Admissions Overview

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 time as you possibly can to accomplish this task.

While this video pertains to the college admissions process,

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