When should I start preparing for private school applications from Switzerland?

Ideally, you should begin preparing one to two years before your child plans to enroll. This gives your family the time to build a strong, well-rounded profile, especially if your child is juggling Swiss academic demands, multiple languages, and other global commitments. Many families in Switzerland underestimate the timeline, only to find themselves scrambling when essays, interviews, and test prep hit all at once.

Getting a head start allows us to work on everything from selecting the right-fit schools to guiding extracurricular involvement and preparing for the SSAT or ISEE. It also means you’ll be ready for campus visits, virtual info sessions, and interview scheduling, which can be tricky when navigating time zones and international travel. Starting early helps avoid last-minute stress and makes the entire process more thoughtful and strategic. At Cardinal Education, we provide structure and a clear timeline, so Swiss families can manage the U.S. private school process with confidence and clarity.