Gearing Up For Independent School Admissions: Advice from Experts

The admissions process for independent schools is complex—there is a lot of information to take in, and deadlines arrive quicker than you’d expect! We interviewed school admissions experts to get their tips and advice on how to best navigate the process. Check out these expert tips as you kick off the search for your dream school!

1. Make your school list.

Crafting your school list is one of the first steps that admissions experts recommend. When coming up with your list of schools, make sure the schools are a good fit for you and your family. Consider important factors like distance from home, student body size, class offerings, and extracurricular activities. Experts recommend looking beyond the most popular schools—there may be a hidden gem that you’re overlooking.

When making your school list, start with a bigger index, then spend time this summer researching each school. This will help you narrow down your list before the admissions process starts in the fall. Exploring school websites and getting in touch with school admissions counselors will help you learn more about each of the schools you’re interested in.

Pro Tip: We’ve created this spreadsheet to help you craft your school list. Feel free to download a copy and make it your own!

2. Engage in school events.

After you’ve narrowed down your school list based on your preliminary research, attending school events is a great way to continue exploring the schools you want to apply to. Open houses, student-led tours, and meetings with coaches are just a few of the many ways to get involved and determine if a school is a good fit for you. Some schools host virtual open houses that you can attend from the comfort of your own home.

Before each event, take some time to write down a few questions you have about the school. After each event, take a few minutes to reflect on how things went. You may even come up with follow-up questions to ask the admissions office.

Pro Tip from the Experts: Reach out to the program directors for extracurriculars you’re interested in and develop a connection with them. This will put you on their radar!

3. Fill out a preliminary application.

For schools that you are particularly excited about and definitely plan to apply to, you can display your interest by filling out a preliminary application. The preliminary application puts you in touch with the school’s recruitment team and qualifies you for the next steps in the application process if the school sees fit. You usually fill out a preliminary application using an online platform, such as Ravenna or SAO, as a step before your admissions interview. 

4. Engage in extracurricular activities and pursue your passions!

In addition to your academic performance, schools want to know who you are outside of school. Admissions counselors look for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their school communities in diverse and meaningful ways. Finding an activity that you’re passionate about and staying committed to it speaks volumes about who you are as a person. Extracurricular leadership goes a long way!

5. Get started with test prep.

Many schools require entrance exams, such as the SSAT and ISEE, as part of their application. Admissions experts recommend starting your test prep in the spring or summer prior to the admissions season. Getting an early start on preparation will give you time to improve and get comfortable with the test. Additionally, doing the bulk of your practice in the summer will help ensure that test prep doesn’t conflict with the busy school season in the fall. Get started with your SSAT and ISEE prep today!

Watch the full expert videos on our “Expert Advice on the Independent School Admissions Process” page!