Private School Applications
Applications to middle and high school are similar to college applications in that admissions officers really want to know the student. Coaches interview both parent and student. Together, we decide which aspects, hobbies, and interests to bring forward in each question. Once the essays are drafted, we draw the applicant’s attention to obvious grammatical and spelling errors while leaving their unique voice intact.
We also help parents organize and compose parent statements that clearly articulate how each school is a great match for both the family and the child.
We offer SSAT, ISEE, and HSPT test support.
“I just drank my morning coffee while reading Sarah’s essays and I am speechless and so grateful to you for helping her voice shine so brightly! You are extraordinary at what you do.”
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Choosing between a public or private school — or among different private schools — is a major decision. We guide families through this process with a steady focus on the student’s well-being, learning style, and long-term growth.
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We work with students to match their interests to the school’s culture and academics. The school will be more likely to offer an acceptance if they believe the student is truly excited about attending.
It’s essential to maintain the student’s voice. Admissions do not want to read an essay by a parent or coach. Our job is to point the student in the right direction and let them express themselves.
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Private high schools often accept applications through one of several centralized platforms, though some schools have their own application systems. Navigating all the sections — student profile, parent statement, student essays, transcripts, recommendations, and test scores —can be overwhelming, but we’ll lead you through it!
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Most private and independent schools require or recommend a standardized test as part of the application process, but the specific test, policy, and importance vary by school. All require preparation!
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is the most widely accepted test for private day and boarding schools in the U.S.
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is used primarily by independent schools and some Catholic schools, especially on the West Coast and in major cities.
The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is primarily used by Catholic high schools, especially archdiocesan schools.
The TOEFL / Duolingo English Test (for international applicants) is used to assess English language proficiency if the student’s first language isn’t English or if they’ve studied in a non-English-speaking school.
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Middle school interviews are just conversations. We’ve already identified stories and interests for the essays, so we give the student practice articulating them. We want the student to think about how their strengths intersect with the school’s values and how they’d contribute to a new community. We also come up with questions they can ask the interviewer!
Sometimes the parents are interviewed with the student and sometimes the interview are separate. We remind parents to let their child speak for themselves, highlight their child’s unique qualities with specific examples, and be honest and open about what they’re looking for in a school.
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Independent schools are creating a community. In addition to sharing glowing specifics about your child (this is the place to brag!!), you want to show them how your values align with those of the school and how you, as a family, will contribute.
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Applying for financial aid is a separate but parallel process that uses one of three platforms that require financial documentation: prior-year tax returns, W-2s, and sometimes pay stubs or business income forms. Families should start early since deadlines are often before the admissions deadlines.