How to Prepare This Summer If Applying to Private Schools
Applying to private and independent schools can feel overwhelming, especially with all the steps involved; but with some careful planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding journey. If you’re preparing to apply this fall, here are four essential steps to take during the summer:
1. Do Your Research
Before diving into applications, take some time to explore the schools you’re considering. Start by checking out their websites, but remember, brochures, websites, and social media are marketing tools. Dig deeper by reaching out to schools for application materials and more information. To get a clear picture of each school, make sure to:
- Read the curriculum guide and student handbook.
- Review the school calendar to get a sense of events, assemblies, and daily life.
- Look through parent newsletters and student publications.
Pro Tip: Do you know any current or former students, faculty, or staff from the school? Talk to them! Firsthand perspectives can provide valuable insights beyond what’s on the website.
2. Create Your Preliminary School List
Based on your research, start narrowing down the schools to the ones you plan to visit. This is your opportunity to find the best fit, so it’s important to keep an open mind. For example, if you’ve only been looking at all-gender day schools, consider checking out a single-gender or boarding school as well. You never know what might surprise you!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to visit your local public school too—it’s helpful to compare all your options.
3. Plan for Admissions Events, School Visits, and Interviews
Many schools host open houses or other events during admissions season. While attending these events isn’t always mandatory, it’s a great way to learn more about the school, meet the admissions team, and demonstrate your interest. Keep in mind that some schools track event attendance to gauge applicants’ enthusiasm.
In addition to these events, start scheduling campus visits and interviews. These slots can fill up quickly, especially toward the end of the summer and early fall. Many schools offer both virtual and in-person interviews, so choose the option that best fits your family’s schedule. If possible, visiting the campus in person is always the best option to get a real feel for the environment.
Pro Tip: Interviews and campus visits usually take place during the school day, so plan ahead for any missed classwork. Notify your current school early to make sure you stay on top of assignments.
4. Prepare for Admissions Tests
If the schools on your list require admissions tests (such as the SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT), summer is the perfect time to start preparing. You won’t have the pressure of juggling schoolwork with test prep, and consistent, long-term practice is key to doing well.
Pro Tip: Plan to take the test at least twice to ease test-day nerves. Knowing you have another chance can help reduce anxiety, and you can choose which score to send to schools. If you’re taking the ISEE, keep in mind that you can only take it once per testing season. Most students take it in the Fall (August-November) or Winter (December-March), but there’s also a Spring/Summer testing season (April-July).
Test Innovators is Here to Help!
Test Innovators is dedicated to helping students prepare for the SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, PSAT, SAT, and ACT, so they can confidently tackle their exams. Our online platform offers personalized practice that helps students develop essential test-taking skills and build confidence.
In addition to test prep, Test Innovators offers a comprehensive Admissions Prep course to help students and families navigate the private school application process. Our course includes interactive exercises that cover everything from understanding how schools evaluate applicants to acing the student and parent interviews and crafting outstanding essays.
Want more motivation to get started this summer? Check out 3 Reasons to Start Studying Now,—plus, explore our SSAT student growth percentile data and ISEE student growth percentile data, to see how consistent, early prep can lead to major score improvements and a more confident admissions season. Let us help you make the private school application process as smooth as possible!
Originally published on June 13, 2022. Updated on May 17, 2025
