Applying to Independent Schools: December Newsletter
Hello there, and happy December! As we enter the final stretch of the 2025-2026 application season, it’s important to be mindful of the due dates that may be coming up. Deadlines vary from school to school, and while most applications are due in January, some schools have deadlines that are even earlier. Stay on top of your goals with this month’s to-do list!
Here’s your December To Do List:
- Write your application essays
- Finish your applications
- Check in with your recommendation writers
- Submit transcript requests to your current school
- Take the ISEE and/or SSAT
- Finish the fall term in good standing
Read more below!
Happy holidays and best wishes for the busy month ahead. Stay determined—you’re almost there!
— Laurie
Director of Placement and Admissions Coaching
December To Do List:
1. Write your application essays.
If you are applying to multiple schools, you’ll have several essays and short-answer questions to juggle. If you haven’t already started, now is the time! The application essays are the responsibility of the student, not the parents/guardians. While it is okay for an adult to review the writing and offer feedback, the application essay must be the student’s work, in the student’s own words.
Check out our Essay Writing Course for on-demand activities to help you craft compelling essays or our live Application Essay Workshops for an interactive experience with an admissions writing expert.
2. Finish your applications.
To avoid any last-minute scrambling, we highly recommend completing the bulk of your applications this month. While some application materials, such as teacher recommendations and transcripts, will need to come directly from your current school, applicants are ultimately responsible for making sure the entire application is complete by the deadline. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of all of your application requirements and deadlines so that you can follow up with your school if there are any outstanding items at the end of the month.
If you are applying for financial aid, complete the initial application and prepare to get started on your 2024 taxes as soon as possible, as some schools require a completed tax return before April 15th.
3. Check in with your recommendation writers.
December is a busy time of year for everyone, including teachers! You can check in with your recommendation writers to make sure they are aware of the deadlines and have all the information they need to complete your letters. If possible, it’s best for the student to follow up in-person, but a kind email from a parent/guardian is also appropriate.
4. Submit transcript requests to your current school.
Transcripts will need to come directly from your current school. Make sure that you’ve completed and submitted the necessary requests for all of the schools that you’re applying to.
5. Take the ISEE and/or SSAT.
If you haven’t yet taken the test or if you weren’t happy with your first set of scores, you should take the test in December or early January. Wait to send your scores until you’ve had a chance to review them, provided there is enough time before your application deadlines. If you have taken the test multiple times, send your strongest scores.
6. Finish the fall term in good standing.
December is a very busy month, but it’s important for students to remain dedicated to their academics and committed to being good citizens at school, so that they can finish the fall term in good standing.
Missed the November newsletter? Catch up here!
Laurie Geromini
Director of Placement and Admissions Coaching
Laurie brings thirty years of independent school admissions and placement experience to Test Innovators. She has served as Director of Admissions, Director of Financial Assistance, and Director of Secondary School Counseling in a variety of K-12 environments, including boarding and day schools.
Originally published on December 7, 2022. Updated on December 4, 2024.
