Aidan Armaly

What is your name? What grade are you currently in academically, if applicable? What year is this for you at this school or what year did you graduate? 

My name is Aidan Armaly, and I’m a senior at the University of Pennsylvania.

Which preparatory school did you attend, and what key factors influenced your decision to enroll at that institution? 

I attended the Groton School because I wanted to challenge myself academically and prepare for college-level responsibilities while continuing to play high-level hockey.

Please describe a typical day during the competitive season, including your schedule and the balance between training, academics, and other commitments. 

During the season, my days started with classes from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After school, I lifted from 4:00 to 5:00, then had hockey practice from 5:00 to 6:30. After practice, I’d eat dinner and study or complete homework until around 11:00 p.m.

How does your daily routine differ during the off-season? Outline your typical activities, including any training, rest, or personal development efforts. 

In the off-season, I focused more on lifting and running than skating, since I played split-season hockey. I also participated in other sports, which helped keep me active and balanced.

How did you manage to balance your athletic responsibilities with your academic coursework? Feel free to share specific strategies or resources that were particularly helpful. 

Balancing both came down to being proactive and communicating. If I had a busy week ahead, I’d complete assignments early over the weekend. When I needed extra help, I met with my teachers one-on-one. I learned that it’s possible to give 100% to both hockey and academics if you bring the same focus and effort to each.

What are your professional objectives over the next five years, and in what ways has attending a preparatory school contributed to or shaped these goals? 

I’m currently working in technology consulting at Bain in New York, helping private-equity clients. I wouldn’t have had the same college or career opportunities without the lessons and discipline I gained at Groton.

If you could offer one piece of advice to prospective students considering a similar preparatory program, what would it be and why?

 Know why you’re applying to prep school. Don’t do it just for hockey or because your peers are—do it because you want to grow. Prep school offers incredible opportunities if you’re intentional and willing to put in the work.