The Writing Sample

Test Preparation

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 TOEFL
  Applicants to American private schools for whom English is not their first language must take a test known as TOEFL.
• 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. These standardized tests reveal what you have learned in key mastery areas.
• COOP, HSPT and TACHS
  You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
• 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?
• Read more articles (8)

• How Admissions Works (11)
• 5 Admissions Mistakes
  These five common admissions mistakes can and should be avoided.
• 5 Challenges To Getting Your Child Into Private School
  If you are good at organizing projects, the challenges involved in getting your child into private school will not seem especially daunting.
• Why Should I Admit Your Child?
  Why should I admit your child? We examine some of the things needed to get into private school.
• 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.
• 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.
• Application Calendar
  Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
• Does Your Child's Application Have Legs?
  Will your child's application make it to the "Approved" pile? Here's how to give your child's application legs.
• Play the Hand You Have Been Dealt
  Card games such as bridge and solitaire with multiple decks of cards fascinate me. I have learned to play the hand dealt me. So must we all when applying to private school.
• Waitlisted? What Next?
  Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
• 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.
• 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 (9)
• First Choice Letters and Personal Letters of Recommendation
  Getting your child into a competitive school is a tough assignment. Don't let the many challenges overwhelm you. There is a simple solution.
• 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.
• 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 - Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts
  Teacher recommendations and transcripts are an important part of the applications process.
• 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.
• 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?
• 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 involved in preparing this document.
• How Do I Apply?
  You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
• Applications - Principal/Head/Counselor Recommendation Form
  Most schools require confidential recommendation forms as part of the application process. The forms coming from your child's current school and teachers need to be handled according instructions given in the admissions materials.
• School Visits and Interviews (6)
• 5 Tips for a Successful Admissions Interview
  When you meet with the admissions staff, create a favorable impression by following these tips.
• 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.
• 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.
• Visiting Schools: Open House, Shadow, Overnight or Tour?
  Visiting schools is a necessary part of evaluating the schools on your short list. Here are several ways schools will arrange those visits.
• 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.

• What's the Difference Between a Letter of Interest and a Cover Letter?
  Letters of interest and cover letters are frequently used interchangeably even though they have different purposes.
• Private School Jobs
  Teaching in a private school is different from teaching in a public school. Find out more here including information on duties, compensation and where to find jobs.
• Seattle Area Schools
  The Seattle area is home to many fine private schools as well as to major companies such as Microsoft, Boeing and Starbucks.
• For Profit vs Not for Profit Schools
  What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of a for profit versus a not for profit school? Is one kind of school better than the other?
• Private School May Be Free If You Make Less Than $75,000
  Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth set the pace. Now several top private schools are offering free or greatly reduced tuition for children from families making less than $75,000.
• More articles: Why Private School, Choosing a Private School, Paying For It, Pre-elementary, Elementary Issues