Applying to Independent Schools: January Newsletter
Happy New Year! As we enter 2025, it’s time to focus on finishing and submitting your applications. Make sure you’ve completed all application items, and don’t forget to double-check the deadlines for each school that you’re applying to.
Here’s your January To Do List:
- Finish and submit your applications.
- Submit financial aid applications and get started on your 2024 tax return.
- Send your ISEE/SSAT scores.
- Consider writing a first-choice letter.
- Wait patiently.
Read more below!
Keep up the good work. You’re almost there!
— Laurie
Director of Placement and Admissions Coaching
January To Do List:
1. Finish and submit your applications.
Make sure you submit your applications before the deadline provided by the school. This will prevent any day-of scrambling for materials or accidentally missing a 5:00pm cutoff. Additionally, be mindful of the application due dates set by each of the individual schools that you’re applying to, as these can vary from school to school.
Check to ensure that you have completed all necessary application items, including your writing samples and graded essays. Remember that your recommendation writers and current school will need to submit your letters and transcripts directly to the schools that you are applying to. If you notice that any of these materials are still missing from your application, be sure to follow up with your writers or current school to confirm that everything will be submitted on time. The majority of schools will not accept additional materials after the deadline has passed, so start checking in now!
2. Submit financial aid applications and start your 2024 tax return.
If you are applying for financial aid, you will also need to finish and submit your financial aid applications. Double-check the due dates and requirements for each school—the deadline for the financial aid application is not always the same as the deadline for the admissions applications.
You will also want to get started on your 2024 taxes, as you will likely need to submit a completed tax return before April 15th.
3. Send your ISEE and/or SSAT scores.
Your score report will need to come directly from the official testing body. To release your ISEE scores, you’ll need to log in to your ERB account. To release your SSAT scores, you’ll need to log in to your EMA account. If you took the ISEE and/or SSAT multiple times, send your strongest scores. Here’s more information on sending your ISEE scores and sending your SSAT scores.
4. Consider writing a first-choice letter.
Consider including a first-choice letter with your application to your top-choice school. While it’s not necessary, it can be helpful to demonstrate your interest if there is one school that rises to the top of your list.
You should only include a letter if your entire family agrees that the school is indeed your first choice and that you would definitely accept an offer of admission. You should only write one first-choice letter.
5. Wait patiently.
After applications are submitted, the admissions office will be very busy reviewing all of the applications and making decisions. Most schools release their decisions in March, so there will be several weeks of waiting. This can be the most difficult part of the application process! Do not reach out to the schools to check in or request an early decision. Do your best to sit back, relax, and wait patiently. Don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back for all of the hard work that you’ve put into this process!
Missed the December 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 January 10, 2022. Updated on January 7, 2025.
