The Admission Process

The application procedure can be confusing for families new to independent schools. There are specific steps that need to be completed, some with very rigid deadlines. The school's admission office is there to assist in the process. They want to be sure that the match between your child and their school is a good one. The following explains the process and provides helpful suggestions:

The Process and Deadlines

Independent schools are as concerned about their students' welfare and success as you are. After you visit several schools, create a "short list" of those you wish to pursue. Complete each selected school's application form, triggering the rest of the admission process. Most schools require a complete application file before making a decision.

The following items are typically required:

• A completed application form;
• The most recent academic transcript with grades;
• Past standardized testing results;
• Teacher recommendations;
• Results of a standardized admission test and/or a school-administered entrance exam; and
• Notes from a formal interview with your child.*

Depending on the applicant's age, some independent schools may ask for other materials, such as:

• Parent statements;
• Student writing samples;
• Student artwork/portfolios; or
• Specialized testing (e.g. results of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children).

Remember, all independent schools have slightly different admission procedures so review each school's requirements carefully. Do not miss individual school application deadlines, but if you do, don't panic. There are many fine independent schools that continue to admit students throughout the academic year and during the summer months.

*Elementary schools often require other forms of evaluation, such as teacher observations, school administered group tests, and/or individual diagnostic tests for young children. These methods offer a more useful measurement of a child's readiness, intelligence, and developmental abilities.

Testing Organizations

Mention the word "testing" to even the most capable student and she is likely to freeze in fear. It's no wonder then that testing in the independent school admission process causes nail-biting among students and parents alike. While testing is an important part of the application process for most independent schools, it needn't be dreaded.

Why Test?

You may be wondering why private schools test prospective students in the first place. In most cases, testing is used to evaluate a student's ability to perform inside and outside of the classroom. Often, testing helps schools to understand whether they have an appropriate program for applicants. In some cases, private schools find they are best equipped to serve students with certain testing results that fit within a specific range or percentile. Testing is also used to place accepted students into appropriate classes in their new school.

While it is true that some schools assign a great value to the importance of testing, it is just as true that many schools regard testing as only one part of the application process. Many private schools place equal value on the applicant's campus interview, the student's record of achievement, teacher recommendations, and student/parent written statements. In short, test scores cannot tell an individual's full story and admission officials recognize this limitation, even as they require testing.