Ah, the admissions process! Clearly, a student will not be attending a private school without successfully completing the admissions process, but for many the thought of completing all of the forms and other important parts of the admissions process is like doing their taxes. Yuck! Well, actually I have good news for you - it isn’t as bad as you think. Still, this article is going to be longer than most since there is so much I want to talk about with you.
These days, private schools often go above and beyond to give parents all of the information they need and they are happy to help to streamline the process as much as they can. For example, while helping a student with her application for a private high school in the DC area this week I discovered a wonderful YouTube video posted by their Director of Admissions. In it he walked step-by-step through the entire process and then answered a list of FAQs. Wonderful!
What are the most important tips for parents and private school applicants to consider at a high level?
Parents seeking admission for their children to private schools often face a competitive and rigorous process. Here are some important tips for parents navigating this journey:
Start Early: Begin the application process early. Private schools often have specific deadlines and requirements, so starting early allows you to gather all necessary documents, fill out forms, and meet deadlines without feeling rushed.
Research Schools: Thoroughly research potential private schools to find the best fit for your child. Consider factors such as academic programs, extracurricular activities, class sizes, teacher credentials, and the school's overall philosophy and values.
Attend Open Houses and Tours: Take advantage of open houses, school tours, and information sessions. These events provide an opportunity to interact with staff, teachers, and current students, allowing you to get a better feel for the school's environment.
Understand Admission Criteria: Private schools may have specific admission criteria, which can include academic records, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Understand these criteria and ensure your child meets or exceeds them.
Prepare for Admissions Tests: Many private schools require standardized tests as part of the admissions process. Prepare your child by familiarizing them with the test format, providing practice materials, and possibly considering tutoring if needed.
Highlight Extracurricular Activities: Private schools often value well-rounded individuals. Showcase your child's involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, and any unique talents or achievements they may have.
Emphasize Character and Values: Private schools often seek students who align with their values and mission. Emphasize your child's character, values, and any instances where they have demonstrated leadership, responsibility, or resilience.
Write a Strong Personal Statement: If required, help your child craft a compelling personal statement or essay. This is an opportunity for them to express their personality, interests, and reasons for wanting to attend the particular school.
Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions with your child to help them feel more comfortable and confident during the admissions interview. Encourage them to speak about their experiences, interests, and goals.
Show Continued Interest: Demonstrate your continued interest in the school by attending events, staying in touch with admissions officers, and expressing enthusiasm for the school's programs. This can be done through emails, phone calls, or thank-you notes after interviews.
Be Financially Prepared: Understand the financial commitment associated with private schools, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses. Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options if needed.
Be Realistic: While aiming high is commendable, it's important to be realistic about your child's abilities and the school's expectations. Consider schools that align with your child's strengths and interests.
Remember that each private school has its own unique application process, so it's crucial to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by each institution. Good communication with the admissions office and a positive, proactive approach will enhance your child's chances of gaining admission to their desired private school.
OK, that was helpful, but what about the admissions process specifically?
The admissions process for private schools will vary by school, but here is a general overview of the typical steps involved:
Inquiry and Research: Begin by expressing your interest in the school. This might involve attending open houses, requesting information packets, or reaching out to the admissions office for details.
Application Submission: Complete the school's application form accurately and thoroughly. This often includes providing personal information, academic records, teacher recommendations, and any other required documentation.
Standardized Testing: Many private schools require standardized test scores, such as the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Prepare your child for these tests and ensure that scores are submitted to the schools of interest.
Recommendation Letters: Obtain recommendation letters from current or former teachers who can speak to your child's academic abilities, character, and suitability for the school. Ensure that these letters are submitted by the specified deadline.
Transcript Submission: Provide the school with your child's academic transcripts. This includes report cards, standardized test scores, and any other relevant academic records.
Interviews: Many private schools conduct interviews as part of the admissions process. Prepare your child by practicing common interview questions and emphasizing the importance of expressing themselves clearly and confidently.
Entrance Exams and Assessments: Some schools may require additional assessments, interviews, or entrance exams to evaluate a student's academic and social readiness for the school's environment.
