Where You Should Be in the Application Process by Mid-December

The traditional application deadline is about a month away. Again, know your admission application and financial aid application deadlines. Deadlines could be anywhere from January 10, January 15, February 1, or rolling admission. Each school has its own admission and financial aid application deadlines. Make sure you know them. Have them in writing, or, in a spreadsheet.

• Make sure you’ve narrowed your school list to a reasonable number.
• Each school should be a good fit for your student – a great place for your child to grow and learn.
• If you require a substantial financial aid package to make attendance possible, make sure your student is in the stronger end of the school’s applicant pool.
• Make sure you’re keeping track of what each school requires for a complete application – a completed application, transcripts, teacher recommendations, writing samples/essays, parent essay, portfolio, etc.
• Update and organize your files. Know what you’ve submitted to each school and what you still need to finish. Many schools provide a checklist as part of their application material. These are really helpful tools, and following these guides can give a picture of exactly what you need to do for each school. If your school doesn’t provide an admission application check sheet, make one.
• Take the SSAT if you still need to, or a second test if it might improve your score. You may need to take a Flex SSAT administration if you’ve waited until now to take the exam.
• Make sure that you know how your school wants application pieces submitted – and by what dates. Schools may accept some pieces of your application at a later date.
• Make sure that your recommending teachers have their directions and/or forms in hand, and that they know how to submit them to your schools. Ask them if they have any questions, or need anything from you.
• Complete and submit your applications ahead of the deadlines.
• If you have any questions, this is a great time to call the admission officer working with you and ask.
• Talk with private school friends at home on break, especially if you have friends or family members attending any of your potential schools. This is a great way to get a feel for schools – for both students and parents.