Choosing a School: Advice From Experts
You’ve spent countless hours applying to schools, and now all your hard work has finally paid off. If you’re fortunate enough to have been accepted to more than one school, the last step of the process is to choose a school.
There are many important factors to consider when choosing a school. You want a school that helps you achieve both your personal and academic goals, but how do you make sure you’re making the right decision?
We interviewed admissions experts from top independent schools across the country to come up with 3 key considerations when choosing a school.
1. Put together a ranked list of schools before decisions are sent out.
Creating a ranking system of the schools you applied to before admissions decisions come out will make it much easier to decide on a school once the decisions are released. When you are making your list, you will want to note all of the pros and cons that you experienced throughout the admissions process, keeping in mind which qualities and characteristics are most important to you.
Once you have completed your list, it can be helpful to play out all of the possible scenarios that may arise once decisions are released. For example, what if you are waitlisted by your top school but accepted to your second-choice school? Ranking the schools beforehand will give you the chance to ask these questions well in advance and will prepare you to make your choice when schools release their decisions.
Pro Tip: Create your own school ranking system, or use the one we have created. Please feel free to download a copy and make it your own!
2. Consider the 4 C’s.
While academics will certainly be an important factor when deciding which school to attend, there are many other things that will shape your experience. Because of this, it is important to consider the “Four C’s” when choosing a school: culture, community, commute, and cost.
First, does the school’s culture align with your beliefs, values, and goals? If the school practices experiential learning, but you learn best from watching and listening to others, then that school may not be the best fit for you.
Second, can you see yourself thriving in the school’s community? It is important to consider the school community both in and outside of the classroom. Don’t underestimate the value of extracurricular activities.
Third, you will want to consider the logistics, especially the commute. While it may seem trivial at first glance, the commute can pose a big problem. Keep in mind that you will be attending the school for the next several years—you don’t want to commit yourself to an unsustainable commute.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the financial commitment. For some students, the amount of financial aid they receive plays an integral role in their decision.
When considering the 4 C’s, particularly the culture and community, it’s a good idea to solicit advice from teachers, administrators, and students currently attending the school.
Pro Tip: “Don’t talk too much to the admissions office during this time. Seek out the professionals on campus who will be working directly with your kids.”
— Laurie Geromini, Director of Placement and Lead Admissions Coach at Test Innovators
3. Revisit the schools.
Although it may be difficult in our current climate, all of our experts agree that you should revisit the schools if possible. This not only gives the school one last chance to impress you, it also gives you another chance to take everything in. Revisits are a great opportunity to talk with current students, teachers, and administrators, and more importantly, to interact with potential classmates. Do you get along with the rest of the applicants who are visiting? Could you see yourself learning, playing, and interacting with them on a daily basis? Answering these questions will be crucial in determining the best fit for you.
Pro Tip: “In the past, I haven’t been as strong of an advocate for the revisit. This year, even if you have just one acceptance, I would say go on the revisit.”
—Neal Kamsler, Director of Secondary School Counseling at The Allen-Stevenson School
You can check out our full interviews with top placement experts here.
Will you or someone you know be applying next year?
Test Innovators is here to help you through every step of the process! Check out our Admissions Assist course and Admissions Coaching options.
Originally published on January 31, 2022. Updated on March 10, 2023.
