Each school has its list of admissions requirements and deadlines but in general, here are the most common steps that applicants should take: 

Schedule a School Visit

Make a list of the schools you are interested in attending and schedule a visit to each one so you can view the campus and its amenities as well as get a sense of the community’s vibe and culture. Create a list of the qualities you value most and compare it to the offerings of every school you tour. You’ll be able to reduce your options by doing this.

Submit the Application

When you have finally determined which school is the best fit for you, start your application on the website or visit the admissions office. Take note of the deadline, the application timeline, and the list of necessary documents that you must submit. 

Take Standardized Tests 

Although most colleges and private schools are test-optional, you may still benefit from submitting standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT, or HSPT) to give you more leverage. Some selected private schools require a Proctored Writing Sample which is a 30-minute online writing session proctored by Test Innovators. 

Complete Application Requirements

The transcripts and recommendation letters or teacher recommendations will be requested from the admissions portal and sent directly to the admissions office. Choose teachers who know you well and request recommendations early so they have enough time to write thoughtful responses. Essays and parent statements should reflect your personality and give you differentiation. These should be well-written and compelling enough to convince admissions officers that you are a good fit for them.

Schedule for an Admissions Interview

Just like the essay, the admissions interview will give the admissions committee a glimpse into your personality. You should make yourself stand out and be different from other applicants. Interview preparation will help you give honest and authentic answers that will make you stand out from other applicants.

It is never too early to start preparing for admissions. The more time you have to organize your applications, the better the outcome will be.

An elementary student thinking of transferring to a private middle school should come up with a school list as early as the 5th grade to have enough time to prepare for the application requirements.

For students in middle school wanting to gain admission to private high schools, boarding schools, or college preparatory schools, the best time to start preparing would be during the 7th grade. More time should be given for practice tests for the SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT to get good scores. Writing exercises are also necessary for you to make strong essays that demonstrate your character and display your writing skills. 

College admissions is the most challenging of all. At the beginning of the junior year, students are advised to start identifying their reach, target, and safety schools and deciding on their major. The summer before the senior year is spent on passion projects, extracurricular activities, and SAT practice tests or ACT practice tests.  They should also start brainstorming topics for the Common App essay, student statement, and supplemental essays at this time.

Admissions consultants are experts in private school admissions and college admissions. They help students with their applications to private schools and colleges by providing them with the necessary guidance to gain leverage and eventually get admitted to the school that is fit for them. 

They help with creating a school list and building an application profile. Admissions consultants assess the applicant’s academic abilities, skills, personal character, and family circumstances to plan personalized admission strategies. They identify what enrichment programs are needed, like tutoring, academic coaching, and test prep to improve grades and test scores. They help plan and execute relevant extracurricular activities and brainstorm topics for the Common App essay, personal statement, and supplemental essay. 

Cardinal Education boasts highly skilled tutors, academic coaches, and admissions consultants who specialize in private school admissions and college consulting. Due to their years of experience, they have been able to make partnerships with past and present school counselors giving them inside information on the latest trends and developments in the education sector, which has enabled them to provide insightful guidance. Our consulting packages are tailored to address each family’s needs so they reach their goals.  

Private schools and colleges have different criteria for admission. Generally, they look at applicants holistically and consider academic credentials, personality, character, family circumstances, and community involvement. All these are demonstrated in the application requirements, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, admissions interviews, personal statements, parent statements, and writing samples. Differentiation is the key to getting accepted. Admissions officers look for applicants who stand out among their peers and who have the potential to succeed in their academic careers.  

There is no need to be intimidated even when applying to elite private schools and universities. By putting in place strategies and carefully mapping out a step-by-step process, you are not far away from achieving your dream of getting into the school that is the best fit for you!