Summer is in full swing, but the back-to-school season isn’t far away. It’s nearly time to start thinking about first-day outfits and gearing up for sports practice and homework. If you’re considering having your child attend a private high school, summer is also the time of year to start proactively thinking about the SSAT or ISEE and school applications. Secondary school admissions prep isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but the timeline below provides a helpful guide. If you’re working with Private Prep, your director will work to personalize a timeline for your student.
Timeline
May–June
ISEE/SSAT Process
Your student should take a diagnostic ISEE and/or SSAT. These are the exams used for entrance to independent schools, and are vital to the application process. They test students on verbal skills, reading comprehension, and math content knowledge. If you’re working with Private Prep, we’ll arrange for you to meet with a director to discuss, build a plan, and decide which test is best for your child.
General Admissions Process:
Begin planning and researching schools. The first step in secondary school admissions prep is to create a clear vision of what you are looking for in your student’s next school. Start by making a list of priorities and preferences. Consider factors such as academic programs, extracurricular activities, school culture, location, and class sizes. This list will serve as a valuable reference as you explore different schools. Once you have your criteria, dive into researching a wide range of schools. Look beyond the well-known options and consider schools that may not have been on your radar initially, but which may be hidden gems that are the perfect fit for your child.
What to keep in mind while researching schools
As you delve into your research, it’s important to have a pulse on several key areas:
- Understand your student’s interests: Identify your child’s academic strengths, passions, and hobbies. Look for schools that offer strong programs and support in these areas. This alignment can significantly enhance your child’s educational experience.
- Seek out additional academic enrichment: Evaluate whether the schools offer advanced courses, specialized programs, or unique learning opportunities that can challenge and engage your child.
- Evaluate your student’s extracurricular profile: Extracurricular activities play a vital role in a student’s development. Consider the variety and quality of clubs, sports teams, arts programs, and other activities available at each school.
Create a school list of interest. Compile a list of schools that align with your criteria and pique your interest. This curated list will be your roadmap as you move forward in the admissions process.
The period from May to June is an ideal time to request additional information from the schools on your list. Reach out to admissions offices to obtain brochures, attend virtual or in-person open houses, and schedule campus tours if possible.
June–August
ISEE/SSAT Process
Summer is an ideal time to begin work with a tutor. Your child will focus on fundamental math content review and vocabulary practice and learn how to navigate standardized test questions.
General Admissions Process
Plan your visits and think about finances: Begin considering the financial aspect and plan school visits. Attending open houses, tours, and shadow days are critical steps. These events usually occur in October and November, so it’s important to create a visiting schedule before fall. While some schools offer multiple options, they can fill up quickly, so planning ahead is crucial. Additionally, ensure you get a photo of your student and family for applications, as many schools require this.
Request information from schools. Now is a great time to request information from schools on your list. Gather detailed information so you can make informed decisions and ensure that you meet all application requirements. By staying organized and proactive, you can navigate the admissions process smoothly and find the best fit for your child’s educational journey.
July 31st & August 1st
ISEE registration opens. Register for two tests: we recommend November (fall test season) and December (winter test season).
Registration for the ISEE and SSAT opens on August 1st for the upcoming academic year. For the ISEE, it’s advisable to register for two test dates, typically in November and December, to cover both the fall and winter test seasons. If your child is taking the SSAT, then, depending on your preparation timeline, consider registering for two to three test dates, including October, November, and December. Data indicates that students who take the test multiple times tend to perform better, so planning for more than one test can be beneficial.
August–September
ISEE/SSAT Process
The practice test process begins! Your child should take their first practice test and continue to take tests monthly. Practice tests help the student and tutor address test-taking difficulties well before the real exam. Your student should also work with their tutor on approaches for the test as a whole. That means navigating pacing, addressing content gaps, and introducing performance prep tools to cultivate a strong test-taking mindset.
General Admissions Process
As you finalize your list of schools to apply to, it’s time to schedule interviews and begin preparation. Practicing for interviews is essential to help your student feel confident and articulate their strengths and interests effectively. Additionally, save graded writing assignments, as many schools require writing samples as part of their application process. These steps will ensure your student is well-prepared and presents their best self during the admissions process.
October
ISEE/SSAT Process
The practice test process and work between the tutor and student continues. If your student is taking the SSAT, they’ll take an October test. This test is often framed as a practice round to reduce stress as the SSAT and ISEE offer other testing opportunities in coming months.
General Admissions Process
School tours and admission events take place. During school tours and admission events, students will likely meet members of the admissions office and hear from the admissions director. This is a prime opportunity to ask questions about financial aid, academic advising, and other unique aspects of the school so that you can make informed decisions. We recommend keeping a journal so you can reflect on experiences at each school, noting both positive impressions and any concerns. This will help you compare options and choose the best fit for your student.
November
ISEE/SSAT Process
The practice test process and work between the tutor and student continues. Your child should plan to take their first ISEE or second and final SSAT this month. Their results will guide the plan going forward.
General Admissions Process
School tours continue & interviews begin. As school tours continue, it’s important to keep asking questions and maintaining a journal to reflect on each experience. These reflections will be invaluable when making your final decision.
Next, school interviews will begin taking place. Attending interviews is a critical part of the admissions process. Plan an outfit that aligns with the school’s dress code and practice a confident introduction. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm. Encourage your student to be themselves, have fun, and enjoy the experience.
Requesting teacher recommendations: Most schools require three recommendations, even if you’re completing one of the standard applications. Typically, one recommendation should be from the school’s principal, head of school, or guidance counselor. The other two should come from an English and a math teacher. Some schools may also ask for additional recommendations, such as from a science teacher or a personal reference. A personal recommendation can be from an adult who knows the student well, such as another teacher, a coach, an advisor, or even a friend’s parent. If your child is applying to a specialty school, like an art or sports-focused school, you may also need a recommendation from an art teacher or coach. Ensuring these recommendations are requested and submitted on time is crucial for a complete application.
December–January
ISEE/SSAT Process
If your child is taking the ISEE, they will continue the practice test process. They should take their second ISEE this month.
General Admissions Process
Submit applications and financial aid forms: As the application deadlines approach, ensure that all required forms are sent to your current school. Complete and submit your applications promptly, paying close attention to each school’s specific requirements. If financial aid is applicable, be sure to complete the financial aid application as well.
In January, make sure to complete your tax return, so that you can submit it with the financial aid application. A timely and thorough approach will help ensure a smooth admissions process and increase the likelihood of securing financial support if needed.
March–April
ISEE/SSAT Process
Unless your child is involved in a rolling admissions process, the ISEE/SSAT process will be complete!
General Admissions Process
Respond to admissions decisions. If your student is accepted to their first-choice school, promptly send a deposit to secure their place and complete the online enrollment forms. This ensures your spot in the incoming class and begins the official enrollment process.
If your student is waitlisted at their first-choice school, contact the school to express continued interest. Maintaining communication can demonstrate your commitment and potentially improve your chances of being admitted off the waitlist.
Once a final decision is made, notify the other schools where your student was accepted. This courtesy allows those schools to manage their admissions and offer spots to other deserving students.
Whether you’ve got questions or are ready to get the process started on your secondary school admissions application, we’re here for you. Contact us today for more information.
