Admissions Overview

This section provides a glimpse into the boarding school admissions process. From how to apply to the 10 things you must not forget, our tips and resources can be a huge benefit to successfully navigating boarding school applications. Find answers to the most common questions, learn when it’s too late to apply and get familiar with the Boarding School Admission Application

View the most popular articles in Admissions Overview:

Using the Boarding Schools Admission Application Form

Updated
|
Using the Boarding Schools Admission Application Form
Navigate the complex path of applying to boarding schools with our comprehensive guide. From understanding each section of the Boarding Schools Admission application form to avoiding common mistakes, this article provides invaluable insights to help applicants succeed.

If you are thinking about a boarding school for your child, you will probably end up exploring the TABS site. The site has many useful features, among them the Admission Application Form.

What's involved?

The Boarding Schools Admission Application aims to simplify the application process. Back in the 90s, each member of TABS had its own application process and forms. As a result, if you applied to three schools, you had three completely different sets of applications to complete and submit. TABS identified the forms which most boarding schools commonly used. Thus was, the Boarding Schools Admission Application Form created.

The manner in which individual boarding schools use the admission application package is up to them. The application package consists of the following forms:

  • General Information
  • Applicant Questionnaire
  • English Teacher Recommendation Form
  • Math Teacher Recommendation Form
  • Head/Principal/Counselor Recommendation Form

Some boarding schools will use the entire set of forms. Others will just use the Recommendation Forms. And so on. Check with each school's admissions office to find out how they want their application prepared.

What's next?

  • Download the forms. You can also view the forms online. They are all in Acrobat's PDF format, which is viewable using the free Acrobat Reader.
  • Determine the forms for each school you are applying to by contacting the admissions offices.
  • Determine the additional forms individual schools may require as part of their admissions application package.
  • Make a list of admissions application deadlines.
  • Make a list
. . .read more

The Boarding School Application Process

Updated
|
The Boarding School Application Process
This article outlines the various methods of applying to boarding schools, including individual school websites, common applications, and paper forms. It provides tips for completing applications, emphasizing the importance of starting early and paying attention to details like teacher recommendations and transcripts.

Back in the 80s, when our daughters applied to boarding schools, the process was entirely paper-driven. The schools sent us thick envelopes full of forms we had to complete. Then, we mailed the completed applications to the schools. Thirty-five years later, I am happy to report that most schools' application processes have gone digital. That makes things so much easier.

These days, there are essentially four ways to apply to boarding schools:

1. Complete the application forms which the school has on its website.
2. Complete the common application, which you can find on the SSAT website.
3. Complete the common application, which you can find on the TABS website.
4. Complete the paper application forms you downloaded or received from the school.

Applications on Individual School Websites

If you are applying to just one or two schools, then it might make the most sense to simply go to those schools' websites and complete the applications right there. Many schools allow you to complete the main application form online. You will still have to download teacher recommendation forms and requests for school transcripts, as well as address and put stamps on the envelopes required.

You can also pay the application fee online with your credit or debit card. But, if you choose to use the school's application forms, remember those are specific to that school. They cannot be used for applications to other schools. That's the fundamental difference between applying on a school website versus using one of the typical applications.

. . .read more

Applying To Schools: Is It Too Late?

Updated
|
Applying To Schools: Is It Too Late?
Can you get your children into private school well after the admissions deadlines have passed? The answer is a guarded "Yes!"

Your husband has just called to say that he got the promotion. The increase in responsibilities and money makes the move exciting. But it's July. And you will be relocating across the country. What are you going to do about the children's schooling? They have just finished 8th and 10th grade in the local public schools, which are in a really fine district. It's too late to apply to a private school, right?

This scenario gets played out in thousands of households all over the globe. If your spouse works for a multinational firm, chances are that he will have to spend some time abroad. It's also certain that your children will have to move in the middle of an academic year. Business never seems to pay heed to school calendars. Business is business and has a mind of its own.

This video discusses dealing with missed deadlines.

So, is it too late to get your children into a private school? Absolutely not. And, frankly, if you have any idea that future moves may be in the offing, you need to consider seriously settling your children into boarding school. The stability of boarding school will help insulate your children from the stress and strain of moving.

Admissions After the Deadlines

Truthfully you will probably not be able to get your children into one of the very selective, highly competitive boarding schools UNLESS you or your

. . .read more

10 Things You Must Not Forget When Applying

Updated
|
10 Things You Must Not Forget When Applying
This article provides a step-by-step guide to boarding school applications, ensuring students don’t overlook critical requirements. From meeting deadlines to preparing for interviews, these 10 must-know tips will help applicants submit a strong and complete application.

10 Things You Must Not Forget When Applying

Applying to boarding school is an exciting journey, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail.

  • Missing key steps in the application process can impact your chances of acceptance.
  • Whether you're preparing essays, securing recommendations, or scheduling interviews, staying organized is essential.

As you begin the process of selecting a boarding school for your child, consider the following ten items.

1. Submit your application before the deadline.

Waiting until the last minute to apply is never a good idea.

  • Ensure your child's admissions folder is completed well before the deadline.
  • Admissions staff are intrinsically well-organized and detail-oriented.

They will appreciate the care and concern that you have shown in completing your child's file as soon as you can. After all, they can only begin their review process once the file is complete.

  • If a school does not have a fixed admissions deadline but instead uses rolling admissions, the same rules of the road apply.
  • Submit your application and all the supporting materials as soon as possible.

2. Give recommendation forms to your child's teachers early.

Don't hand the teacher recommendation forms to the teachers the week before they are due.

  • That's discourteous. Don't forget to put a stamp on all the return envelopes. Teachers will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
  • Recommendation forms take time and care to complete.
  • Give your child's teachers as much
. . .read more

How to Apply to Boarding School

Updated
|
How to Apply to Boarding School
There are several ways to apply to boarding school. We explain how the process works.

You have a couple of ways to apply to boarding school. Choose the method which is easiest for you.

Apply to the Individual Schools

You can always ask the schools to send you an applications package. Many schools have a 'request information' link on their websites. This will explain the applications procedure for that specific school. You will receive all the applications materials on paper. Complete these by hand or use a typewriter if you still have one around (remember typewriters?). Then snail mail the completed applications to the school.

Most schools will also have online applications. Online application forms have the advantage of saving time for the school because the data gets loaded right into their admissions database. The procedure varies from school to school but basically will have some sort of secure log-in where you will find the instructions on how to apply. You complete some forms online. Others, like the teacher recommendation forms, you will download and print.

Use a Common Application

The SSAT offers an online application service they call The Standard Application Online (SAO). Or use the Gateway To Prep Schools Application. This greatly simplifies the applications process for schools that use it. You only have to complete one application which is then transmitted to the schools which you specify.

Stay Organized

Stay organized by using our Applications Calendar. There are many deadlines. And they won't all be the same at different schools. Always submit your application

. . .read more

Recent Articles

Choosing the Best Boarding School: 10 Key Factors (2025)
Choosing the Best Boarding School: 10 Key Factors (2025)
Discover the 10 essential factors for choosing the best boarding school in 2025. Expert tips on academics, costs, fit, and future success.
Is a Therapeutic School What You Need? | 2025 Update
Is a Therapeutic School What You Need? | 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on therapeutic schools: benefits, costs, outcomes, and expert guidance to help families determine if this option is the right fit.
Boarding vs Private Day School: 2025 Guide for Families
Boarding vs Private Day School: 2025 Guide for Families
Compare boarding and private day schools in 2025—discover key differences, costs, academics, social life, and expert tips to find the right fit for your child.

Admissions