Parental Interviews or Meetings: In addition to student interviews, some private schools may request interviews or meetings with parents. This is an opportunity for parents to ask questions, discuss their child's educational goals, and understand the school's expectations.
Visit the School: Schedule a visit to the school, if possible. This allows you and your child to tour the campus, observe classes, and get a firsthand feel for the school's culture and atmosphere.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: If applying for financial aid or scholarships, submit the necessary documentation according to the school's instructions. Be aware of deadlines and provide any additional information requested by the financial aid office.
Admission Decision: Private schools typically notify families of admission decisions on a specific date. This could be communicated through letters, emails, or an online portal. Some schools may also offer rolling admissions.
Enrollment: If accepted, follow the enrollment process promptly. This may involve submitting enrollment forms, paying a deposit, and providing additional documentation required for enrollment.
Remember that the admissions process can be competitive, and it's crucial to adhere to all deadlines and requirements. If your child is not accepted, consider seeking feedback from the admissions office to understand areas for improvement and explore other educational options. Keep in mind that every school has its own unique process, so closely follow the guidelines provided by each institution to maximize your child's chances of success.
My child’s school includes many optional fields in the application. When should I fill them out and include them?
When Encouraged by the School: Some private schools explicitly invite applicants to share any additional information they believe is relevant to their application. If the school provides an optional information section or encourages applicants to share more about themselves, take advantage of this opportunity.
When It Strengthens the Application: Share optional information when it enhances your application. If there are specific achievements, extracurricular activities, or experiences that showcase your abilities, character, or potential contribution to the school community, consider providing this information.
Addressing Academic Challenges: If there are any challenges or anomalies in the academic record that you feel warrant an explanation, consider sharing this information. It could be a semester with lower grades due to personal circumstances, a change in schools, or any other relevant context.
Highlighting Special Talents or Achievements: If you have special talents, accomplishments, or awards that were not adequately covered in the required application materials, consider sharing this information in the optional section. This could include achievements in sports, the arts, community service, or any other notable areas.
Explaining Gaps in Education: If there are gaps in your educational history, whether due to personal reasons, medical issues, or other circumstances, you may want to provide an explanation in the optional information section. This helps the admissions committee understand your journey more comprehensively.
Expressing Interest and Fit: Use the optional section to express your genuine interest in the school and explain why you believe it's an excellent fit for you. Highlight specific aspects of the school's programs, values, or community that resonate with you.
Demonstrating Growth and Resilience: If there have been challenges or setbacks in your academic or personal life that you've overcome, and if these experiences have contributed to your personal growth and resilience, consider sharing them. This can provide a deeper understanding of your character.
Avoiding Redundancy: Be mindful of redundancy. If the information you want to share is already well-covered in other parts of your application, it might not be necessary to repeat it in the optional section.
Following Guidelines: Always follow the guidelines provided by the school. If there is a specific format or word limit for optional information, adhere to it. Being concise and focused is key.
Remember that the goal of sharing optional information is to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of who you are as an applicant. It's an opportunity to contribute positively to your application, so choose the information you share thoughtfully and strategically.
My child has never taken an entrance exam before. How can I best prepare them?
Preparing for entrance exams, especially for private schools, requires a combination of effective study strategies, time management, and a supportive environment. Here are some tips to help your child prepare for entrance exams:
Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize your child with the format of the entrance exam. Understand the types of questions, the time allotted for each section, and any specific instructions provided by the exam organizers.
Create a Study Schedule: Develop a realistic and structured study schedule. Break down the study material into manageable sections and allocate specific time slots for each. Ensure there are breaks to prevent burnout.
Start Early: Begin the preparation well in advance to allow for a gradual and thorough review of the material. Cramming is generally less effective than consistent, spaced-out studying.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Assess your child's strengths and weaknesses in different subject areas. Focus on reinforcing strengths while dedicating more time to improving areas of weakness.
Use Official Study Materials: Utilize official study materials provided by the exam organizers or recommended by the school. These materials are designed to align with the exam content and format.
Practice with Past Papers: Practice with previous years' exam papers to get a sense of the types of questions that may be asked. This helps your child become familiar with the exam structure and identify areas that may need more attention.
