How early should families start preparing for Ivy-feeder or well-rounded boarding school applications?

Earlier than you think! Most competitive boarding schools—whether Ivy-feeder or well-rounded—have admissions timelines that start a year in advance. That means if you’re aiming for fall enrollment, the process kicks off the previous fall with applications, essays, interviews, and standardized testing like the SSAT or ISEE.

For Ivy-feeder schools, early preparation is crucial because the competition is intense and every detail of the application counts. Even well-rounded schools, while more holistic in their approach, still expect polished essays, strong recommendations, and a thoughtful presentation of your child’s strengths.

Ideally, families should start planning at least 12 to 18 months before the desired entry date. That gives enough time to build the right academic and extracurricular profile—and avoid last-minute panic. Ready to start? Trust us, sooner is always smarter.