisions released: December 5
Enrollment deadline: December 19

How to Complete Your Application

List of 6 items.

Start Your Application

Create an account or log in to your existing parent portal and complete the student and parent sections of the application. Both sections should be submitted before the student interview.
Request Recommendations and Your Student's Transcript
All forms and instructions are available through the parent portal checklist, including:
1. A recommendation from their current English teacher
2. A recommendation from their current math teacher
3. A transcript release form to request report cards from the past three years
4. Optional recommendations in Arts or Athletics
Complete the Writing Sample

All Upper School applicants submit a writing sample as part of the application. The writing prompt and submission instructions will appear on your student's checklist in the parent portal.
Complete the Upper School Admissions Test
Complete our web-based assessment in reading and mathematics. The test may be taken on campus or remotely. A complete application and advance registration in your parent portal are required for all test dates.

2026–27 Testing Date Options:
1. Thursday, October 29, 2026
2. Thursday, November 12, 2026
3. Saturday, December 12, 2026
4. Wednesday, December 30, 2026
5. Friday, January 15, 2027
Complete the Student Interview

The student interview gives our Admissions Team the opportunity to learn more about your student's interests, strengths, and experiences while giving your family another opportunity to ask questions about Nichols. Interviews may take place on campus or via Zoom.

To schedule, contact admissions@nicholsschool.org or 716-332-6325.
Student Campus Visit

A campus visit gives your student an opportunity to experience Nichols firsthand while giving our Admissions Team another opportunity to get to know them.

Upcoming opportunities are listed on our admissions events page. Options include an Open House, a Viking Visit, See Us In Action, or a small group tour if needed. A started application is required before registering for a Viking Visit. Once eligible, available dates can be selected through the parent portal.

View Admissions Events →

Applying for Financial Aid?

Financial aid is a separate process that can be completed alongside your admissions application. Families requesting need-based financial aid must submit a financial aid application through Clarity.

Deadline: December 15, 2026

Explore Tuition & Aid

Track Your Progress

Your parent portal is your central resource throughout the application process. Log in at any time to review outstanding checklist items, submit materials, register for applicant experiences, and track your progress.

Questions Along the Way?

Every family arrives with different questions, priorities, and circumstances. Tell us a little about your student and what has led you to consider Nichols. Our admissions team will help you identify the most useful next step.