Simulate Exam Conditions: Conduct practice exams under timed conditions to simulate the actual testing environment. This helps your child develop effective time management skills and reduce test anxiety.
Provide a Quiet Study Environment: Ensure your child has a quiet and comfortable place to study. Minimize distractions and create an environment conducive to focused learning.
Encourage Regular Breaks: Breaks are essential for maintaining concentration. Encourage your child to take short breaks during study sessions to rest and recharge.
Seek Help When Needed: If your child is struggling with certain topics, consider seeking additional help from teachers, tutors, or online resources. Addressing difficulties early can prevent them from becoming major obstacles.
Incorporate Varied Study Techniques: Use a variety of study techniques to keep your child engaged. This can include flashcards, visual aids, mnemonic devices, and interactive learning methods.
Encourage Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, eats nutritious meals, and engages in physical activity. A healthy lifestyle positively contributes to cognitive function and concentration.
Provide Emotional Support: Offer emotional support and encouragement throughout the preparation process. Reassure your child that you believe in their abilities and that exams are opportunities to showcase their knowledge.
Review and Reflect: Regularly review the material your child has studied and encourage reflection on their progress. Identify areas of improvement and adjust the study plan accordingly.
Remember that the key to successful exam preparation is consistency, a positive mindset, and a well-organized study approach. Tailor the preparation strategies to your child's individual needs and learning style for the best results.
My child has never been interviewed before either. How can I best prepare them for the admissions interview?
Preparing a student for a school admissions interview is important to help them feel comfortable and confident during the process. Here are some tips to assist you in preparing your child for the interview:
Explain the Purpose: Begin by explaining to your child why they are going to the interview. Emphasize that it's an opportunity for the school to get to know them better and for them to ask questions about the school.
Practice with Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews at home to help your child get accustomed to answering questions. Ask them about their interests, hobbies, favorite subjects, and any special talents they have. Encourage them to speak clearly and express themselves.
Discuss Common Interview Questions: Talk to your child about the types of questions they might be asked during the interview. Common questions include:
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- What is your favorite subject in school?
- Do you have any favorite books or hobbies?
- Why do you want to attend this school?
Teach Good Eye Contact and Body Language: Emphasize the importance of making eye contact and using positive body language during the interview. Practice these skills during mock interviews, ensuring your child maintains friendly and engaged posture.
Encourage Them to Ask Questions: Remind your child that the interview is also an opportunity for them to ask questions about the school. Encourage them to think about what they want to know, whether it's about the classes, teachers, or extracurricular activities.
Highlight Positive Traits: Discuss positive traits and experiences that your child can mention during the interview. This could include teamwork, leadership in school projects, or any special achievements or interests.
Reinforce Politeness and Respect: Remind your child about the importance of being polite and respectful. Encourage them to listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and take a moment to think before responding.
Visit the School Ahead of Time: If possible, visit the school with your child before the interview. Familiarizing them with the surroundings can help alleviate anxiety on the interview day.
Create a Positive Mindset: Foster a positive mindset by emphasizing that the interview is an opportunity to share their unique qualities. Reinforce the idea that being themselves is the best approach.
Discuss the Dress Code: Talk to your child about the appropriate dress code for the interview. Dressing neatly and in accordance with the school's expectations can create a positive impression.
Stay Calm and Supportive: Reassure your child that it's okay to feel a bit nervous, and let them know that you believe in their ability to do well. Offer words of encouragement and support.
Debrief After the Interview: After the interview, discuss your child's experience. Ask them how they felt, what questions were asked, and if there's anything they would like to share. This can also be an opportunity to address any concerns or misconceptions they may have.
Remember that the goal is for your child to feel comfortable and authentic during the interview. By providing guidance, practicing, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can help your elementary-aged student navigate the admissions interview with confidence.
I take pride in helping students with all of these steps and I’ve built an entire business for just that purpose. Don’t make the journey alone! Remember when I compared completing a school application to doing your taxes? Do you do your own taxes or do you hire someone else to do them for you? Which is more important to you to get done right? If you want a pro to help you with your child’s school application then contact me at [email protected].
See you next time!
