When do most top U.S. boarding schools open and close their applications?

Most competitive boarding schools open their online applications in August or September, and final deadlines usually fall in early January. Families often underestimate how early the preparation truly begins because the official deadlines represent only the final stage. Interviews, campus visits, recommendation letters, and standardized testing often take place several months prior. Schools like Andover, Exeter, and Choate expect families to complete interviews by late fall and submit test scores well before winter break. Preparing early allows families to craft thoughtful essays, schedule interviews, and gather strong recommendation letters. Starting the process ahead of time also reduces stress and ensures a more polished application that admissions officers will appreciate.