We cover every aspect of the admissions process so that you and your child know what to expect.

How Admissions Works

• Admissions to Primary and Pre-School: A-Z
  For many reasons it can be more difficult to get your child into a preschool or kindergarten than into a prep school. Here's an overview of the process.
• Why Should I Send My Child to Your School?
  There are many reasons why you would want to send your child to a particular school. Let's examine the main ones.
• 5 Admissions Mistakes
  These five common admissions mistakes can and should be avoided.
• 5 Admissions Tips for International Students
  In addition to complying with all the usual admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa. Here are five tips to help you navigate the admissions process.
• Admissions to Private School: A-Z
  Admissions to Private School: A-Z puts all the information you need to navigate the private school admissions process in one convenient place. Whether you are just beginning or have been through this before, you will find help and advice to guide you.
• Application Calendar
  Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
• The Scramble for Places in Primary Schools
  It is almost as tough getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university.
• They Didn't Accept My Child!
  You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
• Waitlisted? What Next?
  Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
• What If I Miss The Deadlines?
  Finding a school which will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done.
• Why Should I Admit Your Child?
  Why should I admit your child? We examine some of the things needed to get into private school.
• Your Admissions Profile
  The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.

Applications

The applications process consists of several parts.

• Admissions: The Acceptance Letter
  The desired result of taking the admissions test, visiting schools and submitting all that paperwork is to receive an acceptance letter. Here's how to handle this part of the admissions process.
• Applications - The Candidate's Statement
  Among the many forms which you must complete when applying to private school is something called The Candidate Statement. Here's what it is all about.
• Applications - The Parent's Statement
  Part of most school's admissions package is something called the Parent's Statement. We take a look at this document and offer advice on how to complete it.
• Applications - Principal/Head/Counselor Recommendation Form
  Most schools require confidential recommendation forms as part of the application process.
• Applications - Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts
  Teacher recommendations and transcripts are an important part of the applications process.
• First Choice Letters and Personal Letters of Recommendation
  Getting your child into a competitive school is a tough assignment. Before you tear your hair out worrying about all the details, there is a simple solution.
• How Do I Apply?
  You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
• Is It Too Late to Apply?
  Starting the admissions process and getting into a private school in late spring and early summer is a challenge.

Test Preparation

Standardized admissions tests require thorough preparation and practice. You will find test prep texts and other materials here.

• Admissions Testing: Preschoolers
  The pressure to get your child into the right school starts at a very early age. We look at some of the assessment hurdles your child might face depending on which school you are considering.
• Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Strategies
  Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
• COOP, HSPT and TACHS
  You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
• Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
  SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review.
• How To Read The Test Scores
  SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
• Preparing for Admissions Tests
  Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
• Preparing for TOEFL
  Applicants to American private schools for whom English is not their first language must take a test known as TOEFL.
• Should You Prep Your 4 Year Old?
  To prep for the preschool admissions test or not to prep. That is the question.
• SSAT and ISSE
  Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
• The Writing Sample
  At some point in the admissions' process, your child is going to have to write an essay sometimes referred to as The Writing Sample. Here's how to cope with that challenge.

School Visits and Interviews

After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person.

• 5 Things Every Private School Applicant Should Do
  Most of these suggestions are common sense. The secret to applying to private schools is to get a head start on the process.
• 5 Tips for a Successful Admissions Interview
  When you meet with the admissions staff, create a favorable impression by following these tips.
• The Interview
  Part of the admissions requirements of almost every private school is the interview. While it sounds as though this is a one sided exercise, you should be interviewing the admissions personnel as well.
• The Visit
  Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. You need to inspect the campus yourself.
• What If You Cannot Visit The School?
  Distance and finances may preclude your actually visiting schools. But you have some other options.

All Categories:

• Choosing a School (43 articles)
• Paying For It (17 articles)
• School Life (21 articles)
• News (3 articles)
• Employment (35 articles)
• Facts (2 articles)
• FAQ's (3 articles)
• Schools (53 articles)
• Running a School (18 articles)
• Teaching (16 articles)

• SEO for Private Schools - Part 3: Using Social Media
  Social media for private K-12 schools is a bit different from social media for businesses. Some tips and strategies here.
• Handbooks
  A private school handbook is essentially a set of guidelines for life in the school community.
• Why Should I Send My Child to Your School?
  There are many reasons why you would want to send your child to a particular school. Let's examine the main ones.
• More articles: Most Popular, Admissions, Choosing a School, Employment, Facts, FAQ's, News, Paying For It, Schools, School Life, Running a School, Teaching